Rep. Gary VanDeaver

Maddy summarySB 1369 designates a specific segment of State Highway 11 in Morris County (between Daingerfield and Hughes Springs) as the "Army Staff Sergeant Samuel T. Castle Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the highway and at appropriate intermediate locations. This is a memorial designation with no substantive policy changes or funding impacts, solely honoring Staff Sergeant Samuel T. Castle.

Maddy summaryHB 4539 allows physicians specializing in ophthalmology (eye care) to dispense certain eye medications (like drops or ointments) directly to their patients without needing a separate pharmacy license. The bill permits these doctors to charge for stocking, storing, and labeling the medications while requiring them to follow standard labeling, packaging, and recordkeeping rules for those drugs. It specifically applies to "nonsystemic dangerous drugs" used in ophthalmic care, meaning medications applied locally to the eye rather than affecting the whole body. The law aims to streamline access to common eye treatments for patients while maintaining safety compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 3695 limits copayments for physical therapy visits under certain health plans. It prohibits health maintenance organizations and preferred provider plans from charging enrollees a higher copayment for a physical therapist visit (without a referral) than for a primary care physician visit. The law applies to plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects Texas enrollees who use physical therapy services without needing a physician referral.

Maddy summaryHB 4442 would require Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to offer an elective mindfulness course for all students in middle school, junior high school, and high school. The course must teach specific techniques to enhance focus, manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and build self-awareness and compassion. High school students would be able to count this course toward their elective credit requirements for graduation. The bill would take effect for the 2026-2027 school year, unless it receives a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, in which case it would take effect immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 1431 defines "cell-cultured protein" as food made by harvesting animal cells and replicating them in a growth medium, then adds it to Texas' prohibited acts under the Health and Safety Code. The bill specifically bans the manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption within Texas. This targets companies producing or selling lab-grown meat alternatives, making such activities unlawful under existing food safety prohibitions without creating new regulatory requirements. The bill remains pending after being postponed on May 14, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employers from firing, suspending, or otherwise punishing employees who miss work to respond to emergencies as volunteer firefighters or emergency medical services volunteers. It requires employees to give reasonable advance notice of absences for emergencies (with exceptions for extreme situations), and limits unpaid absence to 14 days per year without employer approval. The law applies to businesses with 20 or more employees, including government entities. It aims to protect volunteer emergency responders from employment retaliation while balancing employer needs.

Maddy summaryHJR 98 is a Texas legislative resolution requesting Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It seeks to propose amendments that would impose spending limits on the federal government, reduce federal power over states, and establish term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. Texas formally applies to Congress to initiate this process, with the resolution intended as a continuing application until at least 34 states (two-thirds) support the same purpose. This is a procedural request - Texas has no authority to create new laws, but aims to join other states in advancing this constitutional mechanism.

Maddy summarySB 1697 requires the Texas Public Utility Commission to create and maintain a plain-language guide for homeowners considering solar energy installations. The guide must cover key topics like utility services (net metering, rebates), roof suitability factors (orientation, shade), financial details (tax credits, maintenance costs), and contact information for the Commission. It directly affects homeowners researching solar options and electric utilities, which must link to the guide on their websites and include it with customer bills starting September 2025. The bill mandates the guide be updated periodically and published online, providing standardized information to help consumers make informed decisions about home solar systems.

Maddy summaryHB 850 requires Texas public schools and certain private schools to have at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) accessible within three minutes of any campus location, ensuring immediate response to cardiac emergencies. Schools must also develop and implement a cardiac emergency response plan, including trained response teams, annual CPR and AED training for staff (like coaches and nurses), and yearly practice drills. The plan must align with American Heart Association guidelines and coordinate with local emergency medical services. This bill directly affects all Texas public school campuses and qualifying private schools by mandating concrete safety measures for cardiac emergencies.