Rep. Penny Morales Shaw

Maddy summaryHB 189 requires state and local government agencies to provide the public with a reasonable opportunity to comment on proposed changes to emergency management plans before adoption or revision. It mandates that agencies consider all written or oral submissions from interested persons (including people with disabilities) unless the plan contains sensitive infrastructure information. The bill specifically amends Texas Government Code sections 418.042 (state plans) and adds section 418.106(a-1) (local plans) to establish these public comment requirements. This affects all governmental entities responsible for emergency management planning, ensuring broader community input into disaster response strategies.

Maddy summaryHB 188 creates the Texas Rural Emergency Preparedness Fund to support small, rural communities in flood-prone areas. The fund provides grants to eligible entities - such as counties with under 100,000 residents, small municipalities, volunteer fire departments, or regional councils - for specific preparedness projects like emergency communication systems, evacuation planning, flood mitigation training, and shelter improvements. It defines "flood-prone" as areas in the 100-year floodplain, with two major floods in 15 years, or state-identified high-risk zones. The fund, administered by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, uses state appropriations, federal funds, and donations to cover project costs and limited administrative expenses. This bill directly benefits rural communities at high flood risk by funding tangible preparedness measures.

Maddy summaryHB 190 requires Texas local governments to adopt comprehensive disaster recovery plans that specifically address the needs of vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, the homeless, and low-income households. It mandates a state-developed model guide for local officials covering debris removal, federal funding access, housing coordination, and volunteer organization partnerships. The bill also adds specific requirements for inclusive disaster operations, such as disability-focused emergency notifications, shelter health standards, and integrated planning with facilities serving disabled individuals. These changes apply directly to city and county emergency management officials and state agencies managing disaster response. The bill amends sections of the Government Code related to emergency planning and recovery procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 165 requires Texas local governments to adopt comprehensive disaster plans addressing vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, the homeless, and low-income households. It mandates a state-developed model guide for officials covering debris removal, federal funding access, housing coordination, and volunteer organization collaboration. The bill also requires emergency plans to include disability-specific measures like equitable shelter access, emergency notifications, wellness checks, and coordination with disability service providers. Additionally, it directs the State Health Services Department to create a public education program on disaster preparedness. These changes directly affect local emergency management officials and all Texas communities during disaster response and recovery.

Maddy summaryHB 166 requires state and local government agencies to allow the public to comment on proposed changes to emergency management plans. Specifically, it mandates that agencies give "all interested persons, including those with disabilities," a reasonable opportunity to submit written or oral feedback before adopting or revising these plans. Agencies must fully consider all public submissions, unless the plan contains sensitive infrastructure details. This applies to both the state’s emergency management division (under Section 418.042) and local or regional agencies (under Section 418.106). The bill aims to increase transparency in emergency planning without altering the content of the plans themselves.

Maddy summarySB 650 requires retailers selling alcohol to verify customer age by scanning driver's licenses or ID cards with electronically readable information. It applies to all retail alcohol sales except on-premises sales at package stores. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, but businesses have until September 1, 2027, to comply, with no penalties for violations before that date. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission must adopt implementing rules by September 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 413 would have limited pretrial detention for defendants charged with Class B misdemeanors or more serious offenses, preventing jail stays longer than the maximum sentence they could receive if convicted. It required courts to calculate whether a defendant’s cumulative time in jail before trial exceeded the potential sentence for their offense, mandating release if it did. Exceptions included defendants undergoing competency evaluations or subject to Chapter 46B commitment orders. The bill was vetoed by the governor on June 22, 2025, and never took effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 recognizes physical gold and silver coins meeting specific weight and purity standards as legal tender in Texas for debt payments, while prohibiting government markings except for identifying refiners. It authorizes the state comptroller to establish electronic payment systems backed by bullion held in depositories, allowing transactions using gold/silver-based currency. The bill explicitly states it does not replace U.S. dollars, restrict federal currency, or require businesses to accept gold/silver tender. It also permits the comptroller to set reasonable administrative fees for the system. This law applies to Texas residents and businesses using the state-administered electronic currency system, operating alongside existing federal currency.

Maddy summarySB 991 expands Texas' definition of "students at risk of dropping out" to include those with chronic absenteeism or truancy. It requires public school districts to collect and report data on these students' attendance patterns, including unexcused absences. This law directly affects Texas public schools and students who miss significant school days without valid reasons. The policy change focuses on improving data tracking for attendance-related risks, without mandating new interventions.

Maddy summarySB 1283 requires senior retirement communities in Texas (defined as residential communities with 20+ units offering shared amenities) to conduct background checks on all employees and disclose in resident contracts whether vendors must also perform such checks. The law mandates that communities maintain written safety policies addressing criminal activity risks to residents. These requirements apply to all eligible communities except healthcare facilities, boarding homes, and federally regulated housing. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025.