Rep. Angelia Orr

Maddy summaryHB 1079 would designate Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and Leadership Officer Training Corps (LOTC) programs as official public school career and technology education programs. This change would directly affect public schools offering these military-focused training programs, requiring them to be counted toward the state's career and technology education metrics. The bill also specifies that participation in these programs would serve as an indicator of military readiness within the public school accountability system. This legislation aims to formally integrate these programs into existing educational frameworks without altering their structure or curriculum. The bill is currently pending in committee after a public hearing.

Maddy summaryHB 1764 allows certified public accountants (CPAs) licensed in other states to practice in Texas without obtaining a Texas license if their home state's requirements are comparable to Texas standards or if they meet specific education and experience criteria. To qualify, out-of-state CPAs must have passed the uniform CPA exam, completed 150 semester hours in accounting (or equivalent), and have 1-2 years of relevant work experience depending on their educational path. The bill updates Texas law to formalize these standards, requiring verification through NASBA or direct compliance, and maintains existing privileges for qualifying out-of-state CPAs through 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 54, titled "Relating to the display of and allowance for non-human behaviors in Texas schools," is a procedural bill that amends school discipline requirements. It mandates that Texas public school districts include specific factors in their student conduct codes, such as self-defense, intent, disability considerations, and homelessness status, when making disciplinary decisions like suspensions or expulsions. The bill requires schools to post these codes prominently and consider these factors in all disciplinary actions. It does not ban specific activities but standardizes how schools evaluate student behavior. The bill is currently pending in the Education Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2076 requires health insurance plans that cover prescription contraceptive devices (like IUDs or implants) to also cover evidence-based anxiety and pain management specifically for the insertion or removal of these devices. This applies to all health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The law mandates coverage for proven methods to address discomfort during these medical procedures, not general anxiety or pain treatment. It directly affects insurance providers and plan members seeking contraceptive care. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, with the coverage requirement applying to future plans starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 242 creates a new criminal offense for obtaining personally identifiable voter information that connects a voter to their specific ballot choices, violating the constitutional right to a secret ballot. It makes this a third-degree felony, with exceptions for election officials acting within their official duties and for court-ordered access during election disputes. The law applies only to offenses occurring on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025), and does not affect past actions. This directly affects individuals or entities attempting to access or collect such private voting data without legal authorization.

Maddy summaryHB 118 establishes the Texas Advisory Committee on Pacific Conflict to advise the state on preparing for potential conflicts in the Pacific Ocean region. The bill defines "Pacific conflict" as threats involving U.S. allies in the Pacific, including attacks on U.S. homeland or disruptions to supply chains with China or Taiwan. The committee will focus on reducing security vulnerabilities in Texas, protecting critical infrastructure (like oil/gas systems, water supply, and communications networks), and ensuring critical procurement for state operations. This is a procedural bill creating an advisory body, not a direct policy change, with no voting record yet as it remains pending in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 141 adopts the revised Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children into Texas law, aligning state procedures with a national agreement. The bill updates Texas Family Code definitions and procedures to standardize how child welfare agencies in Texas and other states place children across state lines, ensuring consistent oversight and service delivery. It directly affects Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and child welfare agencies in other states involved in interstate placements. Key mechanisms include requiring placements to be "safe and suitable," enabling ongoing supervision between states, and mandating uniform data sharing to facilitate timely placements. The compact aims to streamline processes while maintaining each state's legal responsibility for children in out-of-state placements.

Maddy summaryHB 3129 allows hunters and anglers applying for Texas hunting or fishing licenses to voluntarily donate $1, $5, $10, or $20 to the Operation Game Thief Fund. The bill requires the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to include donation options on license applications (both physical and online) and deposit donations into the fund within 14 days of receipt. This policy change directly affects license applicants by adding a simple, optional contribution mechanism during the application process. The fund supports enforcement efforts against illegal hunting and fishing activities. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 125 creates the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine as a new academic unit within Tarleton State University. The bill establishes that the college will operate under the oversight of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, offer osteopathic medicine degrees under Tarleton's authority, and partner with public or private teaching hospitals. This legislation directly affects Tarleton State University students seeking osteopathic medicine degrees and expands Texas' network of medical education institutions. The bill amends Texas Education Code to formally include the new college in the state's list of authorized medical and dental programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1964 creates a legal right for farmers and agricultural operations to sue local governments (like counties or cities) if those governments enforce rules that violate Texas Agriculture Code provisions. The bill allows affected individuals to seek court orders to stop enforcement of such rules and recover legal fees and costs if they win their case. It applies only to lawsuits filed after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote earlier). This directly affects farmers facing local enforcement actions and local governments that may be sued under this new provision. The law does not change existing agricultural regulations but provides a new remedy for disputes.