Rep. Joanne Shofner

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill (HB 4901) requires app stores (like Apple App Store or Google Play) operating in Texas to verify users' ages and categorize them into four groups: child (<13), younger teen (13-15), older teen (16-17), and adult (18+). For minors (under 18), it mandates parental consent by linking accounts to a parent or guardian aged 18 or older. App stores must use reasonable methods to confirm age during account creation. The law directly affects app platforms and users under 18 in Texas, with no voting record available as the bill remains pending in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 5243 would prohibit SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) beneficiaries in Texas from using their benefits to purchase energy drinks, sweetened beverages, carbonated drinks, candy, potato/corn chips, and packaged cookies. The bill defines "energy drink" as containing at least 65mg caffeine per 8oz and "sweetened beverage" as any nonalcoholic drink with added sweetener. Exceptions include milk products, milk substitutes (like soy milk), unsweetened juices, infant formula, and certain fortified products containing protein or vitamins. This policy change directly affects SNAP recipients who would no longer use benefits for the listed items, while allowing coverage for specified healthier alternatives.

Maddy summaryHB 3794 updates Texas licensing rules for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. It clarifies their scope of practice under the Occupations Code and requires certain government employee health plans to directly pay APRNs for services they provide. The bill defines key terms like "advanced practice registered nurse" and specifies that APRNs may administer medications under authorized orders, excluding medical diagnosis. This directly affects APRNs working in government health plans and changes how these plans reimburse their services.

Maddy summaryHB 4660 establishes that space flight activities in Texas fall under both federal and state jurisdiction, prohibiting counties, municipalities, or other local entities from banning or regulating these activities (except as specified in Section 61.132 of the Natural Resources Code). The bill specifically applies to counties bordering the Gulf of Mexico with FAA-approved spaceports and smaller municipalities (under 150,000 population) that have beach access plans. It requires advance notice to local governments for launch dates between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (to the municipality) or 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. (to the commissioners court), and allows temporary beach closures near launch sites for public safety during those dates. The bill does not create new regulations but clarifies local governments' limited authority over space flight activities near coastal areas.

Maddy summaryHB 2773 prohibits public or election officials from unilaterally changing election procedures without legal authorization. It directly affects election officials who might attempt to alter voting standards, practices, or procedures. The bill requires the Secretary of State to investigate violations, demand compliance within two days, and trigger civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day for the first week of non-compliance and $5,000 per day thereafter. Penalties collected would go into the state general revenue fund. This bill aims to enforce existing election rules by establishing clear consequences for unauthorized changes.

Maddy summaryHB 8 reduces the maximum tax rate school districts can collect for the 2025-2026 school year by $0.0331, calculated using a new method in Section 48.2554 of the Education Code. It directly affects all Texas public school districts by adjusting how their maximum tax rates are determined, ensuring rates don’t drop below 90% of neighboring districts’ rates. The bill updates references to "maximum compressed tax rate" in multiple education funding laws to reflect this change and expires on September 1, 2027. It takes effect September 1, 2025, with no additional funding or program changes beyond the tax rate adjustment.

Maddy summaryHB 10, the Regulatory Reform and Efficiency Act, creates the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office within the governor's office to streamline how state agencies develop and enforce rules. The bill requires agencies to identify unnecessary regulations, reduce costs for businesses and individuals subject to rules, and improve public access to rule information through a new online portal. Key provisions mandate agencies set goals to eliminate ineffective rules and minimize regulatory burdens while maintaining public protection. This bill directly affects state agencies and the businesses, professionals, and residents regulated by their rules.

Maddy summaryHB 5157 prohibits SNAP recipients in Texas from using benefits to purchase certain food and drink items. The bill requires the state agency to create a list of restricted items based on nutritional value, while explicitly banning the prohibition of single-ingredient items like plain milk or eggs. Recipients would be barred from buying any item on this list using SNAP benefits, unless federal rules allow otherwise. The law would take effect on September 1, 2025, unless approved for immediate implementation by a two-thirds legislative vote.

Maddy summaryHB 5091 requires electric vehicle manufacturers to include a warning label on each vehicle indicating the level of radiation produced. The bill defines "electric vehicle" as one powered solely by electricity or battery and directs the relevant board to adopt implementing rules. This labeling requirement would take effect on September 1, 2025, directly affecting EV manufacturers selling vehicles in Texas.

Maddy summaryThis bill would rename a section of Interstate Highway 35 in Travis County to "President Donald J. Trump Highway." It is a ceremonial designation with no impact on transportation policy, funding, or road maintenance. The bill does not alter any existing highway functions or obligations. As a naming resolution, it directly affects the official signage and identification of that specific highway segment.