Rep. A.J. Louderback

Maddy summaryHB 1902 creates a new criminal offense called "jugging" in Texas law. It prohibits a person from knowingly traveling along the same path as another individual near a business or financial institution (without significantly changing direction) while carrying two or more tools commonly used for crimes, with the intent to steal money. This offense is classified as a state jail felony, escalating to a third-degree felony if combined with robbery or a first-degree felony if combined with theft. The law, effective September 1, 2025, directly targets individuals engaging in this specific pattern of behavior near money-handling locations.

Maddy summaryHB 4158 repeals the existing compensation provision for directors of the Texana Groundwater Conservation District under Texas law. The bill removes Section 8857.056 of the Special District Local Laws Code, which previously governed their pay. This change directly affects the district's directors by eliminating the specific compensation rules previously in place. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryTexas House Bill 706 requires Texas to recognize valid handgun licenses issued by other states, directly affecting out-of-state license holders who travel or reside in Texas. The bill mandates that Texas will recognize such licenses only if the other state either has a mutual agreement with Texas or conducts background checks through the FBI's National Crime Information Center before issuing licenses. Texas must publish and update an annual list of states that recognize Texas-issued licenses. The law took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1300 defines "organized retail theft" as stealing from a merchant through coordinated actions (e.g., acting in concert with others), multiple incidents within 180 days, or benefiting from such theft. It changes how stolen item value is calculated for sentencing by using the merchant's posted sales price (including tax) instead of market value, and makes it easier for prosecutors to prove cases by allowing indictments to reference merchants and aggregate value ranges rather than listing each item. The bill also establishes price tags as evidence of both value and merchant ownership, streamlining prosecutions. This law directly affects Texas retailers and individuals convicted of organized retail theft, with increased penalties for the offense.

Maddy summaryHB 3441 creates legal liability for vaccine manufacturers who advertise a harmful vaccine within Texas. It defines "advertise" broadly to include paid promotions across media (TV, internet, influencers), but excludes doctor-patient discussions or clinic materials. If a manufacturer's advertised vaccine causes injury, victims can sue within three years for actual damages, attorney fees, and court costs. The law applies only to cases where harm occurs on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands criminal penalties for cruelty to nonlivestock animals (such as pets and wildlife) by defining specific prohibited acts, including torture, abandonment, failure to provide care, cruel transport, and causing injury without consent. It creates a legal defense for veterinarians and their assistants acting within their professional duties, shielding them from prosecution for negligence during routine care. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect existing penalties for cruelty involving livestock animals. This amendment clarifies prosecutable conduct while providing professional protection for veterinary staff.

Maddy summaryHB 20 establishes Texas' Applied Sciences Pathway program, allowing high school students to earn both diplomas and industry certificates through school-college partnerships. It requires courses in 20 specific high-wage, high-growth fields like plumbing, welding, IT, and oil/gas exploration, with a focus on successful job placement rates. Partnerships must offer non-duplicative, progressive coursework leading to both diplomas and certificates in these sectors. The program begins for the 2027-2028 school year, with industries reviewed every five years to match labor market needs.

Maddy summarySB 17 restricts certain foreign governments and entities from purchasing or acquiring title to specific types of real property in Texas if such ownership poses a risk to public health, safety, or welfare. It prohibits purchases of agricultural land, commercial, industrial, residential property, mines, minerals, or timber by organizations or governments from "designated countries" (identified by U.S. intelligence as national security risks). Exceptions include U.S. citizens/permanent residents, entities owned by them, homestead properties, and leaseholds under 100 years. The law creates a new Property Code Subchapter H (Sections 5.251-5.254) to implement these restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 102 requires Texas public universities to offer early registration for courses and programs to students in military-related programs who are in good standing. Specifically, it mandates this for students enrolled in ROTC programs, cadet corps (including at senior military colleges), or maritime academies. The law, effective for the 2026 spring semester, obligates institutions to provide this early registration opportunity on the same basis as other designated student groups. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will develop rules to implement this requirement.

Maddy summaryTexas SB 8 requires sheriffs in counties with 100,000+ residents to request agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that allow local officers to enforce federal immigration law. Smaller counties may voluntarily enter similar agreements. The bill creates a state grant program to cover costs for counties implementing these agreements, including personnel and resources needed for compliance. It directly affects Texas county sheriffs and law enforcement agencies participating in federal immigration enforcement programs.