Rep. Philip Cortez

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 summaryHB 4442 would require Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to offer an elective mindfulness course for all students in middle school, junior high school, and high school. The course must teach specific techniques to enhance focus, manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and build self-awareness and compassion. High school students would be able to count this course toward their elective credit requirements for graduation. The bill would take effect for the 2026-2027 school year, unless it receives a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, in which case it would take effect immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 594 amends Texas law to allow sheriffs in specific counties to exempt more positions from civil service hiring rules. Sheriffs in counties with 2 million or fewer residents may exempt up to 10 positions (including chief deputy, four major deputies, and legal counsel roles), while sheriffs in counties with 2-3.3 million residents may exempt up to 18 positions under similar provisions. The bill specifies which roles count toward these limits but does not change the hiring process for exempt positions. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 813 requires Texas health benefit plans to cover treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) starting from the date of diagnosis. It applies to enrollees diagnosed with ASD, with coverage mandated only for those diagnosed before age 10. The bill prohibits plans from limiting annual coverage for applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment to more than $36,000 for enrollees aged 10 or older. This law takes effect for new or renewed health plans on or after January 1, 2026, with the bill itself effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2929 requires Texas peace officers to complete a mandatory two-hour training program on interacting with people with autism spectrum disorder. The training, established under new Section 1701.273 of the Occupations Code, covers evidence-based topics like recognizing autism manifestations, reducing stress during interactions, communicating effectively, locating missing individuals with autism, identifying exploitation risks, and applying custody laws. This requirement applies directly to all Texas peace officers as part of their minimum curriculum. The bill aims to improve officer preparedness when encountering individuals with autism, focusing on practical communication and safety protocols without changing existing legal standards.

Maddy summaryHB 648 prohibits property owners' associations from banning clotheslines used for drying laundry on individual property owners' lots. Associations may still restrict clotheslines that threaten public health/safety, are on common property, or are visible above fence lines. The bill allows associations to require prior approval for front or side yard clotheslines but voids any conflicting rules. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 74 creates the Puerto Verde Port Authority District in Maverick County, Texas, as a special district to advance economic development in the area. The bill grants the district authority to issue bonds for infrastructure, impose fees and taxes on properties within the district, and acquire private property through limited eminent domain for port-related projects. It directly affects property owners and businesses in the designated district area by enabling the district to fund and develop port facilities, transportation infrastructure, and economic initiatives. The legislation aims to promote job growth, commerce, and community development in Maverick County under Texas Constitution provisions for special districts.

Maddy summaryHB 1033 modifies eligibility rules for a state grant program funding public improvement projects in unincorporated communities. It changes which counties qualify by adding two new criteria: (1) counties on an international border with specific population and adjacency requirements, or (2) counties on an international border that partially contain a national park under 100,000 acres. The bill directly affects unincorporated communities in qualifying counties by determining their access to these grants. It does not create new funding but adjusts which existing counties can apply under the current program. The bill is pending further legislative action after committee approval.

Maddy summaryHB 3418 prohibits certain employment for sex offenders with specific convictions. It applies to individuals convicted of a sexually violent offense involving a victim younger than 14 years old, occurring on or after September 1, 2013. The bill amends registration requirements to include a specific prohibition on certain job types (referencing Article 62.063) for these offenders. This policy change directly affects sex offenders meeting the specified criteria, restricting their eligibility for certain employment positions. The bill focuses on concrete employment restrictions without detailing specific job categories.

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.)