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Running forState House, District 48

Donna Howard

DemocratHas the job now

Overview

Donna Smelser Howard is a Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing the 48th District since her election in 2006.

Facts from Wikipedia.

Bills they wrote

Bills and joint resolutions where they're the main author, since 2023. Laws first, then the ones that got furthest.

Wrote

132 bills

Became law

10 became law. Another 35 passed the House or Senate but didn't.

  • Introduced Mar 14, 2025HB 47: Relating to sexual assault and other sex offenses.
    Became law
  • Introduced Mar 14, 2025HB 5616: Relating to the Texas presidential library promotion program and funding for the program.
    Became law
  • Introduced Feb 20, 2025HB 3073: Relating to the prosecution of the offense of sexual assault.
    Became law
  • Introduced Feb 14, 2025HB 2856: Relating to a study by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on the feasibility of implementing a statewide system for coordinating clinical training placements.
    Became law
  • Introduced Feb 14, 2025HB 2851: Relating to including nursing school applications in a consolidated application service.
    Became law
  • Introduced Feb 4, 2025HB 2421: Relating to the date of dissolution of the Save Historic Muny District.
    Became law
  • Introduced Jan 29, 2025HB 2187: Relating to hospital staffing report and complaint processes and to retaliation and mandatory overtime protections for nurses.
    Became law
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 713: Relating to an exception to certain reporting requirements for health care providers reviewing selected cases for the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee.
    Became law
  • Introduced Mar 1, 2023SB 1402: Relating to the composition, continuation, and duties of the Sexual Assault Survivors' Task Force, compensation for task force members and certain other task force participants, and establishment of a mandatory training program for persons responding to reports of and treating survivors of child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault.
    Became law
  • Introduced Feb 27, 2023HB 2867: Relating to the date of dissolution of the Save Historic Muny District.
    Became law
  • Introduced Mar 8, 2023HB 4025: Relating to authorizing the sale by the State of Texas of certain real property located in Austin, Texas.
    Passed both chambers
  • Introduced Feb 27, 2023HB 2873: Relating to a strategic plan for improving maternal health, including the consolidation and repeal of certain planning and reporting requirements.
    Passed both chambers
  • Introduced Feb 22, 2023HB 2670: Relating to the composition of the Sexual Assault Survivors' Task Force and to compensation for task force members and certain other task force participants.
    Passed both chambers
  • Introduced Feb 22, 2023HB 2651: Relating to required training and continuing education requirements for persons who provide medical care or other support to survivors of sexual assault.
    Passed both chambers
  • Introduced Mar 14, 2025HB 5178: Relating to health benefit plan coverage for certain biomarker testing.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Mar 13, 2025HB 5141: Relating to the lease of certain state property from the Health and Human Services Commission to Travis County.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Mar 7, 2025HB 4120: Relating to allowing certain inmates to apply for benefits under certain public benefits programs to be provided at the time of discharge or release.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Feb 19, 2025HB 3032: Relating to a study by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in coordination with other state agencies on the feasibility of developing clinical sites for nursing students.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Feb 19, 2025HB 3029: Relating to the administration of nonprescription medications to certain public and private school students.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Jan 29, 2025HB 2188: Relating to the transition of the nurse aide certification program from the Health and Human Services Commission to the Texas Board of Nursing and to the creation of a workgroup on nursing career pathways and a panel on nursing program standards.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Jan 29, 2025HB 2189: Relating to methods to improve health profession-related career and technology education and dual credit programs offered by public schools.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Jan 8, 2025HB 1775: Relating to reporting information regarding certain evidence collection kits.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Jan 8, 2025HB 1787: Relating to the establishment of a higher education plan for human papillomavirus education and prevention.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Dec 5, 2024HB 1531: Relating to the definition of facility for purposes of workplace violence prevention requirements.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Nov 21, 2024HB 1442: Relating to the Internet broadcast or recording of certain open meetings.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Nov 14, 2024HB 1330: Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 897: Relating to authorizing the sale or lease by the State of Texas of certain real property located in Austin, Texas.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 837: Relating to instruction for barbers and cosmetologists on identifying and assisting victims of domestic violence.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Mar 10, 2023HB 4870: Relating to an advanced mathematics program for public school students in middle school.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Mar 10, 2023HB 4722: Relating to the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant program.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Mar 9, 2023HB 4366: Relating to the eligibility for and provision of benefits under Medicaid or the child health plan program for certain individuals committed, placed, or detained in certain facilities and settings.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Mar 8, 2023HB 4020: Relating to allowing certain inmates to apply for benefits under certain public benefits programs to be provided at the time of discharge or release.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Mar 8, 2023HB 4176: Relating to the summary suspension of a nursing license in connection with a fraudulently or unlawfully obtained diploma, license, or other document.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Mar 2, 2023HB 3263: Relating to the inclusion of firearm safety instruction in the required health curriculum for public school students.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Mar 2, 2023HB 3258: Relating to a report by the Legislative Budget Board on the reliance by this state on certain dedicated revenue for purposes of budget certification.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Feb 23, 2023HB 2696: Relating to the prosecution of the offense of sexual assault.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Feb 22, 2023HB 2650: Relating to the continuation and duties of the Sexual Assault Survivors' Task Force and establishment of a mandatory training program for peace officers on responding to reports of child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Feb 22, 2023HB 2642: Relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher education provide certain information regarding certain women's health programs to students.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Feb 13, 2023HB 2242: Relating to the use of dynamic message signs for the Keep 'Em Safe Texas Gun Storage Campaign.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Feb 10, 2023HB 2146: Relating to the continuation of a health care provider participation program by a certain hospital district.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Feb 3, 2023HB 1847: Relating to an exception to certain reporting requirements for health care providers reviewing information on maternal mortality and morbidity for the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Jan 30, 2023HB 1798: Relating to the development of a strategic plan for home and community-based services provided under Medicaid and the child health plan program and the establishment of an advisory committee on home and community-based services.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Jan 27, 2023HB 1796: Relating to family violence center services for victims of family violence.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Jan 26, 2023HB 1680: Relating to the authority of certain minors to consent to Texas Home Visiting Program services and to the delivery of those services.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Jan 23, 2023HB 1537: Relating to the submission by law enforcement agencies to certain public school personnel of a handle with care notice concerning a traumatic event experienced by a public school student and to certain required training regarding those notices.
