Rep. Shelley Luther

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 summaryHJR 152 proposes a constitutional amendment to restructure the Texas legislative session calendar. It would divide a regular session into three distinct time blocks: the first 30 days for introducing bills and handling emergencies, the next 30 days for committee hearings on pending bills, and the remainder for final action on bills and emergencies. This change would directly affect the Texas Legislature by altering how it organizes its work during sessions. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election, as specified in Section 2 of the resolution.

Maddy summaryHB 3465 prohibits the administration of vaccines containing mRNA material to livestock and domestic fowl raised for human consumption. The bill defines "mRNA material" as substances introducing instructions for viral proteins. The Texas Agriculture Commission must create rules banning these vaccines, directly affecting farmers raising animals for food. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3055 would prohibit political subdivisions (such as cities, counties, or special districts) from acquiring real property outside their county's boundaries through any method, including purchase, lease, gift, or eminent domain. The bill specifically restricts local governments from expanding land holdings beyond their current county jurisdiction, with no exceptions unless other laws explicitly permit it. This change would take effect on September 1, 2025, and directly affects all local governments in Texas seeking to acquire property outside their county lines. The bill does not alter existing authority for property within a subdivision's county boundaries.

Maddy summaryHB 3160 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt internet safety policies that comply with federal law (Children's Internet Protection Act) and mandate vendors to certify they won't provide obscene or harmful content to minors. It also requires schools to create a public process for reporting and responding to internet safety concerns, with annual reports submitted to the education agency. Public libraries must adopt similar policies protecting minors accessing online resources, including vendor certifications. Non-compliant school districts face withheld state funding under Chapters 46 and 48 until they meet the requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 3056 requires Texas municipalities and counties to prohibit the installation of commercial wind or solar power facilities within 500 yards of adjacent property unless the developer obtains written consent from all nearby property owners. This rule applies only to facilities selling energy wholesale (not residential installations) and specifies that distance is measured from the nearest structure to the property line. Local governments must adopt these regulations by October 1, 2025, and cannot require removal of facilities already under construction before that date. The bill directly affects developers of large-scale renewable energy projects seeking to build near residential or commercial properties.

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 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 2902 establishes a Supported Independent Living Program to help young adults (16+) in foster care transition to independent living after leaving foster care. The program provides independent living placements with case management and support services (with limited supervision), focusing on helping youth achieve self-sufficiency through education, employment, life skills training, and accessing community resources. It also requires caseworkers to develop detailed housing plans for these youth, including reviewing rental applications and securing housing by the youth’s 18th birthday. This bill directly affects youth aging out of foster care in Texas and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Maddy summaryHB 2759 restricts firearm possession for individuals convicted of specific violent or property crimes, such as burglary, robbery, assault, or offenses involving force. It prohibits possession for five years after release from prison or supervision, and even after five years, only allows possession at one's home. The law applies to convictions under defined sections of Texas Penal Code covering violent crimes (e.g., Title 5) or certain property crimes (e.g., burglary, robbery, assault). This bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and only applies to offenses committed on or after that date.