Rep. Cody Vasut

Maddy summaryHB 3695 limits copayments for physical therapy visits under certain health plans. It prohibits health maintenance organizations and preferred provider plans from charging enrollees a higher copayment for a physical therapist visit (without a referral) than for a primary care physician visit. The law applies to plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects Texas enrollees who use physical therapy services without needing a physician referral.

Maddy summaryHB 4656 creates a strong legal presumption that parents act in their child's best interest and that children benefit from parental care in custody disputes between parents and nonparents (like grandparents or caregivers). It requires nonparents seeking custody or visitation to prove by "clear and convincing evidence" that denying their request would significantly harm the child's physical health or emotional development. This bill directly affects parents and nonparents involved in custody cases under Texas law, shifting the burden of proof to nonparents. The changes apply to cases pending or filed after September 1, 2025, and do not alter the court's requirement to prioritize the child's best interest.

Maddy summaryHB 1624 allows local governments (like cities or counties) to temporarily install traffic signs or signals on state highways without Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) permission when an existing device breaks. To do this, they must notify TxDOT of the temporary device, remove it as soon as the original device is fixed, and only use it while the original device is inoperable. The bill amends Texas Transportation Code sections 544.002 and 553.002 to create this exception, affecting local traffic management on state highways. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas business law to give domestic entities more control over internal dispute resolution. It allows businesses formed under Texas law to require that internal disputes (like shareholder disagreements) be filed only in Texas courts and to waive jury trials for these cases. The changes apply to all Texas domestic entities, including corporations and LLCs. The law ensures Texas governance rules take precedence over other states' laws for these internal matters.

Maddy summaryHB 3015 requires that fees paid directly to primary care physicians (such as monthly retainers or membership fees) count toward the insurance deductibles for participants in two specific Texas state health benefit plans: the Employees Retirement System of Texas and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. This means patients using direct primary care services can apply those fees toward their annual insurance deductible, reducing out-of-pocket costs for care. The law applies to health plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025. It does not affect general health insurance plans outside these two retirement systems.

Maddy summaryHB 1228 allows homeowners to immediately begin emergency repairs on damaged residential buildings if the repairs protect public safety, prevent further damage, or preserve structural integrity. Homeowners must apply for an emergency permit within three business days of starting repairs or when the municipality/county can accept the application. The bill requires cities and counties to permit these immediate repairs and prohibits them from blocking such work. If a local government violates this law, homeowners can sue for damages and recover attorney fees. This directly affects homeowners needing urgent repairs and local governments managing building permits.

Maddy summaryHB 2458 adds a new defense for people accused of aggravated assault in Texas. It allows a defendant to claim they threatened to use a deadly weapon if two conditions were met: the threat would have been justified under self-defense law (Chapter 9 of the Penal Code), and they reasonably believed the threat was immediately necessary to defend against another person’s unlawful force or deadly force. This defense only applies to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. The bill modifies Texas law to clarify when threatening to use a weapon can be part of a valid self-defense claim in aggravated assault cases.

Maddy summaryHB 170 creates civil immunity for individuals who use or threaten to use force or deadly force that is justified under Texas Penal Code Chapter 9 (e.g., self-defense or defense of others). It protects such individuals from civil lawsuits seeking damages for personal injury or death resulting from their justified actions. The bill also requires courts to award defendants who win immunity claims reasonable attorney fees, court costs, and related expenses. It repeals Section 9.06 of the Penal Code and applies only to cases occurring on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3507 amends Texas Penal Code Section 31.03 to reclassify theft offenses based on the property's value and specific circumstances, directly affecting anyone committing theft in Texas. It establishes tiered penalties: Class C misdemeanor for theft under $100, Class B misdemeanor for $100-$750 (or prior theft convictions), Class A misdemeanor for $750-$2,500, state jail felony for $2,500-$30,000 (or theft of firearms, driver's licenses, catalytic converters, or ballots), and third-degree felony for $30,000+ or repeated thefts. Key provisions include stricter penalties for theft of specific items like catalytic converters (valued under $30,000), firearms, or election materials, and higher penalties for repeat offenders. The bill changes sentencing outcomes without altering the definition of theft itself.

Maddy summaryHB 2813 requires prosecutors to notify crime victims about court dates when victims request it. Victims must specifically ask for notification, and prosecutors must provide it at least 60 days before scheduled proceedings, or within 5 days if scheduling changes occur, or within 24 hours for emergency court actions. This applies only to criminal cases scheduled on or after September 1, 2025. The bill ensures victims receive timely updates about their case's court schedule without automatic notification.