    Passed the House
  • Introduced Aug 20, 2025HB 272: Relating to a grant program to provide financial assistance to municipalities and counties that use helicopters to respond to disasters.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 14, 2025HB 5531: Relating to exempting medical care provided by a midwife from being considered as neglect of a child.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 14, 2025HB 5538: Relating to the antiretaliation standard for mandatory reports of suspected abuse or neglect of a minor.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 14, 2025HB 5533: Relating to the prescribing and ordering of Schedule II controlled substances in a narcotic drug treatment program by certain advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 14, 2025HB 5536: Relating to the establishment of a child protective services prevention grant program.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 13, 2025HB 5142: Relating to the authority of the Department of State Health Services to lease certain real property.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 11, 2025HB 4303: Relating to the establishment of the Texas First Generation Matching Grant Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 10, 2025HB 4277: Relating to scholarly research and grant applications at public institutions of higher education.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 10, 2025HB 4267: Relating to the submission by law enforcement agencies to certain public school personnel of a handle with care notice concerning a traumatic event experienced by a public school student and to certain required training regarding those notices.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 7, 2025HB 4121: Relating to the eligibility for and provision of benefits under Medicaid or the child health plan program for certain individuals committed, placed, or detained in certain facilities and settings.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 7, 2025HB 4071: Relating to certain duties of the Texas Board of Nursing and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in relation to the reporting and publication of nursing program clinical site data.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 7, 2025HB 4118: Relating to the payment of an award for certain health care expenses under the Crime Victims' Compensation Act.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 7, 2025HB 4117: Relating to the development of a strategic plan for home and community-based services provided under Medicaid and the child health plan program and the establishment of an advisory committee on home and community-based services.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 7, 2025HB 4119: Relating to interagency sharing of certain information related to individuals disenrolled from Medicaid.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 5, 2025HB 3880: Relating to nursing rooms provided by public employers.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 4, 2025HB 3767: Relating to money awarded to providers of women's health services and family planning services, including the repeal of prohibitions on the provision of those services.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 4, 2025HB 3668: Relating to authorization for a statewide referendum allowing voters to indicate a preference for whether an additional restriction on abortion access should be repealed.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 25, 2025HB 3264: Relating to the inclusion of firearm safety instruction in the required health curriculum for public school students.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 25, 2025HB 3355: Relating to the approval, selection, and use of an alternative electronic visit verification system under Medicaid.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 21, 2025HB 3203: Relating to equipment used or intended for use in testing or analyzing a controlled substance.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 20, 2025HB 3072: Relating to the expansion of eligibility for Medicaid to certain women.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 20, 2025HB 3074: Relating to sexual assault and other sex offenses.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 19, 2025HB 3030: Relating to student loan repayment assistance for certain state employees.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 19, 2025HB 3020: Relating to statewide standing orders prescribing epinephrine auto-injectors, medication for respiratory distress, and opioid antagonists to public and private schools.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 19, 2025HB 3031: Relating to the reapportionment of state legislative, congressional, and judicial districts and the functions and duties of the independent redistricting commission.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 14, 2025HB 2833: Relating to the sales and use tax exemption for health care supplies.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 13, 2025HB 2830: Relating to a report by the Legislative Budget Board on the reliance by this state on certain dedicated revenue for purposes of budget certification.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 3, 2025HB 2377: Relating to funding for projects that improve the physical and mental health of public school students and enhance the safety of public schools in this state; authorizing a fee.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 31, 2025HB 2317: Relating to a credit for prepayment of the amount required to be paid by a school district for the purchase of attendance credit under the public school finance system.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 30, 2025HB 2276: Relating to the provision of certain benefits, including applied behavior analysis, behavior supports, and associated evaluation services, through telecommunications or information technology under certain public benefits programs.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 29, 2025HB 2190: Relating to immunity from criminal liability for certain health care practitioners.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 28, 2025HJR 126: Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating certain general revenue that would otherwise be transferred to the economic stabilization fund to the Texas water fund.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 24, 2025HB 2056: Relating to the designation of a public school health officer and the school health and safety allotment under the Foundation School Program.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 24, 2025HB 2074: Relating to allowing a person who will be 18 years of age on the date of the general election for state and county officers to vote in the preceding primary elections.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 24, 2025HJR 124: Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the state school health and safety fund to provide financial support for projects that improve the physical and mental health of public school students and enhance the safety of public schools in this state.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 24, 2025HJR 123: Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 24, 2025HJR 122: Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing certain persons under the age of 18 to vote in a primary election.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 22, 2025HB 2023: Relating to the coverage of emergency contraceptive drugs by health benefit plans.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 17, 2025HB 1949: Relating to public notice of a crematory's compliance history, rating, and classification.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 17, 2025HB 1948: Relating to the prescribing and ordering of Schedule II controlled substances by certain advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 8, 2025HB 1782: Relating to eligibility for Medicaid for breast and cervical cancer.