Rep. Caroline Harris Davila

Maddy summaryHB 4357 requires law enforcement to obtain a search warrant before accessing or using financial records (like bank or credit/debit card transactions) related to firearm or ammunition purchases in criminal investigations. It applies specifically to records showing purchases of firearms or ammunition, directly affecting police and prosecutors seeking such data. The bill mandates warrants must be issued by a judge in the same judicial district as the law enforcement agency, with written applications detailing probable cause and specific record details. Records gathered without a warrant under this law cannot be used in criminal court, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4210 authorizes the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to conduct a study on health, nutrition, physical activity, and chronic health issues in Texas. The study will analyze 50 years of existing data to examine historical trends in food and drink consumption (including sweetened beverages and processed foods), substance use (like caffeine, alcohol, and opioids), and physical activity levels. This research aims to provide insights into long-term patterns affecting public health, using existing historical records rather than creating new laws or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4235 allows Texas state and local governments (public employers) to accept work experience as an alternative to degree requirements for certain jobs. It permits substituting 2-9 years of "direct experience" (verified, relevant work history) for associate's to doctoral degrees, with specific year thresholds (e.g., 4 years for a bachelor's degree). The bill requires employers to advertise substitution opportunities in job postings and prohibits substitution for licensed positions. It also extends this rule to contractors providing services under government contracts. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3922 bans businesses operating in Texas from assigning environmental, social, or governance (ESG) scores to Texas residents for creditworthiness assessments. It specifically prohibits entities organized with shareholders (like corporations) from using these scores, which measure long-term risks related to environmental, social, and governance factors. Violators face losing their right to conduct business in Texas, with the law taking effect on September 1, 2025. The bill targets how businesses evaluate credit risk, not general ESG practices.

Maddy summaryHB 3932 creates a Class A misdemeanor offense for federal government officers who conduct certain searches or arrests in Texas without meeting specific requirements. It directly affects federal agents and officers by prohibiting: (1) no-knock entries on Texas residents' property, (2) nighttime searches/arrests at residences (8 p.m.-8 a.m.), and (3) searches/arrests without first obtaining the local sheriff’s consent. The law would apply when federal officers act within Texas, with penalties for violations. This bill does not affect state law enforcement or Texas residents’ rights directly.

Maddy summaryHB 4026 requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to consider flood planning and mitigation information when reviewing applications for wastewater treatment, collection systems, or discharge permits. This applies directly to wastewater facilities seeking new permits, renewals, or amendments. The bill mandates TCEQ to evaluate local flood risks and planning data as part of its permit decision-making process. The requirement takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3736 prohibits Texas public school districts and charter schools from serving food or drinks containing specific artificial color additives in school meals. The bill bans nine listed additives (including red 40, yellow 5, blue 1, and caramel) and any substantially similar substitutes. This policy directly affects school nutrition programs, requiring them to remove these additives from all meals served to students starting the 2025-2026 school year. The law does not apply to food sold in vending machines or à la carte items outside of regular meals.

Maddy summaryHB 3739 requires Texas public schools to include specific fetal development instruction in health classes for students in grades 7 through 12 starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The bill mandates teaching about weekly fetal growth, medically assisted termination procedures (including abortion-inducing drugs), and other causes of fetal termination (such as drug/alcohol effects), alongside resources supporting pregnancy continuation through faith-based organizations. It does not require teaching about abortion access but specifies that recommended resources must not be linked to organizations providing or advocating for fetal termination. This policy directly affects Texas public school curricula and students in grades 7-12.

Maddy summaryHB 3734 amends Texas law to require public water systems to test for mifepristone and estrogen hormones in drinking water, in addition to existing testing requirements. This bill directly affects municipal and community water providers across Texas by adding these specific substances to mandatory water quality testing protocols. The key provision (Section 1) amends the Health and Safety Code to explicitly include mifepristone (a medication used in medical procedures) and estrogen hormones in required testing under Section 341.033(c). The law takes effect on September 1, 2025, but does not establish new testing standards or penalties for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 3828 prohibits the use of Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) funds for embryonic or fetal stem cell research. It allows funding for research using adult stem cells or stem cells from umbilical cords instead. The bill directly affects all researchers and institutions receiving CPRIT grants by restricting how they can spend the awarded funds. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote for immediate implementation.