Rep. Ryan Guillen

Maddy summarySB 860 abolishes Texas's Criminal Justice Legislative Oversight Committee by repealing the law that established it (Chapter 328, Government Code). The bill redirects the committee's former reporting responsibilities to relevant standing legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over criminal justice. Specifically, it amends statutes requiring annual reports from the director of the department and the parole board to be submitted directly to those standing committees instead of the abolished committee. This change takes effect immediately upon the Governor's signature, streamlining reporting without altering the underlying reporting requirements.

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 summaryHB 1240 standardizes the definition of the "Texas-Mexico border region" across multiple state laws by specifying the exact list of 48 counties (including Hidalgo, El Paso, Webb, and others) that constitute this area. The bill amends sections of the Government Code, Education Code, Health and Safety Code, and Transportation Code to consistently reference this defined border region for program eligibility and administrative purposes. This affects state agencies and programs that operate within the border region, such as education pilot programs requiring placement in the defined area. The bill does not create new programs but ensures uniformity in how the border region is identified in state law, effective June 20, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2587 limits how Texas agencies can share criminal history records used in insurance licensing background checks. It restricts the Consumer Credit Commissioner from disclosing these records except to the person they concern, with their consent, by court order, or in specific hearings. The bill also clarifies that the Texas Department of Insurance may access criminal history records only for applicants or license holders in specific insurance-related roles (like agents, brokers, or corporate officers) under defined licensing chapters. This directly affects insurance applicants, license holders, and insurance companies requiring background checks. The change focuses on preventing unauthorized sharing of sensitive criminal history data during licensing processes.

Maddy summaryHB 33, titled the "Uvalde Strong Act," requires Texas public and charter schools to comply with additional safety and operational requirements related to active shooter incidents and emergencies. It amends the Education Code to mandate adherence to existing rules covering student data systems, criminal background checks, discipline practices, health/safety protocols, bullying prevention, and staff reporting obligations. The bill directly affects all public and charter schools by expanding their compliance obligations under current safety frameworks. It does not create new rules but requires schools to follow more existing provisions related to emergency preparedness and student safety. The law took effect on September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 1965 requires the Texas Veterans Commission to study ways to expand mental health services for veterans through its Military Veteran Peer Network. The study specifically focuses on increasing trained peer counselors in rural communities and must include recommendations for improving access to these services for veterans, service members, and their families. The commission must submit a final report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2026. This bill does not create new services but directs a review to identify potential improvements to existing mental health support for veterans.

Maddy summarySB 2073 amends Texas law to clarify that county property tax offices (appraisal districts) may purchase, lease, or construct improvements to real property for their offices. It requires approval from 75% of the taxing units that appoint the district's board for property acquisitions or construction, but not for financing these actions. The bill establishes a process where the chief appraiser must notify taxing unit governing bodies of proposed property actions, giving them 30 days to approve or disapprove. This applies only to proposals notified on or after the bill's September 1, 2023 effective date. The law directly affects county appraisal districts and the taxing units that govern them.

Maddy summaryHB 3126 allows school entities that discontinued participation in Texas' uniform group health coverage program for active school employees after September 1, 2022, to rejoin the program under specific conditions. To re-enroll, these entities must submit written notice to the program trustee by December 31, 2025, for participation beginning September 1, 2026, and pay a risk stabilization fee on their premiums for the 2026 plan year. The bill prohibits rejoining entities from discontinuing participation before September 1, 2031, and expires on that date. This bill, signed into law on June 20, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, directly affects school districts or entities previously enrolled in the program.

Maddy summaryHB 2193 requires the Texas Veterans Commission to study how veterans access state and federal benefits currently managed by the commission. The study must count eligible veterans by county, assess current claims benefit advisor staffing levels, identify optimal staffing locations to minimize veteran travel, and calculate implementation costs for service improvements. The commission must submit a report with findings and recommendations to state leaders by June 1, 2026. This bill does not change benefit eligibility or amounts but focuses on analyzing and potentially improving service delivery efficiency for veterans across Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 3479 creates a state program to manage harmful vegetation, primarily Carrizo cane, along the Rio Grande River. The bill requires the state board to develop and implement this program specifically to address vegetation that impedes border security operations. It directly affects border security efforts by establishing a formal process for managing these plants in the Rio Grande corridor. The key provision mandates the state board to oversee this vegetation management, focusing on removing or controlling plants that obstruct border security.