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 8, 2025HB 1786: Relating to the women's health advisory committee.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Dec 18, 2024HB 1656: Relating to emergency detention by a paramedic of certain persons with mental illness for preliminary examination at a mental health facility.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 772: Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 737: Relating to the use of dynamic message signs for the Keep 'Em Safe Texas Gun Storage Campaign.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 536: Relating to covered benefits under the child health plan.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 595: Relating to the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the Foundation School Program, including an adjustment in those amounts to reflect inflation.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 820: Relating to the eligibility of certain students enrolled in a postsecondary educational institution for the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 653: Relating to the purchase and use of contraceptives and access to contraceptive information.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 861: Relating to the procedure for certain complaints against health care practitioners.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 868: Relating to educational and informational materials provided through the Thriving Texas Families Program.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 827: Relating to the use of grant money awarded to reduce workplace violence against nurses.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 845: Relating to the authority of pharmacists to furnish certain medications.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 395: Relating to exceptions to and the repeal of certain laws prohibiting abortion.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 257: Relating to exceptions to and the repeal of certain laws prohibiting abortion.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 887: Relating to endometriosis and menstrual disorders education and informational materials for public school students.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Nov 12, 2024HB 161: Relating to excused absences from public school for students with a menstrual disorder.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 10, 2023HB 5036: Relating to a grant program for reducing workplace violence against nurses.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 10, 2023HB 5227: Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the Texas legacy fund, and the state highway fund and to the management and investment of the economic stabilization fund, the Texas legacy fund, and the Texas legacy distribution fund.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 10, 2023HB 4726: Relating to prohibiting weapons in certain facilities providing services to individuals with mental illness or an intellectual disability and community centers providing community-based mental health or intellectual disability services.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 10, 2023HJR 203: Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas legacy fund and the Texas legacy distribution fund, dedicating the Texas legacy distribution fund to certain state infrastructure projects or the reduction of certain long-term obligations, and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to the economic stabilization fund, the Texas legacy fund, and the state highway fund.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 10, 2023HB 4720: Relating to requirements for an annual audit report filed by a school district.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 10, 2023HB 5042: Relating to an adjustment of the limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed by a school district on the residence homestead of an individual who is elderly or disabled to reflect the most recent increase in the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district and the protection of school districts against the resulting loss in local revenue.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 10, 2023HJR 195: Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for an adjustment of the limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed by a school district on the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled to reflect the most recent increase in the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 9, 2023HB 4684: Relating to nursing educational programs offered by for-profit entities.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 9, 2023HB 4454: Relating to the administration of the Texas Innovative Adult Career Education (ACE) Grant Program by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 9, 2023HB 4523: Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 8, 2023HB 4022: Relating to excused absences from public school for students with a menstrual disorder.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 8, 2023HB 4021: Relating to the eligibility of certain students enrolled in a postsecondary educational institution for the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 7, 2023HB 3927: Relating to reports by the Legislative Budget Board regarding the General Appropriations Act and other fiscal actions taken by the legislature and each general appropriations bill proposed by the legislature.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 7, 2023HB 3959: Relating to certain regulations and taxes utilized by governmental entities for construction and tourism.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 6, 2023HB 3606: Relating to money awarded to providers of women's health services and family planning services, including the repeal of prohibitions on the provision of those services.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 3, 2023HB 3515: Relating to the establishment and operation of an interdisciplinary group to review services provided by home and community support services agencies.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 3, 2023HB 3513: Relating to a grant program for certain nonprofit organizations to distribute diapers to families.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Mar 2, 2023HB 3214: Relating to the determination of prescription drug reimbursement amounts under the Medicaid vendor drug program.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 24, 2023HB 2792: Relating to requiring a state agency to notify the legislature regarding certain required reports.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 22, 2023HB 2653: Relating to the reporting of lost or stolen firearms; creating a criminal offense.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 21, 2023HB 2589: Relating to the form of a medical power of attorney.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 21, 2023HB 2587: Relating to eligibility for Medicaid for breast and cervical cancer.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 13, 2023HB 2215: Relating to exceptions to certain laws prohibiting abortion.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 6, 2023HB 1941: Relating to the purchase and use of and access to information on contraceptives.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 3, 2023HB 1880: Relating to the applicability of certain laws on the provision of money to organizations that support access to health care services and the repeal of certain laws prohibiting abortion.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Feb 3, 2023HB 1886: Relating to the operation of a sport shooting range near a school, open-enrollment charter school, or school athletic facility.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 27, 2023HB 1795: Relating to the reimbursement under Medicaid of local educational agencies for the provision of health care services to students.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 23, 2023HB 1536: Relating to allowing a person who will be 18 years of age on the date of the general election for state and county officers to vote in the preceding primary elections.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 23, 2023HJR 86: Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing certain persons under the age of 18 to vote in a primary election.
    Introduced
  • Introduced Jan 4, 2023HB 1174: Relating to the authority of municipalities to prohibit the sale of single-use plastic water bottles at municipal golf courses.
    Introduced

