Rep. Donna Howard

Maddy summaryHJR 122 proposes a Texas constitutional amendment allowing individuals under 18 to vote in primary elections if they will turn 18 by the date of the next general election for state and county offices. It would require voters to meet all standard eligibility requirements (like residency) while being under 18 at the time of the primary. The amendment would be submitted to voters in the November 4, 2025 election, with the ballot phrase specifying "voting in the preceding primary election" for those turning 18 by the general election date. This directly affects Texas residents aged 17 who will be 18 by the next general election.

Maddy summaryHJR 126 proposes a constitutional amendment to redirect certain general revenue that would otherwise fund Texas' Economic Stabilization Fund into the Texas Water Fund. Specifically, when the comptroller prevents the Economic Stabilization Fund from exceeding its limit by reducing general revenue transfers or crediting interest to general revenue, the comptroller must transfer up to $1 billion annually (adjusted annually for inflation or 2%, whichever is lower) to the Water Fund. This change would alter the state's budget allocation process, directly affecting how funds are distributed between these two state accounts without creating new revenue. The amendment requires voter approval after legislative passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2532 amends Texas law to clarify definitions for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. The bill updates licensing definitions in the Occupations Code and authorizes a fee related to these regulations. It directly affects APRNs seeking or maintaining licensure and the Texas Board of Nursing, which oversees their regulation. The key provision standardizes terminology for nursing practice definitions but does not expand APRN scope of practice or prescribe new clinical duties. This is a procedural bill focused on regulatory clarity and fee authorization, not substantive practice changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2377 creates a new "State School Health and Safety Fund" to provide grants for public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. The fund will use excess money from the Foundation School Program to reimburse schools for student health expenses (like counseling or medical services) and approved safety plan costs. Grants are capped at $10 million per school district annually and $500 million total statewide each year, with proportional reductions if demand exceeds the cap. This bill directly affects all Texas public schools seeking funding for health and safety improvements.

Maddy summaryHB 2056 requires every public school campus in Texas to designate a "school health officer" to manage health initiatives and administer student medication under new state rules. The bill also creates a dedicated school health and safety funding allotment under the Foundation School Program, mandating that these funds be used for specific security measures. Key provisions include upgrading physical infrastructure (like door locks and non-razor-wire fencing), purchasing security cameras and emergency alert systems, and funding active shooter training. These changes directly affect public school campuses, district staff, and students by standardizing health oversight and directing resources toward defined safety improvements.

Maddy summaryHB 2317 creates a 4% credit for Texas school districts that prepay their required attendance credit costs under the public school finance system by February 15 each year. This credit reduces the total amount districts must pay for attendance credit, applying after any other reductions under existing law. The bill directly affects school districts required to purchase attendance credit as part of state funding calculations. It takes effect September 1, 2025, providing a financial incentive for early payment.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution recognizing March 5, 2025, as Zoroastrian Day at the Texas State Capitol. It formally acknowledges the Zoroastrian community in Texas (with over 1,100 members, primarily in Houston and North Texas) and their cultural contributions. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely expresses the Texas House’s symbolic recognition of this religious observance. The bill was adopted by the Texas House on March 13, 2025, and requires no further action.

Maddy summaryHB 2276 requires Texas health agencies to allow Medicaid recipients, child health plan enrollees, and participants in state waiver programs (like CLASS, DBMD, HCS, and TxHmL) to access specific services via telehealth. The bill mandates telehealth options for applied behavior analysis, behavior supports, evaluations, therapy services, case management, and other listed benefits. Agencies must ensure these services are cost-effective and clinically effective as determined by the commission, while complying with federal law. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1948 expands prescribing authority for certain advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs) by allowing them to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances under specific conditions. The bill modifies Texas law to permit physicians to delegate this authority for Schedule II-V drugs, with prescriptions limited to 90 days and requiring physician consultation notes for refills or prescriptions for children under two. This directly affects APRNs and PAs working in clinical settings who currently cannot prescribe Schedule II drugs without direct physician oversight. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and repeals existing subsection (b-1) of the prescribing delegation rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2074 would allow Texas residents who will turn 18 by the date of the general election for state and county offices to vote in the preceding primary elections. Specifically, it amends the Election Code to permit 17-year-olds (who will be 18 by the general election) to register and vote in primaries if they meet all other voter requirements, such as citizenship and residency. The bill requires voter registrars to send written notices clarifying that these voters can only participate in primary elections - not general elections - until they actually turn 18. This change applies only to primaries determining party nominees for the upcoming general election, not to other elections. The bill is currently pending in the Elections Committee.