Maddy summaryHB 22 authorizes Texas' comptroller to fund the deployment and operation of emergency communication systems, directly affecting local emergency services and communities. The bill specifies that funds can cover equipment, operations, and administration for early warning systems that notify residents about natural disasters and other emergencies, as well as interoperable communication equipment that allows different emergency response systems to work together. It also allows funding for 9-1-1 services, next-generation 9-1-1 infrastructure, and broadband programs supporting emergency connectivity. The bill does not change existing broadband funding rules but explicitly adds emergency communication systems as a qualifying use for state funds.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 23 exempts property taxes for specific nonprofits in Texas counties with 3.3 million or more residents (like Harris County). It applies to nonprofit corporations organized exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes that use their property to promote agriculture, support youth, or provide community educational programs. The exemption covers all real and personal property owned by these nonprofits but does not apply to for-profit leaseholders of such property. This change takes effect January 1, 2026, after the bill was signed into law in September 2025.
Maddy summarySB 8, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires certain facilities like restrooms, locker rooms, and shelters to be designated and used based on biological sex as defined by reproductive anatomy. It directly affects correctional facilities, family violence shelters, and institutions of higher education by mandating single-occupancy spaces for each biological sex and restricting access to multi-occupancy spaces based on sex. The bill defines "female" and "male" based on natural reproductive systems (e.g., egg production or sperm production) and authorizes civil penalties for violations, as well as private lawsuits to enforce compliance. The law became effective September 22, 2025, after being signed by the governor.
Maddy summarySB 5 allocates over $290 million from Texas' economic stabilization fund to support disaster response and preparedness following a July 2025 flood declaration. It provides $200 million for FEMA matching funds and statewide disaster needs, $50 million for flood warning systems in 30 specific counties affected by the July flood, $24 million to improve weather forecasting accuracy, and $20 million for a swift water training facility for first responders. The funding targets local governments, emergency services, and meteorological systems to address immediate flood recovery and enhance future disaster management. The bill became effective immediately after the governor signed it on September 18, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 20, the Disaster Scam Response Act, creates a voluntary program to help Texans identify legitimate charities during disasters by allowing local governments to recommend specific nonprofits or financial institutions for designation by the Secretary of State. This designation helps residents easily find trustworthy groups to donate to for disaster relief in their area during declared emergencies. The law also establishes a new criminal offense for fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters and increases penalties for such crimes. It directly affects local governments, nonprofits, financial institutions, and individuals engaging in fraudulent donation schemes during declared disasters.
Maddy summaryHB 8 creates a new statewide "instructionally supportive assessment program" for Texas public schools, requiring the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to design tests focused on student progress and essential skills. It mandates that schools provide parents with immediate online access to their child's assessment results via a single-click website and maintain parent portals for this access. The bill also establishes school performance ratings based on these assessments and outlines interventions for underperforming schools. These changes directly affect parents, public school districts, and the TEA, shifting accountability toward transparent, student-centered testing.
Maddy summaryHB 26 allows sheriffs and constables in Texas counties with over 3.3 million residents (like Harris or Dallas) to directly contract with local governments, property owners' associations, or landowners to provide law enforcement services. The bill specifically permits these contracts for services in areas managed by those entities or owned by landowners, covering residents and visitors in those zones. Crucially, it prohibits county commissioners courts from blocking or restricting these contracts - sheriffs and constables can set contract terms without court approval. This changes how law enforcement services are funded and delivered in high-population counties by shifting decision-making authority from commissioners courts to law enforcement officials.
Maddy summaryHB 192 authorizes sheriffs and constables in Texas counties with over 3.3 million residents to directly contract with local governments, property owners' associations, or landowners to provide law enforcement services. The bill allows these officials to establish service agreements for specific areas they manage or regulate, covering residents and visitors in those zones. Crucially, it prohibits county commissioners courts from blocking or restricting such contracts, giving sheriffs and constables full authority to set contract terms without approval. This changes how law enforcement funding operates in large counties by enabling direct service agreements outside traditional county commission oversight.
Maddy summaryHB 7, the Woman and Child Protection Act, prohibits the manufacture and provision of abortion-inducing drugs in Texas while limiting legal actions against certain local providers. It creates new legal protections for Texas-based hospitals, health facilities, and providers who practice exclusively within the state, shielding them from civil lawsuits under this law. The bill also restricts courts outside Texas from enforcing judgments related to abortion drugs and allows private citizens to file lawsuits ("qui tam actions") against violators. It directly affects drug manufacturers, pharmacies, and healthcare entities offering abortion-inducing drugs, but excludes Texas hospitals, state facilities, and in-state-only providers from liability. The law takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a doctor's prescription. It requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order with standardized protocols, patient instructions, and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. Pharmacists acting in good faith under this order are protected from legal liability. The law directly affects licensed pharmacists and patients seeking ivermectin through pharmacy channels.