Rep. Donna Howard

Maddy summaryHB 3595 requires Texas assisted living facilities to create emergency plans ensuring resident safety during power outages. Specifically, facilities must provide climate-controlled areas (at least 15 square feet per resident) for non-bedfast residents and dedicated climate-controlled rooms for bedfast residents (those unable to move during emergencies). The bill mandates maintaining temperatures between 68°F and 82°F in these spaces and reporting extended power outages (over 12 hours) to the state commission. It also sets new construction standards for facilities built after September 2026, including backup power systems. The law applies directly to all assisted living facilities and their residents, prioritizing safety during emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 4429 designates a specific segment of U.S. Highway 281 in Blanco and Burnet Counties - between State Highway 71 and Ranch Road 962 - as the Muckleroy Family Memorial Highway. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the designated segment and at appropriate intermediate locations along the highway. This is a commemorative designation with no new policy or funding requirements; it solely names the highway segment for recognition. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after receiving gubernatorial approval.

Maddy summarySB 31, titled the "Life of the Mother Act," amends Texas Health and Safety Code to create a specific exception allowing abortions when a physician determines in "reasonable medical judgment" that a pregnancy poses a life-threatening risk of death or serious risk of substantial impairment to a major bodily function. It directly affects pregnant individuals with pregnancy-related conditions that threaten life or major bodily function, removing prior requirements that risks be imminent or that physical damage already occur. The law permits physicians to act proactively to address such risks before symptoms manifest, without needing to wait for documented harm. Signed by the governor on June 20, 2025, it became effective immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 107 establishes a statewide sickle cell disease registry under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 52B. It requires hospitals and other treatment facilities to submit patient data to the state health department, creating a centralized database of all sickle cell disease cases in Texas. The registry must include case records and additional relevant information to aid in treatment and research, with strict confidentiality protections for patients under federal privacy laws. The department will analyze the data, publish findings for medical professionals and the public, and submit annual reports to the legislature. This affects all Texas healthcare facilities treating sickle cell disease patients and ensures patient data is securely managed for medical advancement.

Maddy summaryHB 3783 requires Texas courts to follow specific rules when ordering counseling in custody or parenting disputes. It mandates that court-ordered counselors must have family therapy training, a master's degree in mental health, and domestic violence expertise if relevant. The bill prohibits courts from ordering counseling that would place a child at risk (like isolating them from family, moving them out-of-state by force, or requiring contact with an abuser) and bans requiring abuse victims to pay for counseling. It also prevents courts from forcing victims to attend sessions with perpetrators. This law directly affects parents involved in family court cases where counseling is ordered.

Maddy summarySB 23 increases the school district homestead tax exemption for elderly (65+) or disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000 of their home's appraised value. This directly affects eligible homeowners who qualify for the exemption and school districts that may lose local tax revenue due to the change. The bill requires the state to provide additional aid to school districts to offset revenue losses from the higher exemption, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The state aid calculation compares current revenue to what would have been collected under the previous exemption amount. The bill was signed into law on June 16, 2025, and is now effective.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill (SB 4) increases the homestead exemption for school district property taxes from $100,000 to $140,000 per homeowner, directly affecting residential property owners. School districts will receive additional state aid to offset revenue losses from this exemption increase, calculated as the difference between current local revenue and what would have been available before the change. The compensation mechanism applies starting with the 2023-2024 school year for the initial exemption increase and will extend to future changes proposed for 2025. This ensures school districts maintain funding stability despite reduced local tax revenue from larger homestead exemptions.

Maddy summaryHR 1476 is a memorial resolution honoring Mark James Hanna of Austin, a former Texas attorney and advocate who died on May 23, 2025. The resolution commemorates his life, career (including 30 years representing the Texas Nurses Association), and personal legacy, extending condolences to his family. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal tribute by the Texas House of Representatives. This resolution was adopted on May 31, 2025, and is intended to honor Hanna's contributions to public policy and his community.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring Carole Keeton, former Austin mayor and Texas state comptroller. It commemorates her life and career, highlighting her historic roles as Austin's first female mayor (serving three terms), Texas' first female state comptroller, and her advocacy for education and community improvement. The resolution formally pays tribute to her legacy and extends sympathy to her family. As a commemorative measure, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or programs.

Maddy summarySB 920 allows Texas public and private schools to administer over-the-counter medications (like pain relievers or antihistamines) to students without requiring additional authorization from a healthcare provider. Schools must have a written request from a parent or guardian, and the medication must be in its original labeled container or a properly labeled single dose. Staff administering the medication must follow the dosage instructions printed on the container. This change applies to school employees like nurses and teachers, protecting them from liability when following these specific protocols.