Rep. Trey Wharton

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 1481 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt written policies prohibiting student use of personal communication devices (such as cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day on school property or at school events. Exceptions allow device use for students with documented medical needs, individualized education plans (IEPs), or health/safety protocols. Schools may implement either a full device ban or a secure storage system for devices during school hours, and must return confiscated devices or dispose of them after providing parents 90 days' written notice. The law takes effect immediately upon the governor's signature.

Maddy summaryHB 4386 standardizes the process for exchanging or surrendering annuity contracts in Texas, directly affecting annuity owners and insurance companies. The bill requires replacing insurers to submit detailed exchange requests to existing insurers, including proof that the transaction qualifies as a tax-free exchange under federal law (Section 1035). It sets strict deadlines: existing insurers must notify owners within 5 business days and transfer funds within 30 business days, unless exceptions apply (like fraud concerns or contractual terms). This creates a clearer, faster process for annuity holders moving contracts between insurers without triggering tax penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 1828 allows correctional officers employed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to voluntarily donate up to eight hours of their accrued annual leave or compensatory time each year to a legislative leave pool. This donated time can be used by officers for legislative activities on behalf of a qualifying association that represents correctional officers, has at least 5,000 members, and is governed by a board of directors. The bill limits usage to 80 hours in a 160-hour work cycle and 480 hours per fiscal year, requiring the officer to obtain the association's consent before accessing the time. The program takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2217 creates a state grant program to help law enforcement agencies purchase and install bullet-resistant components on vehicles used by peace officers. It directly affects state and local law enforcement agencies (including county and city police departments) by providing funding for bullet-resistant windshields, side windows, rear windows, and door panels. The program requires the Criminal Justice Division to set eligibility rules, application procedures, and grant amounts, while agencies must submit proof of installation after using funds. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and focuses solely on funding vehicle safety upgrades for officers.

Maddy summaryHB 2854 requires parole officers to approve non-medical hospital visits for certain parolees convicted of specific offenses (listed in Texas law). Releasees must submit advance requests specifying visit details, and parole officers must notify hospitals of approved visits. The bill shields hospitals from liability for damages related to these visits, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. It applies only to parolees released on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect those released earlier.

Maddy summarySB 493 protects pharmacists and pharmacies from contractual restrictions that prevent them from sharing key cost information with patients and discussing service details with health insurance plans. Specifically, it prohibits contracts from blocking pharmacists from: (1) informing patients about differences between their out-of-pocket costs with and without submitting a claim under their health plan, and (2) communicating with insurers about prescription drug benefits, pharmacy services, network access, or reimbursement. The law applies only to contracts entered into or amended on or after September 1, 2025, directly affecting pharmacists, pharmacies, and patients covered by health benefit plans. It creates a clear legal right for pharmacists to discuss cost and service matters without penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 824 requires Texas public high schools to include specific civics content in their government curriculum starting with the 2025-2026 school year. It mandates that the State Board of Education adopt standards covering the roles of elected officials (statewide, county, city), Texas voting processes and election laws, eligibility requirements for office, basic parliamentary procedures, and identifying local representatives. This directly affects all Texas public high school students and educators implementing the social studies curriculum. The bill became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 6 amends Texas Education Code Section 12.111 to update requirements for charter schools. The bill specifically adds new criteria allowing charter schools to exclude students who were expelled under Section 37.007, placed in disciplinary alternative education programs under Section 37.006, or have documented criminal histories or discipline problems. While the bill title mentions telehealth mental health services in public schools, the provided text does not detail provisions for telehealth access. The legislation primarily affects charter schools by modifying their student admission policies and discipline management standards. HB 6 was signed into law by the governor on June 20, 2025, and is now effective.

Maddy summarySB 1233, the Perinatal Palliative Care Act, requires healthcare providers to inform pregnant women diagnosed with a life-threatening or life-limiting fetal condition about available perinatal palliative care. This applies to approximately 2% of pregnancies where the unborn child has a severe medical condition. The law mandates providers to explain comprehensive supportive care options - including medical, social, and mental health services - to reduce suffering for the mother, unborn child, and family during the perinatal period. It creates administrative penalties for noncompliance and defines perinatal palliative care to exclude actions intended to hasten death. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.