Rep. Jared Patterson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires vision insurance companies to create online applications for optometrists and therapeutic optometrists to join their plans. It mandates that insurers provide contracts within 10 business days of receiving a complete application and make credentialing decisions within 30 days. The bill ensures all applicants face identical application requirements and processing timelines, prohibiting insurers from considering extra information beyond the submitted application. It also requires insurers to include approved providers in their plans within 20 business days of contract acceptance. The law applies to all vision care plans serving Texas residents.

Maddy summarySB 33 prohibits Texas governmental entities from using taxpayer funds to pay for or facilitate abortion-related services. It bans transactions with "abortion assistance entities" (organizations providing financial help, travel, childcare, or abortion drugs) or abortion providers for abortion procurement. The law specifically prevents government spending on logistical support like travel, lodging, childcare, or food to help individuals access abortion services. This applies to all state and local government entities and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5658 proposes creating the Craver Ranch Municipal Management District No. 1 in Denton, Texas, to support economic development in the area. The district would have authority to issue bonds for infrastructure, impose property assessments and fees to fund services, and use limited eminent domain for specific projects. It directly affects property owners within the district boundaries by subjecting them to these financial obligations. The bill clarifies the district is intended to supplement, not replace, existing city services while promoting employment, housing, tourism, and public welfare under Texas Constitution provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 647 allows Texas driver's license holders who have had vision-correcting surgery to remove restrictions requiring corrective lenses. To qualify, license holders must submit a written statement from a licensed physician or optometrist confirming surgical correction and pay a required fee. The Texas Department of Public Safety must then mail a new license without the restriction, except for individuals required to register under Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (sex offender registry). The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and changes the process for removing this specific license restriction.

Maddy summaryHB 33, titled the "Uvalde Strong Act," requires Texas public and charter schools to comply with additional safety and operational requirements related to active shooter incidents and emergencies. It amends the Education Code to mandate adherence to existing rules covering student data systems, criminal background checks, discipline practices, health/safety protocols, bullying prevention, and staff reporting obligations. The bill directly affects all public and charter schools by expanding their compliance obligations under current safety frameworks. It does not create new rules but requires schools to follow more existing provisions related to emergency preparedness and student safety. The law took effect on September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 4144 creates supplemental benefits for retired firefighters and peace officers diagnosed with specific illnesses (cancer, heart attack, or stroke) within three years of retirement. It requires governmental entities to provide a benefit capped at $100,000 (or the retiree's final annual salary, whichever is lower), payable as a lump sum or over three months, with annual adjustments tied to inflation. The benefit does not apply to entities already offering comparable health coverage to retirees. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies only to retirements occurring on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3479 creates a state program to manage harmful vegetation, primarily Carrizo cane, along the Rio Grande River. The bill requires the state board to develop and implement this program specifically to address vegetation that impedes border security operations. It directly affects border security efforts by establishing a formal process for managing these plants in the Rio Grande corridor. The key provision mandates the state board to oversee this vegetation management, focusing on removing or controlling plants that obstruct border security.

Maddy summaryHB 4076 prohibits health care providers from denying organ transplants or related services (like evaluations, surgery, or waiting list placement) solely based on a patient's vaccination status. It allows providers to consider vaccination status only if medically significant to the transplant, following individualized assessment - such as if unvaccinated patients face higher infection risks. The law covers all transplant stages and protects providers who comply with it from penalties, while permitting alternatives like antibody testing instead of vaccination requirements. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies to all organ transplant candidates in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 2559 modifies Texas local government law to regulate how cities can impose temporary pauses on property development. It requires municipalities to hold two public hearings (with at least 30 days between them) before finalizing a moratorium, and creates a 5-business-day temporary moratorium starting after notice publication. The bill mandates a 90-day expiration for all moratoriums unless extended through a new hearing, and requires a 3/4 vote of the city council for final adoption. This directly affects cities seeking to halt development projects and property owners or developers whose permits may be delayed. The law became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 11 would allow Texas public school districts or charter schools (not affiliated with religious organizations) to adopt a policy requiring daily voluntary prayer and Bible/religious text reading periods on school campuses. To participate, students or employees must provide written consent from a parent/guardian or the employee themselves, acknowledging the choice to participate and waiving legal claims related to the policy. The bill prohibits mandatory participation, using public address systems for these activities, or substituting this time for instruction, and requires physical separation for those who opt out. School districts must also follow specific guidelines to accommodate non-participants, and the Texas Attorney General would provide legal guidance and defend districts in related lawsuits.