Rep. Tom Oliverson

Maddy summaryHB 151 designates carisoprodol (a muscle relaxant), mifepristone, and misoprostol as Schedule IV controlled substances under Texas law. This change would subject these substances to stricter regulation, including prescription requirements and penalties for unauthorized possession or distribution. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, applying only to offenses committed on or after that date, with prior offenses governed by existing law. It directly affects individuals and providers handling these substances in Texas, requiring compliance with Schedule IV controls.

Maddy summaryHB 63 requires campgrounds located in flood-prone areas (floodways) to obtain prior approval from Texas' Division of Emergency Management before constructing or expanding. Campground owners must submit detailed plans demonstrating how structures prevent flooding, allow safe evacuation, and provide emergency access routes. The bill authorizes administrative fines for non-compliance and permits individuals to sue if campgrounds violate the rules. This applies only to new construction or expansions beginning March 1, 2026, affecting private campground operators in designated flood zones.

Maddy summaryHB 167 restricts local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofits that lobby on their behalf. It prohibits spending taxpayer money to contract with registered lobbyists or support organizations representing local governments that employ lobbyists, though exceptions exist for direct communication by government employees or advocacy by elected officials. The bill allows reimbursement for travel expenses related to permitted activities and lets taxpayers sue to stop violations and recover legal fees. It directly affects how local governments allocate public funds for legislative advocacy efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 115 restricts Texas local governments (like cities and counties) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay organizations that hire lobbyists to influence state legislation. The bill specifically prohibits spending public money to contract with registered lobbyists or fund associations primarily representing local governments if those associations employ registered lobbyists, with exceptions for sheriffs' associations and certain staff activities. It allows local government employees to provide information to lawmakers, advocate for policies without registering as lobbyists, and cover direct travel expenses for such activities. Taxpayers or residents can sue to stop prohibited spending and recover legal fees if they win the case. The law aims to prevent public funds from being used to directly lobby the state legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 95 establishes minimum training and certification standards for Emergency Management Coordinators in Texas counties with populations over 500,000. It requires these coordinators, appointed by Emergency Management Directors, to meet qualifications set by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The bill directly affects county emergency management staff in larger jurisdictions who handle disaster response coordination. Key provisions mandate that coordinators' qualifications be defined through division rules, ensuring standardized emergency management capacity across qualifying counties.

Maddy summaryHB 153 requires Texas insurers to provide specific written notices when using aerial images to decide not to renew residential property insurance policies. It mandates that notices include date-stamped images showing property defects (taken within the past year) and clear steps for policyholders to address issues. Insurers must establish contact points for policyholders to submit repair documentation and create an appeals process for disputed decisions. This bill directly affects Texas homeowners whose insurance may be nonrenewed based on aerial image assessments. The law applies to all residential property insurers licensed in Texas and aims to increase transparency in nonrenewal decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 163 allows victims of violent crimes (or their estates if the victim died) to sue judges or magistrates who improperly released defendants on personal bond for certain violent felony offenses. The bill creates a new legal cause of action if the release violated specific bond rules for violent offenses (defined under Texas law), with damages capped at $10 million. It explicitly removes judicial immunity as a defense in such cases and applies only to bond releases occurring after the bill's effective date. This policy change directly affects victims of violent crimes and judicial officers who grant bond in violation of the specified legal standards.

Maddy summaryHB 154 requires Texas state agencies to use the terms "Judea and Samaria" (or "Judea" for land south of Jerusalem, "Samaria" for land north of Jerusalem) instead of "West Bank" in all official communications. It directly affects all Texas state agencies, including departments and commissions, by mandating this terminology change in rules, press releases, and other official statements. The bill prohibits using "West Bank" except when an agency head determines it serves Texas's interests and provides a written explanation to the legislature or governor within 30 days. This is a procedural change focused solely on terminology, not policy or land status.

Maddy summaryHB 160 prohibits the application of treated sewage sludge (biosolids) to non-agricultural land, such as public parks, golf courses, and athletic fields. It requires permits for any land application of biosolids on non-agricultural sites, with strict conditions including quarterly reporting on sludge source, location, metals content, and application dates. The bill amends Texas Health and Safety Code Section 361.121 to define "land application unit" and adds new reporting requirements for permit holders. It directly affects municipalities, park departments, and private entities managing non-agricultural land where biosolids might otherwise be used. The law does not restrict agricultural land applications, which are addressed in a separate new section (361.1211).

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Governor Greg Abbott to return federal reconciliation funds to Texas taxpayers by implementing property tax relief. The Texas House of Representatives passed this non-binding resolution to formally request the Governor use the funds for property tax cuts, directing the chief clerk to forward a copy to the Governor's office. It does not require legal action or change existing tax policy, as resolutions like this serve only as a formal expression of legislative opinion.