Rep. Helen Kerwin

Maddy summaryHB 3176 prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of products developed using mRNA material for preventing or treating communicable diseases within Texas. It defines "mRNA material" as substances introducing messenger RNA corresponding to viral proteins. The law applies directly to pharmaceutical companies and distributors of such products, banning these activities statewide. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3175 would allow Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin (a medication typically used for animal parasites) without a doctor's prescription, overriding existing laws. The bill requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide rule with standardized protocols, patient instructions, and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. Pharmacists acting in good faith would be protected from legal liability for dispensing under this rule. It directly affects pharmacists, patients seeking ivermectin, and state health oversight, creating a new dispensing framework for this medication. The bill is pending in the Public Health committee as of March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3160 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt internet safety policies that comply with federal law (Children's Internet Protection Act) and mandate vendors to certify they won't provide obscene or harmful content to minors. It also requires schools to create a public process for reporting and responding to internet safety concerns, with annual reports submitted to the education agency. Public libraries must adopt similar policies protecting minors accessing online resources, including vendor certifications. Non-compliant school districts face withheld state funding under Chapters 46 and 48 until they meet the requirements.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 3132 is not currently available in the provided context. The title indicates it relates to reporting requirements for assisted reproductive technology (including in vitro fertilization), but specific provisions, affected parties, or mechanisms are not described. Without access to the full bill text or summary details, a substantive summary cannot be generated. The bill was filed on February 20, 2025, and referred to the Public Health committee.

Maddy summaryHB 3056 requires Texas municipalities and counties to prohibit the installation of commercial wind or solar power facilities within 500 yards of adjacent property unless the developer obtains written consent from all nearby property owners. This rule applies only to facilities selling energy wholesale (not residential installations) and specifies that distance is measured from the nearest structure to the property line. Local governments must adopt these regulations by October 1, 2025, and cannot require removal of facilities already under construction before that date. The bill directly affects developers of large-scale renewable energy projects seeking to build near residential or commercial properties.

Maddy summaryHB 3210 requires state contractors, local governments (political subdivisions), and private employers in Texas to use the federal E-Verify program to confirm employee work authorization. The bill mandates that state agencies cannot award contracts to entities not registered with E-Verify, and contracts must include a certification statement confirming compliance. Contractors must maintain E-Verify participation throughout the contract term, and violations would be referred to the comptroller for action. This policy directly affects businesses and government entities entering into state contracts by making federal employment verification a contractual condition. The bill focuses on implementing existing federal verification requirements through state contract rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2946 allows Texas Medicaid managed care organizations to offer nutrition support services (like medically tailored meals or food prescriptions) to Medicaid recipients instead of certain mental health or substance use disorder services, with recipients able to choose whether to use these options. It requires the state to track how often these nutrition services are used and report on their health outcomes every two years, while also considering their costs when setting payment rates for managed care plans. The bill defines "community-based nutrition support organizations" as those employing registered dietitians and providing services like fresh food prescriptions for diet-related health conditions. This policy change directly affects Medicaid recipients and managed care providers in Texas, aiming to expand access to nutrition-based health support within the Medicaid program.

Maddy summaryHB 2840 defines "milk" as liquid secreted by mammal mammary glands and "milk product" as any product containing milk. It prohibits businesses from labeling or advertising non-milk products as "milk" or "milk products." This bill directly affects food manufacturers and retailers selling plant-based or alternative dairy products that currently use terms like "milk" in their branding. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, requiring clear labeling that aligns with the defined terms.

Maddy summaryHB 2752 would add Subchapter H to Texas Property Code, creating new restrictions on foreign individuals or entities from "designated countries" purchasing or acquiring title to Texas real property. A "designated country" is defined as one identified by U.S. intelligence as a national security risk, designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, or subject to U.S. sanctions related to arms transfers. The bill requires that transactions involving such foreign buyers comply with these new provisions, though it does not ban all foreign purchases. This policy change directly affects foreign buyers from the specified countries and modifies existing property rights language in the Texas Property Code. The bill is currently pending in committee and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2816 protects healthcare providers and facilities from being required to participate in or provide certain health care services that conflict with their sincerely held religious or philosophical beliefs. It defines key terms like "conscience," "health care provider" (including students and non-licensed staff), and "health care service" (covering family planning, abortion-related counseling, and treatment). The bill creates a civil remedy for violations and authorizes disciplinary action against entities that force non-participation in services due to conscience objections. It directly affects hospitals, clinics, pharmacists, and all healthcare workers who may decline services like abortion care or contraception-related counseling. The law aims to prevent adverse actions against providers who refuse such services based on personal beliefs.