Rep. Liz Campos

Maddy summaryHB 307 requires youth camp operators in Texas to provide life jackets for every camper and life rafts for each cabin used for overnight stays, aiming to improve flood safety. The bill also mandates a study on the costs of these safety measures and establishes a state grant program covering 50% of expenses for camps to equip cabins with life jackets and rafts. Existing camps have until January 1, 2029, to comply, while the study must be completed by April 1, 2026. The grant program is funded with $10 million and expires in 2031.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 recognizes physical gold and silver coins meeting specific weight and purity standards as legal tender in Texas for debt payments, while prohibiting government markings except for identifying refiners. It authorizes the state comptroller to establish electronic payment systems backed by bullion held in depositories, allowing transactions using gold/silver-based currency. The bill explicitly states it does not replace U.S. dollars, restrict federal currency, or require businesses to accept gold/silver tender. It also permits the comptroller to set reasonable administrative fees for the system. This law applies to Texas residents and businesses using the state-administered electronic currency system, operating alongside existing federal currency.

Maddy summaryHCR 9 designates the first Saturday of every month as "Small Business Saturday" in Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution, which does not create new laws or funding, aims to encourage Texans to support local small businesses. It directly affects all Texas small businesses (defined as those employing fewer than 500 people) by promoting community shopping. The designation expires 10 years after the resolution's final passage, per Section 391.004(d) of the Texas Government Code.

Maddy summaryHB 27 requires all Texas public high school students to complete at least one-half credit in personal financial literacy as part of their social studies graduation requirements under Education Code Section 28.025(b-1)(4). The bill directs the State Board of Education to develop a list of free, open-source curricula for these courses and allows Advanced Placement courses meeting specific standards to count toward the requirement. This policy change affects all public high school students in Texas, mandating practical financial education alongside traditional subjects like history and government. The law, signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025, is now effective immediately for all public school districts.

Maddy summarySB 670 allows Texas patients to access investigational sun protection products (those in phase 1 clinical trials but not yet FDA-approved) with their physician's recommendation. Patients must have their doctor confirm that approved alternatives are less effective and provide written informed consent before using these products. Manufacturers may choose to supply the products to eligible patients but are not required to do so, and may charge for costs associated with production. The bill prohibits state officials from blocking access and protects physicians from license actions for following its requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 3214 modifies Texas' master plumber license eligibility requirements by reducing the required journeyman plumber experience from four years to two years. It allows applicants to qualify with either two years of experience or one year of experience plus completion of a nationally recognized apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. The bill applies only to new license applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing applications and current license holders unaffected. All other requirements - including passing exams and supervision duties - remain unchanged under the revised rules.

Maddy summaryHB 43 amends Texas law to update the definition of "agricultural business" in the Agriculture Code, explicitly including rural recreational businesses (like hiking or fishing on farmland) and nonprofit land conservation groups. It also revises the composition of the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority's board, requiring the governor to appoint nine members with specific representation: two young farmers/ranchers, two representatives from rural entities (chambers, trade associations), and others with agricultural lending expertise. These changes directly affect entities applying for the Authority's loan and grant programs, such as farmers, ranchers, rural tourism businesses, and conservation nonprofits. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, after passing both chambers unanimously.

Maddy summaryHB 4226 exempts nonprofit food banks and specific housing providers from Texas state sales, use, and rental taxes on motor vehicles they purchase, use, or rent. It directly affects food banks (as defined in Section 162.001) and housing providers serving homeless individuals with disabilities who meet strict criteria (continuously homeless for 1+ year or four homelessness episodes in 3 years). The bill adds new Tax Code sections requiring vehicles to be used "primarily" for the organization's core services. This exemption applies only to vehicles acquired on or after its September 1, 2025 effective date. The law was signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2516, the Chris Larkin ALS Act, requires Texas insurers to offer Medicare supplement plans (Medigap) to people under 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability, end-stage renal disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It mandates that these individuals receive the same coverage and premium rates as those 65 and older for standard plans (A, B, D), with non-standard plans capped at 200% of the 65+ rate. The bill creates a six-month enrollment window starting when a qualifying individual first enrolls in Medicare Part B, during which insurers cannot deny coverage, charge more for health conditions, or impose waiting periods. This law directly affects Texans under 65 with qualifying medical conditions who rely on Medicare, ensuring equitable access to supplemental insurance without medical underwriting. The bill became effective immediately on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2038, the DOCTOR Act, creates a provisional license for foreign-trained physicians who have job offers from Texas healthcare facilities like hospitals or clinics. To qualify, applicants must hold a valid medical license in their home country, meet minimum practice experience (5 years with residency or 10 years without), pass a Texas medical jurisprudence exam, and demonstrate English proficiency. The Texas Medical Board will issue these licenses to streamline the process for qualified foreign physicians seeking to practice in Texas. The bill becomes effective September 1, 2025.