Rep. Caroline Harris Davila

Maddy summaryHB 2999 allows hydrogen-fueled trucks to exceed standard weight limits by the weight difference between their hydrogen fuel system and a comparable diesel system, up to a maximum gross weight of 82,000 pounds. This directly affects commercial truck operators and manufacturers using hydrogen-powered vehicles on Texas roads. The bill only takes effect if federal law permits such vehicles to operate above federal weight limits, with implementation set for September 1, 2025, contingent on federal action. If federal authorization doesn't occur, the bill has no effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5014 creates a new "SPECIAL FORCES VETERAN" designation for handgun license holders in Texas. It requires applicants to list qualifying military service (12+ consecutive months in specific Army Special Forces roles like 18A detachment commander or 18B weapons sergeant) and provide proof of eligibility. The bill amends license forms to include this designation alongside existing categories like "VETERAN." It directly affects Texas veterans who served in designated Special Forces positions at E5-E9, W1-W5, or O1-O10 pay grades.

Maddy summaryHB 5118 requires employers (including state agencies) to conduct bias audits of software used to screen job applicants before using it for hiring decisions. Employers must also post audit results online and inform applicants when such software is used, explaining how it assesses their qualifications. The law applies to all employers in Texas and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects job applicants by increasing transparency about automated hiring tools and requiring employers to verify these tools don’t discriminate.

Maddy summaryHB 5212 requires restaurants and other food service businesses to clearly display the full price of prepared food, including any mandatory fees they charge (like service fees) and required government taxes, in a standard, easy-to-read format. Consumers can sue for violations to recover up to $1,000 in damages (or actual losses, whichever is lower) plus attorney fees, and the Texas Attorney General can also enforce the law through court actions. The law applies only to price advertising, displays, or offers made on or after September 1, 2025. It directly affects food establishments that sell prepared meals and aims to prevent misleading pricing practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summarySJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that non-U.S. citizens cannot vote in Texas. It amends Article VI, Section 1(a) of the Texas Constitution by adding "persons who are not citizens of the United States" as a prohibited voting class. This would clarify existing voting eligibility rules by making citizenship a constitutional requirement, directly affecting non-citizen residents. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 4, 2025, election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 370 amends Texas law to restrict eligibility for funding from the Events Trust Fund. It prohibits funding for events that allow biological males to compete in sports designated for female athletes. The bill defines "biological male" using official birth certificates or government records stating biological sex, requiring statements entered near birth or corrected for clerical errors. This applies only to events seeking trust fund support and does not affect biological males serving as coaches or support staff. The policy change directly affects sports events applying for state funding under the Events Trust Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 3695 limits copayments for physical therapy visits under certain health plans. It prohibits health maintenance organizations and preferred provider plans from charging enrollees a higher copayment for a physical therapist visit (without a referral) than for a primary care physician visit. The law applies to plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects Texas enrollees who use physical therapy services without needing a physician referral.

Maddy summaryHB 3807 creates a priority for children of child-care workers on local workforce boards' waiting lists for child-care services. Child-care workers whose children receive this priority must continue working in the field until their child is placed in care (one year after the priority date). Local workforce boards must implement this priority, and if a worker leaves before the one-year period, the commission may end child-care services for the child. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5122 requires the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to create and maintain a webpage on its website with current, comprehensive resources to help employers support employee parents seeking child care. The webpage must include information on child-care assistance, tax credits, dependent care savings accounts, employer best practices, free tools, and optional policies - without providing legal advice or mandating employer action. TWC must post this information by February 1, 2026, and the bill takes effect September 1, 2025. This bill directly affects Texas employers seeking to support employee parents by providing accessible, non-binding resources.