Rep. Mihaela Pleșa

Maddy summaryHB 2651 creates a new exemption allowing physicians to perform abortions on unemancipated minors (minors under 18 who aren't legally independent) without requiring parental consent or judicial approval, as long as the minor consents. It repeals existing requirements for parental notice and consent for these abortions under Texas law. The bill also removes restrictions on providing abortion-inducing drugs to such minors when a physician deems it medically appropriate based on gestational age and safety. This directly affects unemancipated minors seeking abortion care and their healthcare providers by removing legal barriers to consent-based abortion access.

Maddy summaryHB 2307 establishes a state grant program to help law enforcement agencies cover the costs of collecting DNA samples from individuals arrested for felony offenses. The bill directs the Texas Department of Public Safety to create this program using available funds, specifically to support agencies in complying with existing requirements under Section 411.1471 of the Government Code. This grant program will provide financial assistance for DNA collection during the booking process, directly benefiting local law enforcement agencies facing budget constraints for this procedure. The program must be operational by September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2182 requires Texas' commissioner of state health services to issue a statewide order allowing pharmacists to dispense emergency contraceptives without a prescription. This applies to FDA-approved drugs used to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse, including over-the-counter options, and mandates standardized protocols for pharmacists to follow while providing patient instructions. Pharmacists acting in good faith are protected from criminal, civil, or disciplinary liability, and must submit annual reports on dispensing numbers. The bill defines "emergency contraceptive" broadly and takes effect September 1, 2025, unless passed by a two-thirds legislative vote for immediate implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 2099 imposes a $0.026 tax per kilowatt hour on commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging services provided by companies like public charging stations. Charging providers must collect this tax from EV drivers at the point of service and report monthly usage to the state comptroller. Proceeds from the tax will be deposited into the state highway fund, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects EV charging businesses and their customers, adding a small fee based on electricity used during commercial charging sessions.

Maddy summaryHB 2006 allows statutory county courts in Texas to remove arrest records for certain offenses. It applies to people who were acquitted after trial, convicted, or had the state attorney recommend expunction before trial. The bill clarifies that these courts can only expunge records for offenses within their jurisdiction, as specified in amended sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This streamlines the process for individuals seeking to clear arrest records through county courts handling their specific case types.

Maddy summaryHB 2042 automatically removes arrest records for people acquitted of crimes in Texas. It requires courts to issue expunction orders within 30 days of an acquittal, eliminating the need for individuals to file separate petitions. The bill specifies which courts can handle these orders (district, justice, or municipal courts of record) and mandates that courts provide certified copies of the order and case files to the person. This applies to all acquittals, including those before the law's effective date, though courts must process retroactive cases promptly after receiving notice.

Maddy summaryHB 2383 increases criminal penalties for individuals who use metal or body armor during certain offenses. It requires judges to make an affirmative finding if a defendant used such armor during the commission of a crime classified as a Class A misdemeanor or higher (excluding first-degree felonies). If this finding is made, the punishment level rises to that of the next higher offense category, with a minimum 180-day jail term for Class A misdemeanors. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2104 requires Texas school districts to appoint at least five members to their local school health advisory council, with specific composition rules. It mandates that a majority of members must be parents of enrolled students (not district employees), one parent must serve as chair/co-chair, and at least one member must be a high school student who applied for the position. The bill also requires school boards to notify high school students of the opportunity through campus postings and process applications for student members promptly. This law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year and directly affects all Texas public school districts and their student and parent communities.

Maddy summaryHB 1728 creates a new mental health funding allotment for Texas public school districts under the Foundation School Program. For each student in average daily attendance, districts receive an annual allotment equal to 0.8% of the basic allotment, with at least 85% of these funds required for direct student mental health services. Key provisions include hiring counselors/social workers, implementing screenings for students aged 8+ (focusing on trauma/anxiety), funding evidence-based programs to improve school climate and prevent suicide/substance use, and developing early intervention services and referral systems. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects all Texas public school districts serving students.

Maddy summaryHB 2382 amends Texas law to create criminal penalties for specific unlawful firearm transfers or purchases. It prohibits selling, giving, or renting handguns or certain weapons to minors (under 18), people prohibited from owning guns (like those with felony convictions or active protective orders), or intoxicated individuals. Violations are typically Class A misdemeanors, but selling to minors or making false statements on firearm forms becomes a state jail felony. The law directly affects gun sellers, dealers, and anyone transferring firearms, making these specific actions illegal under Texas Penal Code.