Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson

Maddy summaryHB 1586 creates a standardized affidavit form for parents or guardians seeking immunization exemptions for school enrollment. The form must include a statement explaining the benefits and risks of both immunizations and not being immunized. The health department must provide this form online or by mail without collecting personal information, and can only track how many times the form is accessed (not who uses it). This change applies starting the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 163 updates Texas law regarding epinephrine auto-injector policies. It exempts schools, sports organizations, and government entities that already have policies for epinephrine systems under other laws from needing separate rules. The bill allows these entities to adopt their own policies for maintaining, administering, and disposing of epinephrine delivery systems. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and repeals prior sections of the Health and Safety Code related to this matter.

Maddy summaryHB 5149 prohibits the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) from collecting or using DNA samples from children in its foster care system without either the written consent of the child’s primary caregiver or a court order. The law directly affects children under DFPS conservatorship and their caregivers, requiring explicit permission or judicial approval before DNA collection. Key provisions mandate that DFPS cannot use DNA for any purpose - such as genetic databases or identification - without these safeguards. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and aligns with broader privacy protections for foster youth.

Maddy summarySB 261 prohibits the sale and offering for sale of cell-cultured protein (food made by growing animal cells in a lab) for human consumption in Texas. It defines "cell-cultured protein" and adds it to existing prohibitions under the Health and Safety Code, making it unlawful to manufacture, distribute, or sell such products. The bill directly affects food producers, retailers, and restaurants selling cell-cultured meat or dairy alternatives within Texas. Violations carry civil and criminal penalties, though specific penalty amounts are not detailed in the provided text. This is a substantive policy change banning a new food category without exceptions for commercial sale.

Maddy summaryHB 609 (effective September 1, 2025) creates an exemption allowing oyster farmers with cultivated oyster mariculture permits to discharge cleaning water from oyster-growing structures into state waters. It directly affects permit holders operating under Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 75. The bill permits cleaning only at authorized locations using untreated water from that site, prohibits adding chemicals or soap, and requires compliance with all other permit conditions. This change streamlines routine maintenance for oyster farming operations while maintaining environmental safeguards.

Maddy summaryHB 3487 allows restaurant owners participating in a state-recognized oyster shell recycling program to reduce their sales tax liability. Specifically, it permits a $2 deduction for every 50 pounds of oyster shells recycled at their establishment and provided to a qualifying recycling project. This deduction applies to taxable sales used to calculate sales and use taxes remitted to the Texas comptroller. The bill requires restaurants to participate in a program certified by the comptroller and takes effect October 1, 2025. It directly affects restaurants with food service establishments that join the oyster shell recycling initiative.

Maddy summaryHB 1397 requires the Texas Historical Commission to manage the care, custody, and display of three key historical documents: the "victory or death letter" (William Travis' 1836 letter), the Texas Constitution, and the Texas Declaration of Independence. The bill mandates that the commission designate a secure display location for the victory or death letter at the Alamo complex by December 1, 2027, while continuing to display the Constitution and Declaration at the Capitol Complex under existing arrangements. It also requires collaboration with the Texas Historical Commission and State Preservation Board to develop and publish a formal display plan for all three documents. This law, signed by the governor on June 20, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, institutionalizes the current practice of displaying these documents while formalizing future display locations.

Maddy summaryHB 3441 creates legal liability for vaccine manufacturers who advertise a harmful vaccine within Texas. It defines "advertise" broadly to include paid promotions across media (TV, internet, influencers), but excludes doctor-patient discussions or clinic materials. If a manufacturer's advertised vaccine causes injury, victims can sue within three years for actual damages, attorney fees, and court costs. The law applies only to cases where harm occurs on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5534 requires Texas counties to post notices and agendas for commissioners court meetings both physically (on a courthouse bulletin board) and electronically. County clerks may now use electronic displays on public county websites instead of physical postings, provided they meet specific location, timing, and accessibility standards. The law applies only to notices required after its effective date (September 1, 2025), leaving pre-existing posting requirements unchanged. This bill directly affects county clerks and commissioners courts by expanding their posting options while maintaining public access requirements. It updates existing local government code provisions to formalize electronic posting as a valid method.

Maddy summaryHB 1106 amends Texas' Family Code definitions of child abuse and neglect. It explicitly states that a parent or guardian's refusal to affirm a child's gender identity (including using preferred names/pronouns) or sexual orientation does not constitute abuse. The bill also clarifies that neglect includes specific failures like withholding medical care or leaving a child in immediate danger, but the key change is excluding these gender/sexual orientation refusals from abuse definitions. This directly affects parents, guardians, and child welfare systems in Texas by altering what legally qualifies as abuse under state law.