Rep. Yvonne Davis

Maddy summaryHB 2920 amends Texas law to clarify procedures for appointing temporary or special justices of the peace when a regular justice is unavailable due to disqualification, illness, absence, or emergency. It allows parties in a civil case to agree on a replacement if they cannot initially, or requires commissioners court to appoint a qualified person if agreement fails. The bill specifies that temporary justices must be compensated at the regular justice’s rate, may not make personnel decisions, and must be qualified voters with relevant experience. It also includes special provisions for large counties (over 800,000 population) and specific counties with unique geographic or population characteristics.

Maddy summaryHB 5396 establishes a new regulatory framework for inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) in Texas by adding Chapter 260E to the Health and Safety Code. The bill defines IRFs, sets licensing requirements, imposes fees, and creates civil, administrative, and criminal penalties for violations. It directly affects IRFs operating in Texas, requiring them to comply with these new standards, and impacts patients receiving care at these facilities by establishing oversight through the Health and Human Services Commission. The legislation does not reference ombudsman oversight as implied in the title, instead focusing on licensing, regulation, and enforcement mechanisms for IRFs.

Maddy summaryHB 5200 requires the Public Utility Commission of Texas to ensure the independent organization overseeing ERCOT transmission planning evaluates grid enhancing technologies (like dynamic line rating systems and advanced power flow controllers) and high-performance conductors (modern alternatives to traditional wires) for use in transmission projects. The bill mandates this evaluation to increase transmission capacity, reduce congestion, improve reliability, and lower wildfire risks. It specifically directs the organization to consider technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness, though it allows them to decline recommendations they deem imprudent. This affects how ERCOT’s transmission system is planned and upgraded, directly impacting Texas power grid operators and infrastructure decisions.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 5064 would designate a specific segment of U.S. Highway 67 in Dallas and Ellis Counties - between its intersection with U.S. Highway 287 and Interstate 20 - as the "Eddie Bernice Johnson Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the highway and at intermediate locations along the route. This is a ceremonial designation with no impact on highway operations, funding, or regulations. It directly affects the geographic corridor in Dallas and Ellis Counties but does not alter existing transportation policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1674 would ban the production, sale, and use of certain agricultural products containing PFAS chemicals (like pesticides or crop protectants). It directly affects agricultural businesses, manufacturers, and sellers of these products. The bill creates criminal penalties for violations, treating unauthorized PFAS use as a punishable offense. The bill is currently pending in the Environmental Regulation committee after committee hearings. (Note: Full bill text is not yet available; this summary is based on the title and pending status.)

Maddy summaryHB 3947 requires Texas metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to consider the transportation needs of people served by the Health and Human Services Commission and Texas Workforce Commission when developing regional transportation plans. Specifically, MPOs must ensure fixed-route transportation services address these needs, such as by adjusting routes for individuals accessing healthcare or job training programs. To qualify for financial assistance, MPOs must provide evidence they have implemented these adjustments. The bill amends Transportation Code Sections 201.9911(d) and 201.9991(c-1), taking effect September 1, 2025. This policy change directly affects MPOs and the accessibility of transportation for vulnerable populations receiving state services.

Maddy summaryHB 2921 makes specific personal information collected by local governments and airport boards about airport users confidential, preventing disclosure under Texas' public records law (Chapter 552 of the Government Code). It covers details like names, addresses, license plate numbers, payment card information, parking records, travel dates, flight details, purchase histories, and airport lounge memberships tied to airport parking or facility use. The bill directly affects airport users whose data is collected and the local governments/airport boards gathering that information. Key provisions explicitly state that this data cannot be disclosed publicly, applying to both local government parking facilities and joint airport boards. The law does not change how data is collected, only that it is protected from public disclosure requests.

Maddy summaryHB 2275 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (specialized policies for high-risk or hard-to-place coverage) containing arbitration agreements must specify that any arbitration occurs in Texas and follows Texas law. It mandates that both the arbitration process and contract interpretation be governed by Texas statutes, applying only to contracts delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. Existing contracts before that date remain subject to prior law. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects insurers writing surplus lines policies in Texas.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas licensing authorities to issue provisional occupational licenses for six months to applicants with criminal convictions who are otherwise qualified for the license, unless they have specific serious convictions listed in the Occupations Code. The provisional license begins upon the applicant's release from incarceration if they were imprisoned. It applies to most occupational licensing fields (like healthcare or trades) but excludes applicants convicted of offenses under Section 53.021(a). The bill provides a pathway for certain applicants to obtain licenses without full revocation of eligibility.