Rep. Penny Morales Shaw

Maddy summaryHB 1644 exempts individuals from certain drug law penalties when using, possessing, delivering, or manufacturing equipment that tests for fentanyl, its derivatives, or xylazine. It directly affects harm reduction organizations, first responders, and public health workers who use testing kits to identify these substances in communities. The bill adds a new exception (Section 481.125(j)) to Texas' Health and Safety Code, clarifying that testing equipment for these specific drugs is not subject to criminal penalties under existing law. The exemption applies only to equipment testing for fentanyl, alpha-methylfentanyl, or xylazine, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2118 creates a special permit allowing oversized or overweight trucks to transport Texas-grown agricultural commodities (including crops, livestock, processed foods, and woodchips) during or before declared disasters. The permit requires approval from the Texas Division of Emergency Management and applies only when a federal or state disaster is declared under the Robert T. Stafford Act or Texas Government Code. It amends Texas Transportation Code to temporarily relax standard weight limits for vehicles delivering these essential goods during emergencies. This change directly affects agricultural transporters needing to move commodities quickly during disaster response or preparation.

Maddy summaryHB 3077 requires alcohol manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in Texas to submit detailed monthly sales reports to the state for tax purposes. Specifically, brewers, brewpubs, wholesalers, distributors, and package store local distributors must file separate reports by the 25th of each month, listing every sale to each retail location. The reports must include product details (brand, type, container size), quantities, and prices for each alcoholic beverage sold to specific retailers. This bill directly affects businesses holding alcohol permits or licenses under Texas law and updates reporting requirements for sales and use tax compliance. The changes take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 215 changes how child support payments are handled for children in the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) conservatorship. It directs DFPS to assign a child's support rights and benefits directly to a relative or designated caregiver who is caring for the child, rather than keeping them with the state. The bill also requires DFPS to help caregivers become the "representative payee" for federal programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. This ensures caregivers can access and manage these funds to support the child's daily needs. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3728 requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to establish specific salinity standards for Texas bays and estuaries. It mandates two key mechanisms: (1) numeric salinity gradients where site-specific studies exist, and (2) narrative criteria listing species that depend on estuaries to guide water quality standards. The bill also requires the TCEQ to publish a report by September 2026 analyzing long-term salinity studies (2003-2025) and assessing impacts from wastewater, desalination, and weather changes on estuarine wildlife. This bill directly affects the TCEQ’s regulatory authority and aims to protect coastal ecosystems by tying water quality standards to measurable ecological needs.

Maddy summaryHB 2701 establishes fire safety and construction standards for privately owned recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds that offer transient overnight stays to the public. It requires these facilities to comply with the National Fire Protection Association's 2021 standard for RV parks (NFPA 1194), excluding Section 1.1.1. Existing facilities operating as of the law's effective date (September 1, 2025) have until September 1, 2026, to meet these standards. The bill also prohibits local governments from imposing stricter safety rules than those specified in the new standard.

Maddy summaryHB 1757 updates Texas requirements for becoming a certified public accountant (CPA). It specifies that applicants must either complete 150 academic hours (with accounting coursework) or hold a bachelor's degree in accounting, pass the CPA exam, meet work experience standards, and pass a professional conduct exam. The bill adds a new requirement: individuals with a bachelor's degree must now complete two years of work experience to qualify for certification. It also allows Texas to accept CPA exam results from other states under specific reciprocity conditions, such as if exams were prepared by AICPA or NASBA. The changes take effect September 1, 2025, after the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts implementing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 484 allows Texas public colleges and universities to adopt policies banning cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products on campus grounds and in campus buildings. It directly affects all public institutions of higher education by granting them authority to implement such restrictions. The key provision states campuses may prohibit these products in all campus locations, without requiring a statewide ban. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds legislative vote earlier.

Maddy summaryHB 805 requires the Texas Public Utility Commission to study existing and potential new electric transmission interconnections between Texas and Mexico. The study must examine impacts on power networks and retail customers in both Texas and Mexico. The Commission must submit a report to the legislature by September 1, 2026, and the bill expires December 31, 2026. This procedural bill focuses on gathering data about cross-border energy infrastructure without making policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1154 requires workforce boards in Gulf Coast counties with 400,000+ residents to create a 17-member skilled labor task force. The task force must include local government officials, education representatives, business leaders, and two nonvoting legislative members appointed by the lieutenant governor and House speaker. It will study workforce training gaps, youth career preparation, and industry needs in the region, then submit biennial reports to the legislature. The bill directly affects workforce development in these specific Gulf Coast counties, focusing on improving local workforce education and addressing skills shortages.