Rep. Suleman Lalani

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas Medicaid to cover emergency outpatient dialysis treatment for people with severe kidney failure (end-stage renal disease) who meet federal eligibility criteria. It ensures hospitals and specialized kidney treatment centers receive reimbursement for this emergency care when it's necessary for an immediate medical condition. The coverage aligns with federal Medicaid rules (Section 1903(v) of the Social Security Act) and applies specifically to outpatient dialysis provided at approved facilities. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 891 proposes an alternative Medicaid program for low-income Texans, shifting coverage to private health insurance plans through a state-run marketplace. It would cover individuals with household incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty level, children in foster care or receiving SSI, and those meeting pre-2025 eligibility rules. The bill establishes a "risk-based Medicaid managed care model" administered by the state and requires a fee (details unspecified), though it notes federal approval is needed first. This would replace traditional Medicaid benefits with private insurance options for eligible residents.

Maddy summaryHB 895 proposes the "Live Well Texas" program to expand Medicaid eligibility in Texas, directly affecting low-income residents who currently lack health coverage. The bill seeks a federal waiver to create two health benefit plans (basic and "plus" plans) and requires unemployed participants to engage in job training or work search programs. Key provisions include mandatory participation in wellness programs, work requirements for certain beneficiaries, and penalties for non-compliance with program rules. This legislation aims to transition individuals from public assistance to employment while expanding health coverage options under a state-administered Medicaid program.

Maddy summaryHB 880 prohibits credit reporting agencies from including "medically necessary debt" on consumer credit reports, regardless of when the debt was incurred. This applies to debt for services that diagnose, treat, or prevent illness (including preventative care like screenings, vaccines, and tests) under accepted medical standards. The bill directly affects consumers with such medical debt and credit bureaus, requiring them to exclude these records from credit reports. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and only applies to credit reports issued on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 846 requires Texas public school districts to create a parental leave policy for eligible classroom teachers. It applies to teachers who have worked at least 12 months (1,250 hours) across Texas school districts before the leave begins. The policy provides up to 12 weeks of parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child, with teachers first using available paid vacation or sick leave before taking unpaid time. This policy takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 746 requires Texas' Department of State Health Services to establish an e-cigarette and tobacco use prevention and cessation program. The program must include a telephone hotline offering counseling based on current best practices, along with information about services for pregnant and postpartum women. The bill prioritizes enrollment for pregnant individuals or those who gave birth in the preceding year. The program will take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 836 establishes a minimum base wage for personal attendants providing nonmedical care services under specific Texas Medicaid programs and Title XX programs. It requires contractors (organizations providing these services) to pay personal attendants a set minimum wage, directly affecting workers who assist Medicaid beneficiaries with daily living tasks like bathing, dressing, mobility support, and household help. The bill amends Texas Government Code sections to mandate this wage requirement for programs including Medicaid waivers under federal Social Security Act sections 1115, 1915, and 1929, effective April 1, 2025. This policy change creates a concrete wage floor for these workers within designated state-administered programs.

Maddy summaryHB 856 requires Texas public and private schools to adopt policies for maintaining, administering, and disposing of medication used to treat respiratory distress (such as for severe asthma or allergic reactions). Each school must keep a supply of this medication on campus and ensure trained staff or volunteers can administer it to individuals experiencing breathing difficulties during school hours or school events. The state health department will establish specific rules for medication quantities, staff training standards, and regular inventory checks to monitor expiration dates. This policy applies to all public school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and private schools in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 770 prohibits sex offenders required to register under Texas law from possessing firearms. The bill adds Article 62.066 to the Code of Criminal Procedure, explicitly stating that registered sex offenders may not possess firearms as defined in the Penal Code. It integrates this prohibition with existing registration requirements, mandating that offenders must comply with all registration deadlines and notification rules before release from prison or when moving residences. The law directly affects individuals subject to sex offender registration, making firearm possession a violation of their registration obligations.

Maddy summaryHCR 18 is a symbolic concurrent resolution designating May as "Muslim Heritage Month" in Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It recognizes Texas' Muslim American community, which includes an estimated 500,000 residents and 330+ mosques, for their contributions to fields like healthcare, education, and civic service. The resolution has no legal effect beyond formal recognition and remains in place until the 10th anniversary of its passage, as specified under Texas Government Code §391.004(d). It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations.