Rep. Jared Patterson

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 summaryHJR 182 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas' Veterans' Land Board to issue general obligation bonds exceeding the current $6 billion cap for veterans' land and mortgage programs. If approved by voters, it would remove the existing limit on bond amounts, directing proceeds to specific veterans' funds (Land Fund, Housing Assistance Fund, or Housing Assistance Fund II) for land sales or mortgage loans. The bill does not change eligibility for veterans but expands funding capacity for these programs. The amendment must be voted on by Texas voters in the November 2025 election.

Maddy summaryHB 2695 increases criminal penalties for drug-related offenses when a social media platform is used to facilitate the delivery of a controlled substance. It applies specifically to offenses under Health and Safety Code sections 481.112, 481.1121, 481.1123, 481.113, 481.114, 481.119, 481.120, or 481.122. If proven at trial, using social media to arrange such drug deliveries elevates the offense to the next higher penalty category, adding five years to first-degree felony sentences and doubling the maximum fine. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and only applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 2494 allows residents in annexed areas to petition their city council to revert land back to unincorporated status if the municipality fails to provide basic services (like water or roads) as required by law. It specifically applies to areas annexed under certain Texas codes, requiring cities to act within 60 days of a valid petition or face potential court-ordered disannexation. If a court rules in favor of the petitioners, the city must disannex the area and pay the residents' legal fees. The bill establishes a clear process for residents to seek relief when cities neglect service obligations, without specifying which services must be provided.

Maddy summaryHB 3552 strengthens criminal penalties for theft, damage, or unlawful possession of copper or brass near critical infrastructure facilities, such as power plants, water treatment centers, pipelines, and dams. It creates new offenses for stealing these materials from such sites and increases penalties for damaging infrastructure or interrupting operations. The bill also requires metal recycling businesses to verify the legitimacy of copper/brass sales and imposes administrative fines for non-compliance. This directly affects thieves targeting infrastructure, recycling entities handling these materials, and property owners of critical facilities. The law aims to deter theft by making it a more serious crime and adding accountability for recyclers.

Maddy summaryHJR 112 proposes adding a new section to the Texas Constitution that affirms parents' inherent right to make decisions about their children's upbringing, including care, custody, and control. It would limit state interference with this right unless the government proves the interference is essential for a compelling interest and narrowly tailored to achieve it. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 2025 election, with the ballot phrasing "The constitutional amendment establishing parents as the primary decision-makers for their children." This would directly affect all Texas parents and state agencies involved in child welfare decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1228 allows homeowners to immediately begin emergency repairs on damaged residential buildings if the repairs protect public safety, prevent further damage, or preserve structural integrity. Homeowners must apply for an emergency permit within three business days of starting repairs or when the municipality/county can accept the application. The bill requires cities and counties to permit these immediate repairs and prohibits them from blocking such work. If a local government violates this law, homeowners can sue for damages and recover attorney fees. This directly affects homeowners needing urgent repairs and local governments managing building permits.

Maddy summaryHB 168 prohibits marriage for anyone under 18 in Texas, eliminating the previous exception that allowed minors to marry with a court order removing the disabilities of minority. The bill amends the Texas Family Code to require county clerks to deny marriage licenses to minors and declare any marriage entered into by a minor void. This change applies to all marriage applications filed and marriages entered into on or after September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects minors under 18 and their families by ending the ability to marry with court approval under prior law.

Maddy summaryHB 170 creates civil immunity for individuals who use or threaten to use force or deadly force that is justified under Texas Penal Code Chapter 9 (e.g., self-defense or defense of others). It protects such individuals from civil lawsuits seeking damages for personal injury or death resulting from their justified actions. The bill also requires courts to award defendants who win immunity claims reasonable attorney fees, court costs, and related expenses. It repeals Section 9.06 of the Penal Code and applies only to cases occurring on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3134 establishes a regulatory framework for "advanced air mobility" in Texas, primarily affecting electric aircraft and vertiports (landing/takeoff sites for air taxis). The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to create an office for technical support, develop a statewide strategic plan, identify uniform planning standards for vertiports, estimate electric grid capacity needs, and provide guidebooks to local governments. It specifically applies to aircraft over 300 pounds capable of carrying passengers or cargo, focusing on electric vertical takeoff aircraft and urban air mobility infrastructure. The law aims to enable future air taxi services by standardizing planning and infrastructure requirements across the state.