Rep. Shelby Slawson

Maddy summaryHB 2169 modifies Texas law to govern how the State Bar of Texas manages contracts involving its intellectual property (like exam materials or trademarks). The bill prohibits the State Bar from granting exclusive rights to any single entity for leasing, licensing, selling, or distributing its intellectual property, requiring all contracts to use identical standard terms for every interested party. This ensures fair, non-discriminatory access for all potential licensees. The changes apply only to contracts entered into after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 2331 amends Texas Penal Code Section 20.05(a) to clarify and expand the definition of smuggling persons. It directly affects individuals who transport people or facilitate illegal entry into Texas, including those using vehicles to evade law enforcement or conceal migrants. Key provisions criminalize: (1) using conveyance to hide from officers or flee arrest, (2) encouraging illegal entry through concealment or harboring, and (3) guiding multiple people onto agricultural land without the owner’s consent. The law creates new criminal penalties for these specific smuggling activities, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1944 adds a new exemption to Texas' Election Code, protecting peace officers and prosecutors who investigate election offenses. The bill states that actions taken by these officials during an official investigation - when authorized by their agency and conducted in furtherance of the investigation - will not be considered violations under the Election Code. This applies specifically to conduct related to investigating election-related violations. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2329 amends Texas law to clarify the line of succession for the commander-in-chief of the state military forces when the governor is unable to serve. It specifies that the adjutant general would assume command unless state constitution or law requires the lieutenant governor or senate president to perform the governor's duties. The bill directly affects Texas military leadership structure during gubernatorial vacancies or incapacity. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and makes no changes to existing constitutional succession rules.

Maddy summaryThe full text of HB 1725 is not available in the provided context. The bill's title indicates it concerns whether certain federal environmental regulations apply to motor vehicles exclusively manufactured, sold, and operated within the state. Without access to the bill's specific provisions or text, a detailed summary of its mechanisms or affected parties cannot be provided. The recent actions (filed, read first time, referred to State Affairs) do not clarify its content. For an accurate summary, the bill's full text would be required.

Maddy summaryHB 1806 prohibits Texas governmental entities (like cities, counties, or state agencies) from using public funds to support abortion-related services. It specifically bans taxpayer money from covering costs for travel, lodging, childcare, food, or counseling that helps individuals obtain an abortion or access abortion providers. The bill defines "abortion assistance entities" broadly to include groups providing financial aid, travel planning, or abortion-inducing drugs, and "abortion providers" as facilities performing over 50 abortions annually. This law directly affects government agencies and any organization receiving public funds that facilitates abortion access. The bill does not apply to federal programs conflicting with its provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2342 protects public school employees (including teachers and staff) from discipline, termination, or retaliation by school districts for using terms consistent with a student's or colleague's biological sex when addressing them. The bill prohibits school districts from taking adverse action against employees who refer to students or other staff using terms based on biological sex. This applies to all public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, unless passed with immediate effect through a two-thirds vote.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill prohibits state and local government entities from purchasing real property or entering contracts with foreign governments or companies from China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia. It specifically bans transactions involving entities headquartered in those countries, controlled by their governments, owned by their citizens, or directly linked to them. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are exempt from these restrictions. The law applies to all real estate acquisitions and government contracts under state or local authority.

Maddy summaryHB 1982 would require federal agents to obtain a state-issued license before operating within the state. It mandates special procedures for executing federal warrants in the state, including notifying state authorities. The bill also creates a new criminal offense for federal agents who fail to comply with these licensing or procedural requirements. This legislation directly affects federal law enforcement agencies and agents operating within the state, imposing new legal obligations on their activities.

Maddy summaryHB 1549 bans businesses in Texas from selling, offering for sale, or holding for sale "obscene devices" (as defined in the Penal Code), except for sexually oriented businesses operating under existing local licensing rules. The bill creates a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation for non-compliant businesses and allows county or district attorneys to seek injunctions and recover investigation costs. It directly affects businesses selling such devices, including retailers and vendors, while exempting licensed sexually oriented businesses. Enforcement is handled through civil lawsuits filed by local prosecutors, with penalties applying per violation.