Rep. Cody Vasut

Maddy summarySB 2052 amends Texas Family Code sections 153.002 and 156.101 to establish a legal presumption in custody disputes between a parent and a nonparent (such as a grandparent or caregiver). It creates a rebuttable presumption that a parent acts in the child's best interest and that the child's best interest lies with the parent. Nonparents can challenge this presumption only by proving with "clear and convincing evidence" that denying them access would significantly harm the child's physical health or emotional development. This law applies to all pending or new cases filed on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 21 amends Texas Local Government Code provisions affecting housing finance corporations that develop or manage low- and moderate-income housing. It defines qualifying residential developments as those where at least 90% of units are intended for households with adjusted gross income below state-defined moderate income levels. The bill also requires these corporations to follow open meetings and public records laws (Chapter 551 and 552, Government Code) and restricts their development to areas within the boundaries of their sponsoring local governments - unless approved by those governing bodies. These changes clarify operational rules and transparency requirements for housing finance corporations serving low- and moderate-income residents.

Maddy summaryHB 630 exempts certain older, smaller outboard motors from requiring a certificate of title under Texas law. Specifically, it removes the title requirement for outboard motors that are at least 40 years old and have a maximum capacity of 25 horsepower. The bill amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to clarify this exception, meaning owners of qualifying vintage motors no longer need to register them as titled vessels. This change directly affects owners of these specific older, low-powered outboard motors in Texas, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 30 modifies how Texas local taxing units (like counties and cities, excluding school districts) calculate property tax rates after a declared disaster. If a disaster is officially recognized by the governor or president and at least one property owner receives a tax exemption, the taxing unit can use a new "disaster relief rate" calculation. This rate divides the unit's documented disaster costs (for debris removal and essential assistance) by the current taxable property value. The new calculation method applies until either property values exceed their pre-disaster level or three years after the disaster, whichever comes first.

Maddy summaryHB 3225 requires municipal public libraries in Texas to restrict minors (under 18) from accessing sexually explicit materials in sections designated for younger audiences. Libraries must remove such materials from "minor's sections" and obtain legal guardian consent before allowing minors to check out or view these materials. The bill imposes civil penalties for violations, including fines. It directly affects municipal public libraries, minors, and their guardians by changing how libraries manage content access in designated youth areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas judges to deny bail to individuals classified as "illegal aliens" charged with felony offenses, if a judge determines probable cause exists. It defines "illegal alien" as someone who entered the U.S. without inspection or violated nonimmigrant visa terms. The amendment would automatically deny bail pending trial for such individuals, without requiring additional proof of flight risk or danger. If approved by voters in 2025, it would become part of the Texas Constitution. (Note: This is a procedural proposal requiring voter approval, not an immediate law.)

Maddy summarySB 1898 prohibits the use of firefighting foams containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) during firefighter training or equipment testing, except under specific conditions. It requires fire departments to use non-fluorinated foam or alternatives for all training activities and mandates collection of used training foam. Exceptions are allowed only if the foam discharge is legally required or necessary to meet fire safety standards, and if the facility has proper environmental containment measures. The bill directly affects fire departments, training facilities, and firefighting equipment calibration processes across Texas. It does not ban the sale or manufacture of PFAS-containing foams.

Maddy summarySB 1864 allows small egg producers to sell ungraded eggs directly to consumers and up to 500 dozen per week wholesale within Texas. It requires producers selling wholesale to register with the state for an annual fee of up to $50, label cartons with "ungraded" plus their name, address, packing date, and registration number, and follow specific food safety rules (refrigeration within 36 hours, storage at 45°F or below, and sanitation standards). The bill directly affects backyard or small-scale egg producers who do not grade their eggs but wish to sell them commercially. Key provisions include limiting wholesale sales to 500 dozen weekly, mandating clear labeling, and establishing registration and safety requirements. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, if not passed with a two-thirds vote.

Maddy summarySB 1245 amends Texas law to allow qualified landowners or their agents to use helicopters for managing specific wildlife under a permit. It specifically permits helicopter-assisted removal of depredating feral hogs, coyotes, and aoudad sheep west of the Pecos River. The bill establishes a permit system through the Parks and Wildlife Commission, requiring rules to be adopted for implementation. This policy change directly affects landowners in West Texas dealing with aoudad sheep populations, effective September 1, 2025. The law does not alter hunting seasons or bag limits but adds helicopter use as a tool for land management.

Maddy summarySB 1080 requires Texas licensing authorities to issue either a full occupational license or a provisional license (valid for six months) to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses, instead of automatically denying their applications. The provisional license begins on the date an applicant is released from prison if they were incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This bill directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (such as for nursing, contracting, or other licensed professions) who meet all other qualification requirements. It aims to reduce barriers to employment by providing a temporary licensing pathway for these applicants.