Rep. John Bucy

Maddy summaryHB 2802 amends Texas law to adjust population thresholds for firefighter retirement systems in certain cities, expanding eligibility to cover municipalities with populations of 450,000 to 500,000 (previously 950,000 to 1,050,000). The bill updates definitions and administrative rules for retirement funds, including terms like "actuarial accrued liability" and "amortization period," to align with revised funding calculations. These changes directly affect firefighters in qualifying cities by modifying how their retirement contributions and benefits are calculated and administered under state law. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after receiving final approval in June 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1105 exempts paramedics employed by Texas cities, counties, or other local governments from tuition and laboratory fees at public colleges when enrolled in emergency medical services courses. This applies only to students maintaining satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate, and does not cover security deposits, additional fees for residents, or graduate-level surcharges. The exemption excludes distance education courses where more than 20% of enrollment exceeds the institution's designated limit. The bill, signed into law by the governor on June 20, 2025, became effective immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 1481 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt written policies prohibiting student use of personal communication devices (such as cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day on school property or at school events. Exceptions allow device use for students with documented medical needs, individualized education plans (IEPs), or health/safety protocols. Schools may implement either a full device ban or a secure storage system for devices during school hours, and must return confiscated devices or dispose of them after providing parents 90 days' written notice. The law takes effect immediately upon the governor's signature.

Maddy summaryHB 42 modifies how Texas allocates annual state funds to public universities and colleges by establishing a new formula based on space deficit, facilities condition, institutional complexity, and a separate allocation for the Texas State Technical College System. It specifies exact funding amounts for institutions like the University of North Texas ($65 million), Texas State University ($58 million), and Lamar University ($20 million) for the 2026 fiscal year. The bill changes the method of distributing constitutional appropriations from previous formulas to these new criteria and amounts. Signed into law on June 20, 2025, it takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3689 changes how the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) funds catastrophic windstorm and hail insurance losses after major disasters. Instead of relying on public securities (which incur high interest costs), the bill authorizes the state to provide loans of up to $500 million before a disaster and $1 billion after one. TWIA would repay these loans through a surcharge on certain windstorm and hail insurance policies in coastal areas. This directly affects coastal property owners who pay these insurance premiums, as the surcharge ensures repayment of state funds used to cover disaster losses.

Maddy summaryHB 4743 allows hospitals to obtain a single license covering both the main hospital facility and its mobile stroke unit, provided the mobile unit is accredited by a federal health care accreditation organization. This directly affects hospitals operating mobile stroke units that meet specific accreditation standards. The bill streamlines licensing by eliminating the need for separate licenses for the hospital and its mobile unit, while requiring the mobile unit to maintain federal accreditation. This change reduces administrative burden for hospitals without altering medical standards for stroke care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires vision insurance companies to create online applications for optometrists and therapeutic optometrists to join their plans. It mandates that insurers provide contracts within 10 business days of receiving a complete application and make credentialing decisions within 30 days. The bill ensures all applicants face identical application requirements and processing timelines, prohibiting insurers from considering extra information beyond the submitted application. It also requires insurers to include approved providers in their plans within 20 business days of contract acceptance. The law applies to all vision care plans serving Texas residents.

Maddy summaryHB 2253 allows local governments in Texas to cancel bond election votes if a disaster declaration is issued by the governor under Chapter 418 of the Government Code. Specifically, it permits cancellation if the governor declares a natural or health-threatening disaster and the local governing body votes to cancel the election due to damage to election systems, risks to election workers, or harm to voters. The bill requires local governments to post cancellation notices at polling places during early voting and election day. This applies to elections for bond measures related to infrastructure or public projects, directly affecting communities seeking to issue bonds during declared emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 5616 establishes the Texas Presidential Library Promotion Program to support three specific presidential libraries: the LBJ Library, George H.W. Bush Library, and George W. Bush Library. The program provides funding for exhibit renovations, promotes tourism through marketing, and develops a mobile exhibit featuring historical artifacts and educational materials about these presidents. Funding comes from gifts, grants, and legislative appropriations deposited into a dedicated account managed by the Texas Historical Commission. The law aims to enhance these libraries' roles as historical resources that attract visitors and contribute to Texas' cultural and economic landscape.

Maddy summaryHB 1393 would amend Texas law to require the state to observe daylight saving time year-round, creating a new time zone called "Texas Time" for all areas currently using Central or Mountain Standard Time. This bill directly affects all Texans by changing the state's standard time practice, eliminating seasonal clock changes. The key provision states that Texas would permanently adopt daylight saving time, but the law's implementation is conditional: it only takes effect if the U.S. Congress passes federal legislation authorizing states to do so. The bill passed both chambers and was signed by the governor in June 2025, pending federal action.