Maddy summarySB 2075 standardizes the structure and governance of advisory bodies for programs under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (DLR). It establishes formal "advisory boards" (replacing previous "committees") to advise DLR on policy, legislation, and administration, with specific membership requirements for boards like the one governing driver education. Key provisions define membership terms (staggered six-year terms), require appointments by the commission's presiding officer, and specify member categories (e.g., three driver education providers, three driving safety providers, one instructor). The bill directly affects DLR advisory groups and their members, ensuring consistent governance across DLR-administered programs without creating new regulatory requirements.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 43 amends Texas law to update the definition of "agricultural business" in the Agriculture Code, explicitly including rural recreational businesses (like hiking or fishing on farmland) and nonprofit land conservation groups. It also revises the composition of the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority's board, requiring the governor to appoint nine members with specific representation: two young farmers/ranchers, two representatives from rural entities (chambers, trade associations), and others with agricultural lending expertise. These changes directly affect entities applying for the Authority's loan and grant programs, such as farmers, ranchers, rural tourism businesses, and conservation nonprofits. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, after passing both chambers unanimously.
Maddy summarySB 764 changes the procedure for hearings when the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation denies an electrician's license or takes disciplinary action against one. It directs that these hearings be governed by Chapter 2001 of the Texas Government Code (which outlines administrative hearing rules), rather than existing licensing procedures. This change applies only to hearings starting on or after September 1, 2025, meaning existing cases follow the old rules. The bill affects electricians facing license denial or discipline by shifting their hearing process to a standardized administrative framework.
Maddy summaryHCR 148 designates Bridge City as Texas' official "Corn Dog Capital" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution recognizes Bridge City's local corn dog culture, including its food vendors, festivals, and community events centered around the snack. The designation, established under Texas Government Code Section 391.003(e), has no regulatory or financial impact but formally honors the city's culinary identity. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it does not create new policies or affect state funding.
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 2854 requires parole officers to approve non-medical hospital visits for certain parolees convicted of specific offenses (listed in Texas law). Releasees must submit advance requests specifying visit details, and parole officers must notify hospitals of approved visits. The bill shields hospitals from liability for damages related to these visits, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. It applies only to parolees released on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect those released earlier.
Maddy summarySB 2443 requires the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to deliver most official documents electronically - such as notices, orders, and correspondence - to license applicants and holders, replacing paper mail. TDLR may mandate individuals provide email addresses for communications, with those addresses kept confidential and exempt from public disclosure under state law. The bill repeals outdated provisions about document delivery and takes effect September 1, 2025, standardizing electronic communication for all TDLR regulatory processes. This change directly affects anyone interacting with TDLR for licensing, renewals, or compliance matters.
Maddy summaryHB 824 requires Texas public high schools to include specific civics content in their government curriculum starting with the 2025-2026 school year. It mandates that the State Board of Education adopt standards covering the roles of elected officials (statewide, county, city), Texas voting processes and election laws, eligibility requirements for office, basic parliamentary procedures, and identifying local representatives. This directly affects all Texas public high school students and educators implementing the social studies curriculum. The bill became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature on June 20, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 6 amends Texas Education Code Section 12.111 to update requirements for charter schools. The bill specifically adds new criteria allowing charter schools to exclude students who were expelled under Section 37.007, placed in disciplinary alternative education programs under Section 37.006, or have documented criminal histories or discipline problems. While the bill title mentions telehealth mental health services in public schools, the provided text does not detail provisions for telehealth access. The legislation primarily affects charter schools by modifying their student admission policies and discipline management standards. HB 6 was signed into law by the governor on June 20, 2025, and is now effective.
Maddy summaryHB 300 increases the maximum Texas Armed Services Scholarship to $30,000 per academic year (up from $15,000), capping at the average cost of attendance at Texas colleges. It expands appointment authority, allowing the governor and lieutenant governor to each appoint two students annually, and each state senator or representative to appoint one student, with deadlines set for September 30. The bill directly affects Texas students enrolled in ROTC or similar military commissioning programs at Texas colleges, requiring proof of program enrollment or acceptance into the Texas State Guard. These changes are effective immediately after the bill was signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.