Rep. Jeff Barry

Maddy summarySB 1877 expands the Office of Public Utility Counsel's (OPUC) authority to access specific electricity market data from the Public Utility Commission, the ERCOT-certified organization, and electric utilities. The bill directly affects residential and small commercial electricity consumers by giving OPUC new data on reliability, generation resource adequacy, transmission planning, and system resiliency to better advocate for them. Key provisions require utilities and regulators to provide this data upon OPUC request, strengthening its ability to represent consumer interests in rate cases and disputes. The law became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summarySB 2312 creates the Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict to prepare for potential international crises that could disrupt Texas' supply chains or critical infrastructure. The committee, composed of nine members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house, will develop pre-conflict security strategies and gather information to support state response during emergencies. It defines "critical infrastructure" to include systems like oil/gas, water, power, and emergency services, and "geopolitical conflict" as events threatening these systems through war, diplomatic breakdowns, or supply chain disruptions. The bill aims to enhance Texas' defensive posture and protect citizens by making proactive preparations, without altering existing laws or funding.

Maddy summarySB 1583 requires Texas groundwater conservation districts to update their management plans to include specific data about groundwater availability and "desired future conditions" (the targeted water levels for the district). Districts must amend plans within two years of adopting new desired future conditions, and must include additional details like petition status if a challenge is filed against those conditions. The bill clarifies that management plans are "administratively complete" only when they meet these new requirements, streamlining the executive administrator's approval process. This directly affects all groundwater conservation districts managing local aquifers across Texas, ensuring their plans align with state water planning goals.

Maddy summaryHB 3569 prohibits property and casualty insurers from terminating, suspending, or refusing to renew contracts with licensed insurance agents based on direct written premium volume or the amount of losses associated with policies the agent sold. The law specifically bans these actions as a reason for contract changes, protecting agents from being penalized for their business performance. It applies only to contracts entered into on or after September 1, 2025, and does not cover captive agents or terminations made for reasons outside the prohibited criteria. This bill directly affects licensed agents selling property/casualty insurance and insurers who must comply with these new restrictions.

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 summaryHB 3009 expands Texas' Department of Public Safety database to include individuals convicted of two or more specific violent offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code §§ 22.01, 22.02) or offenses involving force/deadly force, and non-citizens unlawfully present in the U.S. who have two or more such convictions. The bill requires the database to include full names, aliases, dates of birth, physical descriptions, conviction details, and for non-citizens, their last known location. It mandates that the DPS add historical data for qualifying offenders convicted before the law's effective date (by January 1, 2026), unless the individual would be removed from the database under existing rules. This affects law enforcement agencies and individuals with multiple violent offense convictions who meet the expanded criteria.

Maddy summarySB 1426 transfers management of Texas' First Capitol State Historic Site and its replica in West Columbia to the Texas Historical Commission (THC). The bill requires the THC to preserve, maintain, and operate the site, including relocating the replica building to a historically accurate location, constructing a replica of the first Republic of Texas senate building, and building a visitor center for educational programs. It also mandates the THC to manage site infrastructure, historical artifacts, and interpretive programming to enhance public access and historical accuracy. The law took effect on September 1, 2025, directly affecting site operations and visitors.

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.