Rep. Gary VanDeaver

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 92) aims to eliminate specific state-mandated student assessment tools that are not required by federal education law. It directly affects school districts and students by removing certain end-of-course tests and other state assessments. The bill's key mechanism is to reduce state assessment requirements that exceed federal mandates. However, the full text and specific assessment instruments to be eliminated are not currently available in the provided context. The bill was filed on July 14, 2025, but details about the affected assessments remain pending.

Maddy summaryHB 32, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires that certain facilities - such as restrooms, locker rooms, and family violence shelters - be designated and used based on biological sex, defined as the physical condition of being male or female at birth as determined by sex organs, chromosomes, and original birth records. The law applies to correctional facilities, family violence shelters, institutions of higher education, local governments (political subdivisions), and state agencies. It authorizes civil penalties for violations and creates a private right of action, allowing individuals to file lawsuits if they believe the law has been breached. The bill does not apply to state agencies as political subdivisions but covers them separately under the law's definition of "state agency."

Maddy summaryHB 5659 requires the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District to hold public hearings and obtain approval from a majority of cities that appoint its directors before entering water transfer contracts or seeking permits from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The bill mandates that the District's Board provide public notice of these hearings following standard meeting notice procedures. It directly affects the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District and the cities with voting rights on its Board. The law adds procedural safeguards to water transfer decisions, ensuring public input and local government approval before such transfers proceed.

Maddy summarySB 25 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to provide daily moderate or vigorous physical activity for students in prekindergarten through grade 8. Specifically, it mandates at least 30 minutes daily for grades K-5 and 30 minutes daily for at least four semesters in grades 6-8, with alternatives for scheduling challenges (e.g., 135 minutes weekly). The bill prohibits schools from restricting student participation in physical activity as punishment for academic or behavioral issues. It directly affects K-8 students and school employees responsible for implementing physical education curricula, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 991 expands Texas' definition of "students at risk of dropping out" to include those with chronic absenteeism or truancy. It requires public school districts to collect and report data on these students' attendance patterns, including unexcused absences. This law directly affects Texas public schools and students who miss significant school days without valid reasons. The policy change focuses on improving data tracking for attendance-related risks, without mandating new interventions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas law to change supervision requirements for code enforcement officers in training. It requires trainees to work under a registered supervisor, unless their employer does not employ any registered supervisors (in which case they may work unsupervised). The policy directly affects municipalities and employers hiring code enforcement trainees across Texas. The bill became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3749, known as "Jenifer's Law," establishes new regulations for elective intravenous (IV) therapy in Texas, defined as non-emergency treatments (like hydration or vitamin infusions) sought for temporary wellness or symptom relief, not administered in hospitals, licensed health facilities, or physician offices. The law allows physicians to delegate prescribing and administering such therapy to physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, and registered nurses, but only under direct physician supervision. It prohibits these services in specific settings (e.g., hospitals or clinics) and requires prescriptive agreements to count toward existing limits under Texas law. The law took effect September 1, 2025, applying to all elective IV therapy provided after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 2467 updates pay rules for peace officers commissioned by the Texas State Fire Marshal. It requires these officers to be compensated according to Schedule C of the position classification salary schedule in the state's annual budget (General Appropriations Act), rather than existing pay structures. The bill directly affects fire and arson investigators working under the State Fire Marshal's office, ensuring they receive standardized pay aligned with other state law enforcement roles. This change takes effect September 1, 2025, after the bill was signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 1940 (SB 1940) allows owners of manufactured homes classified as personal property under Texas law to designate beneficiaries who automatically inherit the home upon the owner's death. It creates a new legal mechanism (Chapter 116 of the Estates Code) that enables this transfer without requiring a will, court approval, or beneficiary acceptance during the owner's lifetime. The bill specifies that such beneficiary designations are revocable by the owner at any time and override any conflicting provisions in a will. This directly affects owners of manufactured homes treated as personal property, streamlining inheritance for these properties. The law took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1481 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt written policies prohibiting student use of personal communication devices (such as cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day on school property or at school events. Exceptions allow device use for students with documented medical needs, individualized education plans (IEPs), or health/safety protocols. Schools may implement either a full device ban or a secure storage system for devices during school hours, and must return confiscated devices or dispose of them after providing parents 90 days' written notice. The law takes effect immediately upon the governor's signature.