Rep. Mike Olcott

Maddy summaryHB 2840 defines "milk" as liquid secreted by mammal mammary glands and "milk product" as any product containing milk. It prohibits businesses from labeling or advertising non-milk products as "milk" or "milk products." This bill directly affects food manufacturers and retailers selling plant-based or alternative dairy products that currently use terms like "milk" in their branding. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, requiring clear labeling that aligns with the defined terms.

Maddy summaryHB 2816 protects healthcare providers and facilities from being required to participate in or provide certain health care services that conflict with their sincerely held religious or philosophical beliefs. It defines key terms like "conscience," "health care provider" (including students and non-licensed staff), and "health care service" (covering family planning, abortion-related counseling, and treatment). The bill creates a civil remedy for violations and authorizes disciplinary action against entities that force non-participation in services due to conscience objections. It directly affects hospitals, clinics, pharmacists, and all healthcare workers who may decline services like abortion care or contraception-related counseling. The law aims to prevent adverse actions against providers who refuse such services based on personal beliefs.

Maddy summaryHB 2704 defines "female," "male," and "sex" based on biological characteristics observed at birth, including reproductive anatomy. It requires facilities like restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters to be designated for "women" or "men" according to these biological definitions. The bill creates a civil right of action, allowing individuals to sue if they believe a facility designated for women is used by someone not biologically female. Its stated purpose is to protect women and girls from sexual assault in gender-segregated spaces.

Maddy summaryHB 2657 would abolish the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and eliminate the position of commissioner of education. It transfers all TEA powers and duties - including oversight of public schools, assessments, and accountability systems - to the State Board of Education and the comptroller of public accounts. The bill removes statewide school accountability and assessment requirements, reserving non-delegated educational functions exclusively to local school districts and charter schools. This structural change directly affects all Texas public schools by shifting oversight from the state agency to the State Board and local entities.

Maddy summaryHJR 15 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing judges to deny bail to individuals accused of specific serious crimes - including first-degree sexual offenses, violent offenses, or continuous human trafficking - pending trial. Judges may deny bail only after a hearing where they find, by clear and convincing evidence, that bail would not ensure the defendant’s court appearance or community safety. The amendment requires judges to issue a written order detailing their findings and reasoning. It does not restrict defendants’ rights to challenge bail denials under existing law and specifies that judges must consider standard bail factors when making decisions. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the 2025 election.

Maddy summaryHJR 16 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas courts to deny bail to non-citizens (defined as "illegal aliens" under the bill) charged with felony offenses if a judge finds probable cause they committed the crime. The amendment specifies that bail denial applies only after a hearing where probable cause is established, not automatically. This change would require voter approval in November 2025 before taking effect, as it seeks to amend the Texas Constitution. The bill directly affects non-citizens facing felony charges in Texas courts who meet the defined "illegal alien" criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, contain only the specific text listed in the bill (including the full biblical wording), and be legible from any point in the classroom. Schools may accept privately donated displays meeting these requirements or use district funds to purchase compliant displays if needed. This law applies to all public schools and explicitly states they cannot claim exemption from this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 2589 amends Texas Human Resources Code Section 152.1901(b) to clarify that the chairman of Parker County's juvenile board must be "one of its members" elected by the board, rather than being designated as the "judge of the 43rd Judicial District." This procedural change directly affects Parker County juvenile board members, who will now elect their own chairman from among their peers. The bill updates the statutory language to reflect current practice, removing the reference to a judicial position. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not create new policies or alter juvenile justice services.

Maddy summaryHB 2592 requires school districts in counties with populations over 200,000 (or 125,000 under specific conditions) to immediately enroll expelled students in juvenile justice alternative education programs, rather than allowing them to remain without educational services. It mandates that school districts notify juvenile court officers within two business days of an expulsion hearing and ensures expelled students in these counties must attend an approved educational program starting the day of expulsion. The bill differentiates requirements for larger counties (requiring Texas Juvenile Justice Department approval for programs) versus smaller counties (no approval needed, fewer oversight rules). This directly affects expelled students in qualifying counties who would otherwise lack immediate educational placement.

Maddy summaryHB 2591 amends Texas Education Code to clarify exemptions from compulsory school attendance for youth in the juvenile justice system. It specifically adds a new exemption for students expelled from schools that do not operate a juvenile justice alternative education program. The bill expands existing rules by allowing expelled students to avoid mandatory attendance requirements if their school district doesn't participate in such programs. This change directly affects school districts, juvenile justice facilities, and students facing expulsion who would otherwise need to attend traditional school.