Rep. Keresa Richardson

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas Education Code to explicitly allow credit unions (state-based, federally insured) to serve as depositories for school district and charter school funds, alongside traditional banks. It directly affects all Texas public school districts and charter schools managing public funds, as it expands their banking options. Key provisions include defining eligible credit unions, requiring depository contracts with them, and ensuring funds remain protected under existing trust and usage rules. The change is a technical update to existing depository requirements, not a new funding program.

Maddy summaryHB 3973 prohibits the Texas Education Agency from charging fees for parent-taught driver education provider licenses, including both initial issuance and annual renewals. This directly affects parents who choose to teach their children driver education at home instead of through traditional schools. The bill amends the Education Code to remove fee requirements previously listed under subsection (b)(3), ensuring no cost for this specific license type. The change takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies only to parent-taught programs, not other driver education providers. This is a straightforward fee elimination with no new requirements or program changes.

Maddy summaryHB 3972 requires Texas public schools to include specific fetal development instruction in health classes for students in grades 6-8 starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The bill mandates that this instruction must cover "the humanity of the unborn child" and "life begins at fertilization," and must include three specified videos annually: "Meet Baby Olivia," "A Glimpse Inside," and "The Miracle of Life" (NOVA). This policy directly affects all Texas public school students in those grade levels and school districts implementing the curriculum change. The bill does not alter existing health curriculum requirements but adds these specific content mandates to the state's health education standards.

Maddy summaryHB 3978 modifies Texas law to set new requirements for municipalities seeking to annex small areas (under 200 residents). It requires cities to obtain petitions signed by over 50% of registered voters in the area, or over 50% of landowners if voters don't own most land. The bill also limits each municipality to one annexation per calendar year under this process. This directly affects cities and residents in unincorporated areas near city borders seeking to join municipal services. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote.

Maddy summaryHB 3983 establishes new regulations for risk pools primarily made up of local governments (like cities, counties, or school districts). Starting January 1, 2026, these pools must provide members with annual reports including coverage details, budget summaries, financial status, and explanations for denied claims. The bill clarifies that such risk pools are not insurance and must comply with specific sections of Texas insurance law (Title 4, Subtitle C, and Chapter 830 of the Insurance Code). It also waives government immunity for lawsuits related to claim denials or coverage issues.

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 4026 requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to consider flood planning and mitigation information when reviewing applications for wastewater treatment, collection systems, or discharge permits. This applies directly to wastewater facilities seeking new permits, renewals, or amendments. The bill mandates TCEQ to evaluate local flood risks and planning data as part of its permit decision-making process. The requirement takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3760 exempts certain farm and ranch equipment - including tires, machinery, and vehicle components - from Texas sales and use taxes when used in agricultural operations. It specifically adds this exemption to the Tax Code under Section 151.316(a), covering items used for producing food, feed, or other agricultural products sold commercially. The bill directly affects farmers and ranchers who purchase qualifying equipment for operations like building infrastructure or raising livestock. This policy change reduces costs for agricultural producers by removing tax burdens on eligible equipment purchases.

Maddy summaryHB 3814 requires most health benefit plans in Texas to cover prescription medications treating perimenopause and menopause. This applies to private insurance plans, health maintenance organizations, Medicaid, and other covered health plans that provide prescription drug benefits. The law mandates this coverage for plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, with the bill taking effect September 1, 2025. It does not specify particular medications but requires coverage for any prescription drug used to treat these conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 3817 would create a new criminal offense in Texas law by making it a state jail felony to knowingly provide a false statement about one's biological sex (assigned at birth) to a government entity or employer. The bill specifically targets individuals who state they are the opposite sex of their birth-assigned sex in such communications. It does not affect general gender identity expression but applies only to false statements made to government offices or employers. The law would take effect on September 1, 2025, if passed. This bill directly impacts how individuals interact with government agencies or workplaces regarding gender-related identity documentation.