Rep. Valoree Swanson

Maddy summaryHB 84 authorizes Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin for human use without a doctor's prescription, directly affecting pharmacists and patients seeking this medication. The bill requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order with standardized protocols for pharmacists, including patient instructions and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. It also provides legal protection for pharmacists who follow the order, shielding them from liability or disciplinary action. The commissioner must issue this order within 91 days after the legislative session ends, implementing the policy changes outlined in the new Health and Safety Code section.

Maddy summarySB 1362 prohibits Texas state and local entities - including courts, law enforcement, and prosecutors - from recognizing, serving, or enforcing "extreme risk protective orders" (commonly called "red flag" orders). These orders typically restrict firearm access when a court deems someone a risk to themselves or others. The bill creates a criminal offense for violating this prohibition and blocks Texas entities from accepting federal grants meant to implement such orders. It directly affects all Texas government bodies and law enforcement agencies, preventing them from participating in programs that require enforcing these firearm restrictions. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

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 summaryHB 1532 creates the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District to manage dredging and maintenance in specific waterways, directly affecting residents and property owners within its service area (Lake Houston, San Jacinto River forks, Luce Bayou downstream from Trent Road, and Caney Creek between Harris County and Lake Houston). The bill establishes a governing board of five directors appointed by Houston City Council, Houston Public Works, Harris County Flood Control District, and the Houston Mayor, with staggered four-year terms. Key provisions authorize the district to issue bonds to fund dredging and maintenance operations, which are essential for flood control, water quality, and navigation. This law, effective immediately after being filed without the governor's signature, codifies a new entity to handle these critical waterway maintenance tasks under Texas Constitution Section 59.

Maddy summaryHB 3214 modifies Texas' master plumber license eligibility requirements by reducing the required journeyman plumber experience from four years to two years. It allows applicants to qualify with either two years of experience or one year of experience plus completion of a nationally recognized apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. The bill applies only to new license applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing applications and current license holders unaffected. All other requirements - including passing exams and supervision duties - remain unchanged under the revised rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1661 requires election authorities to provide each precinct with ballots equal to 25% more than the number of voters in the last election for that precinct (capped at registered voters unless using countywide polling), aiming to prevent shortages. It creates criminal penalties for intentionally failing to meet this requirement or to promptly supplement ballots upon polling place requests, classifying these offenses as Class A misdemeanors (punishable by up to a year in jail). The bill modifies Texas Election Code sections 51.005, 51.008, 51.010, 51.011, and 61.007 to establish these specific requirements and penalties. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 1596 amends Texas Penal Code Section 46.05(a) to explicitly prohibit the possession, manufacture, transportation, repair, or sale of short-barrel firearms without proper registration or classification as a curio/antique. The bill directly affects individuals and businesses handling such firearms, adding them to existing prohibitions alongside machine guns and explosive devices. Key provisions include defining short-barrel firearms as illegal under the law (effective September 1, 2025) and establishing limited exceptions for antique/curio items or specific organizations. The bill repeals a prior Penal Code section (46.01(10)) and clarifies that new restrictions apply only to offenses occurring on or after the effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 721 clarifies which health benefit plans must provide cost disclosures to consumers. It specifies that disclosure requirements apply to plans like small employer health benefit plans, standard health plans, basic coverage plans, and primary care plans, but explicitly excludes health reimbursement arrangements, workers' compensation insurance, and certain regional health programs. This bill affects health benefit plan issuers and administrators by defining the scope of existing disclosure laws, ensuring they know which plans require cost transparency. The changes take effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 551 modifies Texas Ethics Commission reporting requirements for political contributions and expenditures. It requires the Commission to add a field indicating whether an address is a residence address on reports, then mandates removing all full address details (except city, state, and zip code) for residence addresses from publicly available online reports. This change applies to reports filed on or after January 1, 2026, while full address information remains accessible only in physical records at the Commission's office. The bill aims to protect residential privacy for individuals receiving political expenditures without altering business address disclosures.

Maddy summaryHB 12 requires the State Commission on Governmental Operations to review state agencies that regulate activities through licensing, such as professional or business licensing boards. The bill mandates that these agencies post online notices about the review process and public participation opportunities, and regulatory agencies must also notify licensees and seek their input. The commission must include findings, recommendations, and a 10-year performance analysis for regulatory agencies in its final report. This applies to state agencies in the executive branch with statewide licensing authority (excluding river authorities) and became effective September 1, 2025.