Rep. Tom Oliverson

Maddy summarySB 2703 prevents municipalities and counties from treating condominium developments differently than other similar property types under local zoning, building codes, or subdivision regulations. It specifically clarifies that condo declarations are not considered "subdivisions" under Texas Local Government Code Chapters 212, 232, or 242, and prohibits local governments from requiring subdivision plats for condo creation or modifications. This bill directly affects condo developers, owners, and local governments by eliminating additional approval steps for condos that were previously treated as subdivisions. The changes apply only to new condo declarations recorded on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing condos governed by prior law.

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 summaryThis bill requires individuals to submit proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must provide a copy of specific documents, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate, with their voter registration application. If initial proof is not provided, voter registrars must attempt to verify citizenship using various databases. If citizenship cannot be verified or proof is not ultimately provided, the applicant will only be eligible to vote a limited federal ballot. The bill also creates a state jail felony offense for registrars who knowingly fail to reject applications that do not meet these new requirements.

Maddy summarySB 985 allows Texas counties to combine election precincts under specific conditions to avoid excessive election costs. It permits combining precincts with fewer than 500 registered voters (for counties under 1.2 million population) or between 500-750 voters (for counties with 250,000+ population), with a maximum of 10,000 voters per combined precinct. The bill requires that precinct combinations must not dilute voting strength or discourage participation by protected groups under federal Voting Rights Act. This applies to counties not using the countywide polling place program, primarily affecting local election officials and county commissioners courts.

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 summaryHB 1089 creates a dedicated "Gulf Coast Protection Account" within the state's general revenue fund, managed by Texas' General Land Office. The account is funded by gifts, donations, grants, and legislative appropriations. Money from this account can only be spent on projects to fulfill federal project requirements under the 2021 Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Study, comply with local Gulf Coast Protection District agreements, or fund specific coastal protection projects along the Texas Gulf Coast. The bill explicitly states these expenditures serve a public purpose and are subject to state audit.

Maddy summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

Maddy summarySB 1073 prevents Texas licensing authorities from imposing rules or penalties that discriminate against or burden applicants or licensed attorneys based on sincerely held religious beliefs, free speech (including religious or political views), religious organization membership, or freedom of association. It prohibits policies that limit license eligibility or renewal due to these protected rights, while allowing exceptions for rules strictly necessary to serve a compelling government purpose or address willful bias in legal proceedings. The bill directly affects law license applicants and holders in Texas by ensuring their constitutional rights cannot be infringed through licensing decisions. Violations can be challenged in administrative or court proceedings, though this defense cannot be used in cases involving sexual misconduct allegations or criminal prosecutions.

Maddy summaryHB 1731 establishes Texas' participation in the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, allowing PAs licensed in Texas to practice in other participating states without additional licensing. The bill authorizes a fee to cover administrative costs of the compact and creates a system for mutual recognition of licenses. Key provisions require PAs to follow the laws of the state where the patient is located during care, and states participating in the compact retain authority to take adverse action against a PA's license. This directly affects physician assistants seeking to practice across state lines, including military families who can now more easily obtain licenses based on an existing good-standing license.

Maddy summaryHB 4273 requires Texas Medicaid officials to conduct regular electronic data checks to verify recipient eligibility, directly affecting Medicaid beneficiaries and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Key provisions include monthly verification of lottery winnings, death records, and out-of-state transactions, plus quarterly checks of voter registration status to identify potential eligibility changes. The bill prohibits accepting self-reported income, residency, citizenship, or household composition for Medicaid eligibility, replacing it with mandatory data matching. These changes aim to strengthen verification processes for Medicaid benefits under Texas law.