Rep. A.J. Louderback

Maddy summaryHB 1481 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt written policies prohibiting student use of personal communication devices (such as cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day on school property or at school events. Exceptions allow device use for students with documented medical needs, individualized education plans (IEPs), or health/safety protocols. Schools may implement either a full device ban or a secure storage system for devices during school hours, and must return confiscated devices or dispose of them after providing parents 90 days' written notice. The law takes effect immediately upon the governor's signature.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 1372) requires prosecutors in Texas to designate defense attorneys as authorized users of the state's crime laboratory portal. It directly affects criminal defendants' attorneys, enabling them to access crime lab records needed for discovery under state law. The key provision mandates that prosecutors must formally authorize defense counsel to use the portal to request relevant evidence, replacing current practices. The change applies only to criminal cases filed on or after September 1, 2025, with prior cases remaining under the old rules. This streamlines access to evidence for defense teams while maintaining prosecutorial oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 2217 creates a state grant program to help law enforcement agencies purchase and install bullet-resistant components on vehicles used by peace officers. It directly affects state and local law enforcement agencies (including county and city police departments) by providing funding for bullet-resistant windshields, side windows, rear windows, and door panels. The program requires the Criminal Justice Division to set eligibility rules, application procedures, and grant amounts, while agencies must submit proof of installation after using funds. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and focuses solely on funding vehicle safety upgrades for officers.

Maddy summarySB 823 requires sellers of meat, poultry, and shrimp in Texas to clearly label whether these products originated in Texas. Specifically, labels must state "whether the food originated in this state" for meat, poultry, or shrimp products. This applies to all retailers and importers selling these items within Texas, directly affecting businesses that handle such food products. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025, after rules are adopted by the Health and Human Services Commission.

Maddy summaryHB 2820 sets a $100,000 limit on the operating capital charitable bingo groups in Texas can retain in their accounts for expenses (excluding prizes). It directly affects licensed nonprofit organizations and units of organizations that operate charitable bingo games. The bill establishes this cap unless the state commission sets a higher limit by rule or the bingo director approves a higher amount for a specific organization. Exceptions allow flexibility for operational needs but maintain a clear financial boundary for these fundraising activities.

Maddy summaryHB 6 amends Texas Education Code Section 12.111 to update requirements for charter schools. The bill specifically adds new criteria allowing charter schools to exclude students who were expelled under Section 37.007, placed in disciplinary alternative education programs under Section 37.006, or have documented criminal histories or discipline problems. While the bill title mentions telehealth mental health services in public schools, the provided text does not detail provisions for telehealth access. The legislation primarily affects charter schools by modifying their student admission policies and discipline management standards. HB 6 was signed into law by the governor on June 20, 2025, and is now effective.

Maddy summarySB 1233, the Perinatal Palliative Care Act, requires healthcare providers to inform pregnant women diagnosed with a life-threatening or life-limiting fetal condition about available perinatal palliative care. This applies to approximately 2% of pregnancies where the unborn child has a severe medical condition. The law mandates providers to explain comprehensive supportive care options - including medical, social, and mental health services - to reduce suffering for the mother, unborn child, and family during the perinatal period. It creates administrative penalties for noncompliance and defines perinatal palliative care to exclude actions intended to hasten death. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 3689 changes how the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) funds catastrophic windstorm and hail insurance losses after major disasters. Instead of relying on public securities (which incur high interest costs), the bill authorizes the state to provide loans of up to $500 million before a disaster and $1 billion after one. TWIA would repay these loans through a surcharge on certain windstorm and hail insurance policies in coastal areas. This directly affects coastal property owners who pay these insurance premiums, as the surcharge ensures repayment of state funds used to cover disaster losses.

Maddy summaryHB 300 increases the maximum Texas Armed Services Scholarship to $30,000 per academic year (up from $15,000), capping at the average cost of attendance at Texas colleges. It expands appointment authority, allowing the governor and lieutenant governor to each appoint two students annually, and each state senator or representative to appoint one student, with deadlines set for September 30. The bill directly affects Texas students enrolled in ROTC or similar military commissioning programs at Texas colleges, requiring proof of program enrollment or acceptance into the Texas State Guard. These changes are effective immediately after the bill was signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 269 requires physicians to report certain serious adverse reactions to federal systems (VAERS for vaccines, MedWatch for drugs) when patients receive experimental/investigational vaccines or drugs approved for emergency use by the FDA. It defines "serious adverse events" as those causing death, life-threatening conditions, hospitalization, or significant disability. Physicians must report within one year of vaccination/drug administration if they diagnose the condition and know the patient received a covered vaccine or drug. Violations may result in non-disciplinary corrective action for first offenses or disciplinary measures by the Texas Medical Board for repeat failures. The law applies only to non-routine vaccines/drugs, excluding standard vaccines and clinical trial uses.