Rep. Pat Curry

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 4748 establishes a new "multiple award contract" purchasing procedure for Texas state agencies and the comptroller to use when buying similar goods or services. The bill requires agencies to provide written justification for using this method, disclose their intent and award criteria in solicitations, and ensure each vendor can provide the "best value" to the state. It defines "multiple award" as contracting with multiple vendors to cover all needed goods/services, while excluding professional services contracts. The procedure aims to improve procurement flexibility and competition for standardized purchases across state agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 100 prohibits Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools from using state funds to purchase or adopt instructional materials that contain obscene or harmful content or appear on the State Board of Education's rejected materials list. The bill requires the State Board to issue a 45-day notice before adding materials to the rejected list, allowing time for revisions. It also bans the use of any instructional materials - whether traditional or open education resources - listed as rejected, while permitting local funds for non-rejected materials. This law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year and became effective immediately after the governor signed it on June 20, 2025.

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 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 119 requires lobbyists who communicate directly with Texas lawmakers to influence legislation on behalf of a "foreign adversary" (as defined by state law) to register with the state. It specifically prohibits receiving compensation for such lobbying activities from foreign adversaries or their designated representatives. The bill establishes civil penalties for violations, including fines for unauthorized lobbying or compensation. This law directly affects lobbyists working for foreign governments or entities designated as national security threats by U.S. authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 4076 prohibits health care providers from denying organ transplants or related services (like evaluations, surgery, or waiting list placement) solely based on a patient's vaccination status. It allows providers to consider vaccination status only if medically significant to the transplant, following individualized assessment - such as if unvaccinated patients face higher infection risks. The law covers all transplant stages and protects providers who comply with it from penalties, while permitting alternatives like antibody testing instead of vaccination requirements. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies to all organ transplant candidates in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 1393 would amend Texas law to require the state to observe daylight saving time year-round, creating a new time zone called "Texas Time" for all areas currently using Central or Mountain Standard Time. This bill directly affects all Texans by changing the state's standard time practice, eliminating seasonal clock changes. The key provision states that Texas would permanently adopt daylight saving time, but the law's implementation is conditional: it only takes effect if the U.S. Congress passes federal legislation authorizing states to do so. The bill passed both chambers and was signed by the governor in June 2025, pending federal action.

Maddy summaryHB 49 limits legal liability for businesses and landowners handling oil and gas waste in Texas. It shields parties who treat or reuse this waste (e.g., for drilling operations) from tort claims related to subsequent use, unless they acted with gross negligence or failed to follow environmental rules. The law specifically protects those who generate, transport, or treat waste, including surface estate owners, but does not cover cases involving intentional misconduct or negligence. Signed into law on June 20, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, it directly affects oil and gas operators, waste treatment facilities, and landowners managing such waste.

Maddy summarySB 11 would allow Texas public school districts or charter schools (not affiliated with religious organizations) to adopt a policy requiring daily voluntary prayer and Bible/religious text reading periods on school campuses. To participate, students or employees must provide written consent from a parent/guardian or the employee themselves, acknowledging the choice to participate and waiving legal claims related to the policy. The bill prohibits mandatory participation, using public address systems for these activities, or substituting this time for instruction, and requires physical separation for those who opt out. School districts must also follow specific guidelines to accommodate non-participants, and the Texas Attorney General would provide legal guidance and defend districts in related lawsuits.