Rep. Tom Oliverson

Maddy summaryHB 3863 requires health insurance plans (including Medicaid managed care organizations) to pay healthcare providers faster for services. Specifically, it mandates payments within 10 days for nursing facility services, 30 days for long-term care, and 45 days for other claims. The bill also prohibits insurers from charging providers fees for electronic payments (like virtual credit cards), though standard bank fees are allowed. Additionally, it requires insurers to establish a system for tracking and resolving provider disputes over unpaid claims. This directly affects doctors, hospitals, and clinics that bill these insurance plans.

Maddy summaryHB 1687 creates a credit toward government employees' health plan deductibles for payments they make directly to physicians or providers when the amount paid is below the plan's discounted rate for that service. It applies to enrollees in specific governmental employee health benefit plans (including state/local government plans under Chapters 1551, 1575, 1579, 1601, or local government risk pools). The bill requires health plans to establish a simple online process for employees to claim these credits and verify payment amounts. The policy change takes effect for plans delivered, renewed, or with a new plan year starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summarySJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that non-U.S. citizens cannot vote in Texas. It amends Article VI, Section 1(a) of the Texas Constitution by adding "persons who are not citizens of the United States" as a prohibited voting class. This would clarify existing voting eligibility rules by making citizenship a constitutional requirement, directly affecting non-citizen residents. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 4, 2025, election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 3554 establishes the Texas Rare Disease Advisory Council under the Health and Safety Code to advise the governor, state agencies, and healthcare providers on improving care for Texans with rare diseases. The council, composed of 23 appointed members including patients, caregivers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and industry representatives, will develop recommendations for better health outcomes. It requires the state health department to provide administrative support to the council. This bill directly affects individuals diagnosed with rare diseases (defined as conditions impacting fewer than 200,000 people nationally) by creating a formal channel for their input into healthcare policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1142 clarifies which Texas government health benefit plans must cover mental health conditions and substance use disorders. It amends the Insurance Code to specify that the coverage requirements apply to "basic coverage plans" under Chapters 1551, 1575, 1579, and 1601 - such as state employee or public employee health plans. The bill excludes certain policy types (like accident-only or limited disease coverage) from these requirements. It also establishes enforcement mechanisms for evaluating treatment limitations in key categories like inpatient care and prescription drugs. The bill was enacted on May 14, 2025, after passing the Texas Legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 1862 allows sheriffs and constables in Texas counties with populations exceeding 1.2 million to directly contract with local governments, property owners' associations, or landowners for law enforcement services in specific areas. These contracts must cover services for residents and visitors in locations managed by the contracting party, such as municipal districts or private property. The bill prohibits county commissioners courts from blocking or restricting these contracts and requires sheriffs/constables to set contract terms without needing county approval. This directly affects law enforcement agencies and local entities in large-county areas by shifting contract authority from county governments to individual sheriffs and constables.

Maddy summaryHB 1551 requires Texas public school districts and charter schools to notify parents or guardians within two school days if an employee is charged with certain criminal offenses under Texas law (specifically Article 42.018, which covers crimes against children). The notice must include the employee's name, position, employment status, length of employment, and the charge, while stating that the employee is presumed innocent. Schools cannot disclose the alleged victim's identity but may add non-sensitive facts about the case. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 3695 limits copayments for physical therapy visits under certain health plans. It prohibits health maintenance organizations and preferred provider plans from charging enrollees a higher copayment for a physical therapist visit (without a referral) than for a primary care physician visit. The law applies to plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects Texas enrollees who use physical therapy services without needing a physician referral.

Maddy summaryHB 1087 requires property owners' associations in Texas to hold special elections to fill board vacancies instead of allowing boards to appoint members. This change directly affects property owners' associations and their members, who must now vote in special elections to select individuals to serve until the next regular board election. The bill amends Property Code Section 209.00593 to mandate this election process, replacing any prior allowance for board appointments to fill vacancies. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, implementing a more transparent, member-driven approach to board vacancy resolution.