Rep. Mike Olcott

Maddy summaryHB 3657 requires Texas public schools to remove students from class for at least 30 days if they commit assault (under Penal Code §22.01) or specific types of harassment (Penal Code §42.07) against school district employees. This mandate applies to all public school students in Texas and requires placement in an alternative education program during the removal period. The bill takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year, directly affecting disciplinary procedures for student conduct toward staff. It does not change existing rules for other types of student misconduct.

Maddy summaryHB 3655 would change Texas school districts' requirements for bond elections by raising the voter approval threshold from a simple majority (50%+) to 60% of voters. This directly affects school districts seeking to issue bonds for capital projects like new buildings or renovations, as they would now need 60% voter support instead of a majority. The bill distinguishes between bond elections (requiring 60% approval) and tax levies (which would remain at a majority requirement under existing law). The law would only take effect on January 1, 2026, if voters approve a related constitutional amendment in the 2025 election.

Maddy summaryHB 3472 prohibits healthcare providers and facilities from compelling or coercing individuals lawfully residing in Texas to receive any health care service, including vaccines. The bill directly affects all Texas residents by reinforcing their right to provide or withhold consent for medical treatments. Key provisions define "health care service" to explicitly include vaccine administration and establish new Chapter 174 in the Health and Safety Code, which overrides conflicting state laws. This creates a legal standard requiring healthcare professionals to respect patient autonomy without coercion.

Maddy summaryHB 3456 prohibits Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools from selling drinks containing high fructose corn syrup, effective with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill specifically exempts drinks sold at sporting events or other special events organized by the school. It directly affects schools that sell beverages to students through cafeterias, vending machines, or other school-operated sales. The law requires schools to replace affected drinks with alternatives that do not contain high fructose corn syrup.

Maddy summaryHB 3440 repeals a provision in the Texas Education Code that allowed schools to exclude students without certain required immunizations during public health emergencies or epidemics. This change directly affects unvaccinated students in public schools, removing the legal authority for exclusion during such crises. The bill eliminates Section 38.001(f) of the Education Code, which previously permitted this emergency exclusion. The repeal takes effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote, otherwise on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3361 eliminates electronic poll lists and the countywide polling place program in Texas elections. It bans the use of electronic devices to accept voters (Section 63.0016) and repeals all related provisions, including those governing electronic poll lists and the countywide program (repealing Sections 31.014, 43.007, and others). The bill applies statewide, directly affecting county election offices that previously used electronic systems or the countywide polling program. It takes effect September 1, 2025, requiring counties to transition to paper-based voter check-in processes.

Maddy summaryHB 3257 prohibits political subdivisions (such as cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to hire registered lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that primarily represent local governments and employ registered lobbyists. The bill directly affects local governments by restricting their ability to spend taxpayer money on lobbying activities, including influencing legislation through third-party lobbyists. Key provisions ban payments for lobbying services while allowing elected officials to advocate for legislation without registration, provide legislative information, or testify before committees. The bill aims to prevent public funds from being used for lobbying, with enforcement allowing taxpayers to seek court orders to stop prohibited spending and recover legal fees.

Maddy summaryHB 3175 would allow Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin (a medication typically used for animal parasites) without a doctor's prescription, overriding existing laws. The bill requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide rule with standardized protocols, patient instructions, and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. Pharmacists acting in good faith would be protected from legal liability for dispensing under this rule. It directly affects pharmacists, patients seeking ivermectin, and state health oversight, creating a new dispensing framework for this medication. The bill is pending in the Public Health committee as of March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3210 requires state contractors, local governments (political subdivisions), and private employers in Texas to use the federal E-Verify program to confirm employee work authorization. The bill mandates that state agencies cannot award contracts to entities not registered with E-Verify, and contracts must include a certification statement confirming compliance. Contractors must maintain E-Verify participation throughout the contract term, and violations would be referred to the comptroller for action. This policy directly affects businesses and government entities entering into state contracts by making federal employment verification a contractual condition. The bill focuses on implementing existing federal verification requirements through state contract rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Texas health authorities from disclosing an individual's vaccination or immunization records without their written or electronic consent, except when sharing with healthcare providers under existing privacy laws. It specifically bans using such records to encourage vaccine uptake or distribute vaccine-related educational materials. Violations could result in civil penalties of $2,000 to $50,000 per incident, enforceable by the Attorney General. The law directly affects health departments, healthcare providers, and any entity handling vaccination data.