Source: Open States

How they voted

Final votes on bills that passed either chamber of the Texas legislature, since 2025. Votes on amendments, committees, and procedure are left out.

Votes shown

1,793 votes on bills that passed at least one chamber.

Attendance

Didn't vote on 5 of 1,793 votes (less than 1%). Some of these may be excused absences, approved by the House ahead of time. The vote records we use don't say which.

By topic
Academic and Career-Oriented Education7 votes
    Agriculture and Livestock21 votes
      Appropriations7 votes
        Border Security4 votes
          Business and Commerce82 votes
            Congressional Redistricting, Select1 vote
              Corrections22 votes
                County and Regional Government36 votes
                  Courts and Civil Law (Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence)76 votes
                    Courts and Civil Law (Jurisprudence)19 votes
                      Criminal Justice80 votes
                        Criminal Law (Criminal Jurisprudence)57 votes
                          Culture, Recreation and Tourism22 votes
                            Defense and Veterans' Affairs17 votes
                              Dis Prev and Women's and Children's Health16 votes
                                Disaster Preparedness and Flooding13 votes
                                  Disaster Preparedness and Flooding, Select1 vote
                                    Economic Development16 votes
                                      Education K-1654 votes
                                        Elections23 votes
                                          Energy Resources18 votes
                                            Environmental Regulation22 votes
                                              Family and Fiduciary Relationships41 votes
                                                Finance4 votes
                                                  Government Efficiency67 votes
                                                    Health and Human Services59 votes
                                                      Higher Education50 votes
                                                        Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans' Affairs55 votes
                                                          Human Services55 votes
                                                            Insurance37 votes
                                                              Intergovernmental Affairs39 votes
                                                                International Relations1 vote
                                                                  Juvenile Justice11 votes
                                                                    Land and Resource Management20 votes
                                                                      Licensing and Administrative Procedures37 votes
                                                                        Local Government53 votes
                                                                          Natural Resources58 votes
                                                                            Pensions, Investments and Financial Services43 votes
                                                                              Property Tax Appraisals13 votes
                                                                                Public Education56 votes
                                                                                  Public Health73 votes
                                                                                    State Affairs144 votes
                                                                                      State-Federal Relations1 vote
                                                                                        Taxes (Ways and Means)84 votes
                                                                                          Trade, Workforce and Economic Development38 votes
                                                                                            Transportation67 votes
                                                                                              Transportation Funding8 votes
                                                                                                Veterans' Affairs9 votes
                                                                                                  Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs43 votes
                                                                                                    Workforce13 votes

                                                                                                      Source: Open States, Texas Legislature Online. Topics from the state legislature.