Rep. Shelby Slawson

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Texas public schools to provisionally admit students who haven't completed required immunizations but have submitted a request for an exemption affidavit to the Department of State Health Services. It requires schools to accept documentation proving such a request was made, and mandates the health department to provide standardized receipts for all exemption requests (submitted online, in person, by mail, or fax). The policy applies to elementary and secondary schools for the 2025-2026 school year. This creates a temporary enrollment pathway while exemption requests are processed, without altering existing immunization requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4705 requires a judge to disqualify a district or county attorney from prosecuting election law violations if they consistently refuse to pursue such cases under a policy. It allows the Texas Attorney General to step in and prosecute these cases when local prosecutors are disqualified. The law applies only to election offenses committed on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025), not past violations. This changes how election-related criminal cases are handled by shifting prosecution authority to the Attorney General when local offices have a pattern of inaction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas's attorney general to prosecute criminal election law violations if local prosecutors do not act within six months. It mandates that law enforcement agencies send election crime reports to both local prosecutors and the attorney general simultaneously. The attorney general must then take over prosecution if local officials fail to initiate proceedings within six months of receiving the report. This applies to offenses under Texas election law, such as voter fraud or ballot tampering, and takes effect September 1, 2025. The law changes the attorney general's role from optional ("may") to mandatory ("shall") for these cases.

Maddy summaryHB 4851 requires electricity providers in Texas' ERCOT power region to conduct regular practice drills focused on maintaining grid stability during emergencies. Specifically, it mandates annual summer and winter load-shedding exercises for all electric generation, transmission, and distribution providers, plus additional attack-preparation drills every two years if a critical facility (like a key substation) faces physical threat. The bill ensures these drills clearly define roles for providers, law enforcement, the grid operator, and the state utility commission. It also protects providers from having to disclose exact locations of critical infrastructure during these exercises. The law applies directly to all electricity service providers operating within ERCOT's grid.

Maddy summaryHB 17 would prohibit citizens of designated countries (China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or others named by the governor) from purchasing real property in Texas. It creates criminal penalties for violations, making such purchases illegal under state law. Exceptions apply to U.S. citizens, lawful residents, and businesses owned by them. The law would override existing property rights for these foreign buyers, directly affecting individuals and entities from designated countries seeking to buy land in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 4381 requires the Texas Education Agency to create a plain-language document in English and Spanish explaining parents' rights regarding their child's health information and decisions in public schools. The document must cover specific rights, including accessing health records (like counseling or immunization data), withholding consent for health activities, removing children from classes conflicting with religious beliefs, and opting out of certain screenings or vaccinations. School districts must post the document online and email it to all parents before the first day of each school year. The bill also authorizes administrative penalties for schools that fail to comply with these requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4073 requires Texas state agencies providing homelessness services to undergo a biennial audit starting in 2028. The audit, conducted by an independent external auditor, will assess how effectively and efficiently these services help homeless individuals achieve self-sufficiency. Key metrics include tracking housing retention rates (for at least 12 months), school enrollment for children, employment participation (20+ hours/week), access to mental health/substance use treatment, and reductions in criminal justice involvement. The bill mandates specific outcome measurements to evaluate program success and provide recommendations for improvement.

Maddy summaryHB 3934 prohibits Texas state agencies, local governments, and law enforcement from assisting federal agencies in enforcing certain federal gun regulations. It specifically blocks cooperation on federal requirements like gun registries, licensing for ownership, background checks for private sales, or confiscation of firearms from law-abiding owners. The bill also establishes new state protections for the right to bear arms through a new Government Code chapter. It applies to all Texas governmental entities, including counties, cities, and state departments.

Maddy summaryHB 3932 creates a Class A misdemeanor offense for federal government officers who conduct certain searches or arrests in Texas without meeting specific requirements. It directly affects federal agents and officers by prohibiting: (1) no-knock entries on Texas residents' property, (2) nighttime searches/arrests at residences (8 p.m.-8 a.m.), and (3) searches/arrests without first obtaining the local sheriff’s consent. The law would apply when federal officers act within Texas, with penalties for violations. This bill does not affect state law enforcement or Texas residents’ rights directly.

Maddy summaryHB 4100 protects healthcare providers from retaliation when reporting certain issues related to patient care. It prohibits health care facilities, government entities, or others from taking adverse actions (like termination or demotion) against physicians or providers who report violations such as unsafe treatment practices, public health risks, mismanagement of funds, or abuse of authority. The bill creates a civil remedy, allowing affected providers to sue for damages if retaliation occurs. It applies broadly to all healthcare workers covered under the definition, including nurses, technicians, pharmacists, and medical students. The law aims to encourage reporting of serious concerns without fear of professional consequences.