Rep. Tom Oliverson

Maddy summaryHB 2036 clarifies definitions for behavioral health services within Texas Medicaid managed care programs. It specifically defines "behavioral health services" to include mental health and substance use disorder treatment, with detailed descriptions of "intensive outpatient services" (like individual/group counseling and relapse prevention) and "partial hospitalization services" (intensive outpatient care under 24 hours). The bill requires Medicaid managed care plans to provide these defined services but includes a provision allowing state agencies to delay implementation if federal waivers are needed. This bill directly affects Texas Medicaid managed care organizations and their service delivery requirements, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4409 creates an interstate compact for audiology and speech-language pathology professionals, allowing Texas-licensed practitioners to provide services in other participating states without obtaining additional licenses. It directly affects licensed professionals and patients seeking these services across state lines, particularly benefiting military spouses relocating with active-duty personnel. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses, support for telehealth services, and a requirement for states to share disciplinary information. The bill also authorizes fees to administer the compact. This legislation aims to improve public access to these services while preserving each state's regulatory authority over licensure.

Maddy summaryHB 2739 requires that voters presenting certain identification documents at polling places must have an address matching their registered voter address. Specifically, it applies to Texas driver's licenses, election ID certificates, and handgun licenses issued by the Department of Public Safety (as listed in Section 63.0101(a)(1) and (5)). Election officials may no longer accept these documents if the address does not match the voter's registration address. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not affect other acceptable IDs like military IDs or passports.

Maddy summaryHB 2287 allows victims (or their estates) of violent felony offenses committed by defendants released on personal bond to sue the judge or magistrate who approved that release. It applies only when the release violated specific bond rules for violent crimes (defined under Texas law), and the lawsuit must prove the release was improper under those rules. The bill caps damages at $10 million and explicitly states judges cannot use judicial immunity as a defense. This law would take effect September 1, 2025, for releases occurring after that date.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill (HB 4901) requires app stores (like Apple App Store or Google Play) operating in Texas to verify users' ages and categorize them into four groups: child (<13), younger teen (13-15), older teen (16-17), and adult (18+). For minors (under 18), it mandates parental consent by linking accounts to a parent or guardian aged 18 or older. App stores must use reasonable methods to confirm age during account creation. The law directly affects app platforms and users under 18 in Texas, with no voting record available as the bill remains pending in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 3314 establishes new energy efficiency standards for unvented attic and rafter assemblies in residential construction across Texas. It requires these assemblies to meet specific insulation levels (R-20 for climate zones 2-3, R-26 for zone 4), pass a blower door test (under 3.0 ACH50), include non-negative-pressure ventilation, and properly insulate exposed rafters in certain cases. The bill directly affects residential builders, local building jurisdictions, and new home construction projects. It creates an alternative compliance path for insulation standards under existing energy codes, effective September 1, 2025. The bill does not change the base energy code but provides an additional method to meet insulation requirements for specific attic/rafter designs.

Maddy summaryHB 4660 establishes that space flight activities in Texas fall under both federal and state jurisdiction, prohibiting counties, municipalities, or other local entities from banning or regulating these activities (except as specified in Section 61.132 of the Natural Resources Code). The bill specifically applies to counties bordering the Gulf of Mexico with FAA-approved spaceports and smaller municipalities (under 150,000 population) that have beach access plans. It requires advance notice to local governments for launch dates between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (to the municipality) or 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. (to the commissioners court), and allows temporary beach closures near launch sites for public safety during those dates. The bill does not create new regulations but clarifies local governments' limited authority over space flight activities near coastal areas.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) passed by the Texas House of Representatives. It formally recognizes Stestí Brewing Company in Lovelady, Texas, and its owners Dennis and Ana Guerrero Gore, for their community service and contributions to the local craft beer scene. The resolution highlights the brewery's Czech-inspired brewing techniques and its role in strengthening East Texas' economy and cultural landscape. It includes no policy changes or financial obligations - it simply expresses the House's "high regard" through a formal written commendation.

Maddy summaryHB 2068 amends the governance structure of the Harris County Flood Control District, clarifying its boundaries and establishing a process for adjacent counties to join the district. The bill specifies that the district’s territory matches Harris County’s boundaries unless modified by specific laws, and adds a new section (Sec. 1C) allowing neighboring counties to petition to join the district via their commissioners court resolution. The district’s governing body, the Harris County Commissioners Court, would approve such petitions after a hearing if the addition benefits the district. This bill directly affects Harris County’s flood management operations and potentially adjacent counties seeking to participate in regional flood control efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 8 reduces the maximum tax rate school districts can collect for the 2025-2026 school year by $0.0331, calculated using a new method in Section 48.2554 of the Education Code. It directly affects all Texas public school districts by adjusting how their maximum tax rates are determined, ensuring rates don’t drop below 90% of neighboring districts’ rates. The bill updates references to "maximum compressed tax rate" in multiple education funding laws to reflect this change and expires on September 1, 2027. It takes effect September 1, 2025, with no additional funding or program changes beyond the tax rate adjustment.