Rep. James Frank

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas licensing authorities to issue provisional occupational licenses for six months to applicants with criminal convictions who are otherwise qualified for the license, unless they have specific serious convictions listed in the Occupations Code. The provisional license begins upon the applicant's release from incarceration if they were imprisoned. It applies to most occupational licensing fields (like healthcare or trades) but excludes applicants convicted of offenses under Section 53.021(a). The bill provides a pathway for certain applicants to obtain licenses without full revocation of eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 3396 allows foster children's medical consenters (such as foster parents or guardians) to pay for out-of-network medical care - including behavioral health services - for foster children, rather than relying solely on Medicaid. This applies when the consenter engages an out-of-network provider directly, and the state (Texas Department of Family and Protective Services) is not liable for these costs. The bill clarifies that this does not restrict foster children's access to standard Medicaid benefits or in-network care. It also requires medical consenters to notify caseworkers within 10 business days of providing such care, ensuring records are added to the child's health passport.

Maddy summaryHB 5337 requires Texas voters to submit proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must provide documents like a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or citizenship papers to county registrars. If proof isn't submitted, voters would only qualify for a limited federal ballot under Chapter 115. The bill creates criminal penalties for failing to provide required documentation and amends election code sections to implement these requirements. This directly affects all new voter registrants in Texas seeking full voting rights.

Maddy summaryHB 5008 allows public community colleges, workforce boards, community-based organizations (with college partnerships), and Texas A&M Engineering entities to use the Skills Development Fund for tailored job training programs. It requires that training addresses actual or projected local labor shortages and that wages for trained workers match local averages. The bill specifies that A&M entities must prioritize statewide programs or those not offered by local colleges. This policy directly affects workforce training providers seeking state funding for business-specific training initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 38 amends Texas law to enhance the Texas Information and Referral Network, which connects residents to state and local services. The bill requires the network to integrate transportation service data, improve disaster response through interstate agreements, and implement a text messaging system to reduce client wait times and improve service access. It also mandates a public online portal showing real-time, anonymized client data (like service types and demographics, with explicit consent) and standardized screening for nonmedical health needs. The changes directly affect state/local agencies using the network and the clients they serve, including vulnerable groups like veterans, caregivers, and those in the criminal justice system. The bill focuses on improving coordination, accessibility, and data transparency without altering funding or creating new mandates.

Maddy summaryHB 1699 requires healthcare providers to wait at least three business days before sending certain sensitive medical test results electronically to patients or their representatives. It specifically applies to cancer-related pathology/radiology reports and genetic test results. The bill mandates that such results must be disclosed via secure electronic means (like patient portals) only after they're finalized, giving providers time to review results before sharing. This affects patients receiving these test results and healthcare systems managing electronic health records. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2 establishes a state-funded education savings account program in Texas, allowing eligible families to use public funds for approved educational expenses. The program directly affects Texas families with children who have disabilities or who live in low-income households (at or below 500% of the federal poverty level). The comptroller administers the program, funding accounts with state money that can cover approved education costs like tuition, books, or tutoring. The bill becomes effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 3, 2025. This creates a new state-funded option alongside public schools for participating families.

Maddy summaryHB 2556 prohibits health care providers from charging facility fees for telehealth services or preventative health services (Section 328.002). It requires health care providers to obtain and include a national provider identifier (NPI) on all payment claims for themselves and each provider-based facility they own or manage (Sections 328.003-328.004). The bill directly affects hospitals, provider-based facilities, and insurers processing health care claims. Violations may result in administrative penalties as specified in the legislation.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 775 is not available in the provided context, and the summary section is empty. While the title indicates it relates to "non-enrolled students" participating in University Interscholastic League activities, no specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties are described. Without access to the actual bill language or detailed summary, a factual summary cannot be generated. The bill remains pending in committee as of April 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3029 allows public and private schools in Texas to administer nonprescription 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, use the medication in its original labeled container (unexpired), and follow the dosage instructions on the label. This policy applies to school employees, including nurses, and provides them legal protection from liability claims related to administering such medications. The bill directly affects schools, parents/guardians, and students who need over-the-counter medications during school hours.