EAD validation has nothing to

do with your employment status. Even if you don't work, stay home, your EAD is still valid.

As long as your hu*****and's H1 status is current, you can apply for a new H4 visa for sure. He has to keep his status valid all the time, if you want to use EAD to work. That means, he has to have his status renewed when it is about to expire.