Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson

Maddy summaryHJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment to clarify that Texas's Attorney General has concurrent authority with local county or district attorneys to prosecute criminal violations of election laws. This amendment would modify Article IV, Section 22 of the Texas Constitution to explicitly state that the Attorney General shares prosecution jurisdiction for election-related offenses. If approved by voters in the May 2, 2026 election, it would establish a clear legal framework for handling election law violations without creating new offenses or altering existing election laws. The change directly affects the Attorney General's office and local prosecutors in election-related criminal cases.

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 summaryHB 2518 prohibits third-party premium financing arrangements for Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) policies, requiring policyholders to use installment payment plans directly through TWIA at no additional cost. It applies to all TWIA policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and became effective September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects Texas homeowners and property owners insured through TWIA who previously relied on third-party financing options. This change eliminates fees associated with external premium financing by mandating that TWIA provide its own no-cost installment plans.

Maddy summaryHB 3372 prohibits school district administrators (excluding classroom teachers) from receiving financial benefits for personal services provided to specific entities, including businesses that work with their school district, curriculum service providers, or other school districts. The law directly affects administrators with significant operational duties, such as those managing campuses or programs, by banning conflicts of interest tied to district business relationships. Violations carry a $10,000 civil penalty per incident, and the bill took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on June 22, 2025. This legislation aims to prevent administrators from profiting from their official positions within the education system.

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 summarySB 25 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to provide daily moderate or vigorous physical activity for students in prekindergarten through grade 8. Specifically, it mandates at least 30 minutes daily for grades K-5 and 30 minutes daily for at least four semesters in grades 6-8, with alternatives for scheduling challenges (e.g., 135 minutes weekly). The bill prohibits schools from restricting student participation in physical activity as punishment for academic or behavioral issues. It directly affects K-8 students and school employees responsible for implementing physical education curricula, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2520 amends Texas' open meetings law to expand the definition of "governmental body" subject to public meeting requirements. It adds entities like reinvestment zone boards, workforce development boards, certain nonprofit water corporations, and local workforce boards to the list of groups required to follow open meeting rules. The bill also requires more specific meeting notices, including detailed agendas that clearly identify topics of public interest and any items discussed in closed sessions. This legislation, which passed both chambers in May 2025, was vetoed by the Governor on June 22, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3120 requires owners or operators of facilities housing unaccompanied immigrant children under federal contracts (like those with ICE or HHS) to conduct criminal background checks on staff applicants and employees. It permits these checks for employment screening only, prohibits using the results for any other purpose, and bans disclosure without consent or a court order. Facilities must destroy all such background information within 180 days of receiving it or after an employee's probationary period. The bill also mandates facilities to create agreements with local governments for reporting illnesses and health issues. This law directly affects private facilities contracted by federal agencies to house immigrant youth.

Maddy summaryHCR 76 is a Texas concurrent resolution urging the federal government to address unfair foreign shrimp imports threatening the Gulf Coast shrimp industry. It directly affects Texas shrimpers, who support 14,000 jobs and generate $850 million in economic value, as imports surged to 800 million pounds in early 2023 - far exceeding domestic harvests. The resolution cites unfair pricing from subsidized foreign shrimp, health risks from inadequate FDA inspections (e.g., antibiotic residues found in imported shrimp), and economic strain on fishermen facing high fuel costs. It formally requests federal agencies (Commerce Department and NOAA Fisheries) to curb imports, though it has no legal force and serves only as a symbolic appeal to the national government.