Maddy summarySB 816 allows phone and internet service providers to share certain customer data with government agencies during immediate life-threatening emergencies, such as when there's a genuine belief that someone faces imminent death or serious injury. The bill specifically authorizes disclosure of electronic customer data - like location or communication records - to help prevent harm, provided the provider acts in good faith. It directly affects service providers (e.g., telecom companies) and government responders, while protecting providers from lawsuits for complying with this exception. The law amends Texas criminal procedure code to create this exception, overriding general rules that typically prohibit such data sharing without a court order. This policy change focuses on enabling rapid emergency response, not on broader data privacy or security implications.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 1080 requires Texas licensing authorities to issue either a full occupational license or a provisional license (valid for six months) to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses, instead of automatically denying their applications. The provisional license begins on the date an applicant is released from prison if they were incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This bill directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (such as for nursing, contracting, or other licensed professions) who meet all other qualification requirements. It aims to reduce barriers to employment by providing a temporary licensing pathway for these applicants.
Maddy summarySB 3073 requires magistrates in Texas to provide written findings within 24 hours when determining no probable cause exists for a criminal arrest. This affects individuals arrested for crimes and the magistrates reviewing their cases. The bill mandates that magistrates document their reasons for finding no probable cause in the official record. It applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with prior cases governed by existing law. The change aims to increase transparency in early criminal proceedings.
Maddy summarySB 455 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (for risks wholly located in Texas) include arbitration agreements conducted in Texas under Texas law, unless both insurer and policyholder agree to change the venue after the insurer provides written notice and a premium credit for added costs. This applies to new or renewed contracts on or after January 1, 2026, affecting insurers and policyholders purchasing specialized insurance for high-risk properties in Texas. The bill ensures arbitration venues and legal interpretations remain tied to Texas, preventing out-of-state arbitration without financial compensation to policyholders. It becomes effective September 1, 2025, but the new rules apply to contracts delivered after 2025.
Maddy summarySB 2188 requires spaceflight operators in specific Texas counties (bordering the Gulf of Mexico with FAA-approved spaceports) and small municipalities (under 150,000 population) to submit proposed launch dates to local officials. It allows county commissioners courts or municipal governing bodies to temporarily close beaches near launch sites during designated times - Monday 8 a.m. to Friday 12 p.m., or Friday 12 p.m. to Monday 8 a.m. - to protect public safety. The bill directly affects spaceport operators and coastal communities with approved launch facilities, while prohibiting local governments from banning spaceflight activities outside these specific closure procedures. It clarifies that spaceflight regulation falls under federal and state jurisdiction, not local ordinances.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 1128) is a formal expression of congratulations from the Texas House of Representatives to Wallace Thomas Shook Jr. of Conroe on his 100th birthday, celebrated September 23, 2025. It recognizes his life achievements, including his 46-year career as a United Methodist Church pastor, military service in WWII, educational background, family, and community contributions. The resolution has no policy impact or legislative effect - it solely serves as a ceremonial honor. It was adopted by the House on May 23, 2025, and enrolled on May 25, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 220 requires Texas healthcare facilities treating sexual assault survivors to provide specific care standards. It mandates: forensic medical exams per state codes, private waiting areas, access to sexual assault advocates (if available), crisis center contact information, private treatment rooms (if available), STI prophylaxis when needed, free showers (if facilities offer them), and emergency contraception with consent and clinical indication. The bill directly affects sexual assault survivors seeking medical care and healthcare facilities across Texas. If passed, these requirements would take effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHR 878 is a memorial resolution adopted by the Texas House of Representatives to honor Carl Wayne Warwick, a former Major League Baseball player (for the Dodgers, Cardinals, Orioles, and Cubs) and Houston community leader who died on April 5, 2025. The resolution extends condolences to his family and commemorates his career achievements, including his record-setting 1964 World Series performance, his role in founding the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, and his 12-year service on the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. As a symbolic tribute, it does not create legal obligations or affect any specific group through policy changes. The resolution was formally adopted by the House on May 23, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.
Maddy summaryHCR 78 designates September 16 as "Lone Star Santas Charities Day" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This ceremonial resolution honors the Lone Star Santas organization, which provides holiday cheer to children in need through volunteer-driven "Convoy of Toys" events, particularly in communities affected by natural disasters. The designation recognizes the group's work since 2007, including their volunteer-based efforts and focus on supporting families after events like the 2011 Joplin tornado. It has no funding or regulatory provisions, solely serving as a formal acknowledgment of their charitable service.