Rep. Ben Bumgarner

Maddy summaryHB 1586 creates a standardized affidavit form for parents or guardians seeking immunization exemptions for school enrollment. The form must include a statement explaining the benefits and risks of both immunizations and not being immunized. The health department must provide this form online or by mail without collecting personal information, and can only track how many times the form is accessed (not who uses it). This change applies starting the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summarySB 261 prohibits the sale and offering for sale of cell-cultured protein (food made by growing animal cells in a lab) for human consumption in Texas. It defines "cell-cultured protein" and adds it to existing prohibitions under the Health and Safety Code, making it unlawful to manufacture, distribute, or sell such products. The bill directly affects food producers, retailers, and restaurants selling cell-cultured meat or dairy alternatives within Texas. Violations carry civil and criminal penalties, though specific penalty amounts are not detailed in the provided text. This is a substantive policy change banning a new food category without exceptions for commercial sale.

Maddy summaryHB 3441 creates legal liability for vaccine manufacturers who advertise a harmful vaccine within Texas. It defines "advertise" broadly to include paid promotions across media (TV, internet, influencers), but excludes doctor-patient discussions or clinic materials. If a manufacturer's advertised vaccine causes injury, victims can sue within three years for actual damages, attorney fees, and court costs. The law applies only to cases where harm occurs on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 34 prohibits Texas state investments in countries designated as "countries of concern" (including China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and any country the governor designates) and in private companies operating in those countries that meet specific criteria. It defines "scrutinized companies" as those engaged in certain business activities (like those linked to the Darfur genocide) or meeting other conditions outlined in the bill. The law applies to all state investment entities, requiring them to divest from or avoid purchasing securities in these entities. An exception allows investments in companies excluded by U.S. federal sanctions regimes.

Maddy summarySB 1259 updates Texas regulations for land surveyors by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, directly affecting individuals seeking surveyor-in-training certificates or registered professional land surveyor licenses. Key provisions require the board to issue written advisory opinions on legal interpretations of surveying laws and mandate that the advisory committee publicly document meeting discussions and decisions. The bill revises educational and experience requirements for certification, such as specifying that surveyor-in-training applicants must now complete 32 semester hours in surveying-related courses (e.g., land surveying, mathematics, or land law) plus 1-4 years of supervised experience, with multiple pathways including degrees, coursework, or self-education. It also clarifies that registered surveyors must hold a surveyor-in-training certificate, pass exams, and have a degree with 32 hours in designated surveying subjects.

Maddy summaryHB 20 establishes Texas' Applied Sciences Pathway program, allowing high school students to earn both diplomas and industry certificates through school-college partnerships. It requires courses in 20 specific high-wage, high-growth fields like plumbing, welding, IT, and oil/gas exploration, with a focus on successful job placement rates. Partnerships must offer non-duplicative, progressive coursework leading to both diplomas and certificates in these sectors. The program begins for the 2027-2028 school year, with industries reviewed every five years to match labor market needs.

Maddy summaryHB 2017 (Grayson's Law) increases penalties for repeat intoxication manslaughter convictions in Texas. It upgrades certain cases to a first-degree felony and prohibits probation or early release for offenders with prior convictions related to operating vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft while intoxicated. The bill mandates that individuals convicted under these provisions must serve at least 10 years of actual time in prison (without credit for good behavior) before becoming eligible for parole or mandatory supervision. These changes apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2232 designates October 21 as "Unplug Texas Day" to encourage Texans to take breaks from electronic devices and engage in activities like outdoor play, creativity, and family time. The bill directs state and local parks and recreation agencies to coordinate programs and events on this day to promote the use of parks and recreational facilities. It does not create new funding or legal requirements but serves as a symbolic initiative to highlight community and outdoor engagement. The bill became effective on September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 17 restricts certain foreign governments and entities from purchasing or acquiring title to specific types of real property in Texas if such ownership poses a risk to public health, safety, or welfare. It prohibits purchases of agricultural land, commercial, industrial, residential property, mines, minerals, or timber by organizations or governments from "designated countries" (identified by U.S. intelligence as national security risks). Exceptions include U.S. citizens/permanent residents, entities owned by them, homestead properties, and leaseholds under 100 years. The law creates a new Property Code Subchapter H (Sections 5.251-5.254) to implement these restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 14 creates the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office within the Governor's office to support the state's nuclear energy industry. The bill defines "advanced nuclear projects" to include facilities using next-generation reactors (like small modular reactors), fuel cycle operations, and associated technologies. The office will provide strategic leadership, develop public outreach programs, and promote job creation in advanced manufacturing while advancing nuclear energy for reliable power generation. This law directly affects Texas nuclear developers, utilities, and communities involved in nuclear facility projects. The office is authorized until September 1, 2040.