Rep. Terry Canales

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas law to clarify procedures for obtaining a bonded title when a motor vehicle lacks a clear title. It directly affects vehicle owners who lost title documents but need to register or sell their vehicles. Key changes include: (1) allowing bonded titles if liens are 10+ years old, lienholders are out of business, or lien releases are provided; (2) requiring the Department of Motor Vehicles to notify recorded owners/lienholders of bond filings; and (3) delaying title issuance for 30 days if no existing license number exists, unless no one objects. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not change bond amounts or liability limits.

Maddy summaryHB 2427 creates a permit system for oversize and overweight vehicles traveling on specific routes in Hidalgo County, including roads near the Pharr-Reynosa and Anzalduas international bridges and key local corridors like FM 1016 and US 281. It establishes fees for these permits, requiring all collected revenue to fund the construction and maintenance of the exact routes covered by the permit program. The bill directly affects commercial trucking companies operating in these areas and ensures fees are dedicated solely to improving the infrastructure they use. This targeted funding mechanism aims to address road wear from heavy vehicles while providing a clear revenue stream for local transportation needs. The bill passed in May 2025 after amendments.

Maddy summarySB 1080 requires Texas licensing authorities to issue either a full occupational license or a provisional license (valid for six months) to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses, instead of automatically denying their applications. The provisional license begins on the date an applicant is released from prison if they were incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This bill directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (such as for nursing, contracting, or other licensed professions) who meet all other qualification requirements. It aims to reduce barriers to employment by providing a temporary licensing pathway for these applicants.

Maddy summarySB 1013 amends Texas law to clarify the legal definition of a "crosswalk" in the Transportation Code. It specifies that crosswalks include unmarked intersections (where sidewalks connect across roads), portions of driveways between interrupted sidewalks, and marked pedestrian crossings. This directly affects pedestrians, drivers, and local governments responsible for sidewalk and road design by establishing clear, enforceable boundaries for pedestrian right-of-way. The change aims to improve pedestrian safety and legal clarity in situations where crosswalks aren't painted. The bill takes effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summarySB 1394 updates weight restrictions specifically for ready-mixed concrete trucks operating on Texas public highways. It sets a 46,000-pound limit for tandem axle groups, a 23,000-pound limit for single axles, and a gross weight limit of either 69,000 pounds or the maximum allowed by another formula - whichever is greater. The bill also requires that tire load ratings not be exceeded during operation. These changes directly affect concrete truck operators and their compliance with highway weight regulations.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 1919 changes the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) authority to settle certain claims. It lowers the financial threshold from $100,000 to $10,000 for TxDOT to settle claims where it might be liable under state law, without requiring additional approvals. The bill requires TxDOT’s director to determine that a settlement is in the department’s best interest. This directly affects TxDOT and individuals or entities filing smaller claims against the agency. The change takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2949 would require businesses transporting motor fuel across state lines to maintain detailed shipping records showing destination states, terminal locations, and operator details. It mandates that transporters carry these documents during transit and present them to officials upon request. The bill also restricts changing delivery destinations without prior approval from the state tax agency and destination states, with violations subject to criminal charges or civil fines. This applies directly to motor fuel transport companies, barge/vessel operators, and fuel depots handling interstate shipments. The proposal aims to improve tracking of fuel exports to prevent tax evasion and ensure compliance with state regulations.

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas property appraisers to automatically grant property tax exemptions for land used in human burials under specific conditions. It directly affects owners of burial property who did not submit exemption applications, shifting responsibility from owners to appraisers. The key mechanism mandates that exemptions apply if the appraiser identifies the property through inspection (meeting Section 11.17 criteria), no application was filed, and the owner cannot be identified. This change takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 50 requires healthcare providers to obtain patient consent before conducting blood screening tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and to inform patients they can opt out of the test. If a screening test is positive, providers must offer information about available healthcare, prevention, and support services. The bill applies to all medical screenings for STDs in Texas and takes effect January 1, 2026, after the Health and Human Services Commission adopts implementing rules. It does not change existing testing protocols but adds a consent requirement and post-positive support obligation for providers.