Rep. Tom Oliverson

Maddy summaryThis bill limits late payment fees charged by municipal water utilities in Texas. It caps fees at $5 or 2% of the overdue amount before day 32, $5 or 5% between days 32-41, and $5 or 10% after day 41. Utilities cannot begin charging penalties before 21 days after billing a customer, and penalties end when the full amount is paid. The rules apply only to fees charged on or after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed by two-thirds vote).

Maddy summaryHB 5611 allows emergency services districts (like EMS providers) to offer preventive health services, such as routine checkups, immunizations, and screenings, to reduce unnecessary 911 calls for non-emergency care. The bill defines "preventive health care services" as out-of-hospital routine care aimed at preventing illness, and permits districts to contract with state or local governments to provide these services. Districts in counties with fewer than 60,000 residents must first get approval from their county commissioners court. This bill expands existing authority for emergency districts to address community health needs through preventive care, without creating new programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 1102) is a symbolic recognition by the Texas House of Representatives designating May 13, 2025, as "Falun Dafa Day" in Texas. It acknowledges Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) as a spiritual practice with historical roots in Chinese culture and notes its global following, including over a dozen practice sites established in Texas since 1994. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any legal rights; it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment of the community's presence and practices. It directly recognizes Texas-based Falun Dafa practitioners without imposing any obligations on government or individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 5274 creates a new licensing system for anesthesiologist assistants in Texas, requiring them to obtain a state license to use that title or the initials "C.A.A." or "A.A." The bill establishes the Texas Anesthesiologist Assistant Board (with two assistants, two anesthesiologists, and one public member) to regulate the profession, set standards, and impose administrative penalties for violations. It specifically clarifies that healthcare workers performing similar tasks without using the title "anesthesiologist assistant" do not need this license. The bill directly affects individuals seeking to practice as anesthesiologist assistants and the healthcare facilities employing them under this new framework.

Maddy summaryHB 4688 modifies Texas law for civil liability cases involving commercial motor vehicle accidents. It restricts when evidence of regulatory violations (like safety rules) can be used in court, requiring such evidence to directly link the violation to the injury and show the rule specifically applied to the situation. The bill also limits claims against employers for driver negligence unless the employer first admits the driver was acting within their job duties at the time of the accident. These changes apply only to cases filed or tried after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryHB 321 creates an "express lane" to streamline eligibility for child health coverage by connecting Texas SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) applications with the child health plan program. It requires the state health agency to automatically check SNAP application data to determine if a child qualifies for health coverage, avoiding delays by opening a new case for health enrollment. The bill mandates parental consent before enrolling children and provides notice via the parent’s preferred contact method. This directly affects children whose families apply for SNAP benefits and may qualify for child health coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 2969 prohibits the Texas State Bar from adopting rules, policies, or penalties that restrict law license applicants or holders based on religious beliefs or burden constitutional rights. It specifically bans limitations on licensing due to sincerely held religious beliefs, or restrictions on free speech (including religious or political views), religious association, or assembly. Exceptions allow rules that serve a compelling government interest narrowly tailored to that purpose, or that address willful bias in court proceedings. The bill enables licensees to challenge violations through administrative hearings or lawsuits under Texas law, but not in cases involving sexual misconduct allegations or criminal prosecution.

Maddy summaryHB 3708 requires nonprofit hospitals in Texas to screen all patients for charity care eligibility *before* sending bills or pursuing debt collection. Hospitals must apply qualifying charity care discounts upfront, include clear notices about financial assistance on billing statements (with contact details and policy links), and refund patients if eligibility was incorrectly denied. The Health and Human Services Commission can impose escalating penalties: a corrective plan for first violations, $250,000 fines for second violations, and potential tax exemption revocation for third violations. This bill directly affects nonprofit hospitals by changing their billing practices and adding compliance requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1674 would ban the production, sale, and use of certain agricultural products containing PFAS chemicals (like pesticides or crop protectants). It directly affects agricultural businesses, manufacturers, and sellers of these products. The bill creates criminal penalties for violations, treating unauthorized PFAS use as a punishable offense. The bill is currently pending in the Environmental Regulation committee after committee hearings. (Note: Full bill text is not yet available; this summary is based on the title and pending status.)

Maddy summaryHB 2275 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (specialized policies for high-risk or hard-to-place coverage) containing arbitration agreements must specify that any arbitration occurs in Texas and follows Texas law. It mandates that both the arbitration process and contract interpretation be governed by Texas statutes, applying only to contracts delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. Existing contracts before that date remain subject to prior law. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects insurers writing surplus lines policies in Texas.