Rep. Greg Bonnen

Maddy summarySB 1197 amends Texas Penal Code Section 42.15 to criminalize unauthorized operation of unmanned aircraft (drones) over licensed spaceports. It prohibits intentionally or knowingly operating drones that interfere with spaceport operations, cause contact with facilities, or disturb activities there. The law includes specific defenses for government entities, contractors, law enforcement, spaceport owners, or individuals with prior written authorization from spaceport operators or the Federal Aviation Administration. This directly affects drone operators near spaceports like SpaceX’s Starbase, requiring compliance with new safety restrictions to avoid criminal penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 4539 allows physicians specializing in ophthalmology (eye care) to dispense certain eye medications (like drops or ointments) directly to their patients without needing a separate pharmacy license. The bill permits these doctors to charge for stocking, storing, and labeling the medications while requiring them to follow standard labeling, packaging, and recordkeeping rules for those drugs. It specifically applies to "nonsystemic dangerous drugs" used in ophthalmic care, meaning medications applied locally to the eye rather than affecting the whole body. The law aims to streamline access to common eye treatments for patients while maintaining safety compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 113 modifies Texas law on how courts interpret statutes. It restricts courts from considering legislative intent (like statements from lawmakers or committee reports) when reading laws, requiring them to focus only on the plain text of the statute. The bill also prohibits courts from automatically deferring to state agencies' interpretations of laws, though reasonable agency views that match the statute's wording may still be considered. This directly affects courts, state agencies, and anyone involved in legal cases interpreting Texas laws. The changes aim to limit judicial interpretation methods and emphasize the written text of statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 1398 amends Texas Transportation Code sections 201.909 to reduce the duration memorial signs for victims of vehicle collisions can remain on highways from 10 years to 2 years. The bill requires applicants to pay a fee for new signs and specifies that the Texas Department of Transportation must replace damaged signs due to department negligence during the 2-year period. It also outlines procedures for sign replacement, including written requests and payment of a replacement fee, while allowing the department to retain damaged signs. This legislation directly affects families seeking highway memorial markers and the Texas Department of Transportation's management of such markers. The changes take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3453 limits the liability of nonprofit organizations contracted by Texas' Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or a single source continuum contractor to provide foster care or adoption services. To qualify for this protection, nonprofits must meet five specific requirements: conduct background checks on staff, confirm they are not barred from child care, report misconduct, take action on misconduct, and provide required training in child abuse prevention and reporting. The bill does not shield nonprofits from liability for gross negligence. This change modifies how civil lawsuits against these organizations are handled, focusing on ensuring safety standards are met before holding nonprofits accountable.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summarySB 2065 amends Texas law to clarify how the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System (TESRS) manages its funding. It defines key terms like "legacy liability" (the unfunded pension debt as of August 2024) and creates new categories for tracking changes in the system's financial health, such as "liability gain layers" (reductions in debt) and "liability loss layers" (increases in debt). These changes standardize how the system's funding status is assessed and reported, requiring annual adjustments based on contributions and a 7% investment return assumption. The bill directly affects emergency service workers (like firefighters and EMTs) who rely on TESRS benefits, ensuring clearer accountability in managing the system's long-term financial obligations.

Maddy summarySB 1738 allows retired Texas judicial officers who return to full-time judicial service (not temporary assignments) to rejoin the Judicial Retirement System Plan Two under specific conditions. To qualify, they must have been separated from judicial service for at least six consecutive months before returning, notify the retirement system within 30 days of taking office, and restart member contributions. If they serve 24 months or more after returning, their retirement payments are recalculated to include higher salary history and additional service credit; if they serve less than 24 months, they receive a refund of their contributions and resumed annuity payments. The changes apply to current judicial retirees returning after the bill’s effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote) and require existing retirees to make their election by September 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 1706 allows state agency boards to hold closed meetings specifically to discuss defense, military, or aerospace matters. It directly affects state governmental bodies (like local boards or commissions) that handle federal defense projects. The bill defines these matters as either establishing military bases/facilities in Texas or offering economic incentives tied to federal defense grants. The law amends Texas Open Meetings rules to permit this exception for those specific issues, without requiring public disclosure during deliberations. This is a procedural change, not a new policy on defense funding or facility location.

Maddy summaryHB 4504 restricts non-compete agreements for physicians and certain health care practitioners, such as dentists, in Texas. To be enforceable, these agreements must expire within one year of employment termination, cover no more than a five-mile radius, allow physicians to access patient lists and medical records (with patient consent) at a reasonable fee, and include a buyout option for no more than the physician's annual salary. The bill also prohibits preventing physicians from continuing care for patients during acute illnesses after employment ends. This law directly affects healthcare professionals entering employment contracts with non-compete clauses.