Rep. Matt Shaheen

Maddy summaryHB 22 authorizes Texas' comptroller to fund the deployment and operation of emergency communication systems, directly affecting local emergency services and communities. The bill specifies that funds can cover equipment, operations, and administration for early warning systems that notify residents about natural disasters and other emergencies, as well as interoperable communication equipment that allows different emergency response systems to work together. It also allows funding for 9-1-1 services, next-generation 9-1-1 infrastructure, and broadband programs supporting emergency connectivity. The bill does not change existing broadband funding rules but explicitly adds emergency communication systems as a qualifying use for state funds.

Maddy summarySB 8, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires certain facilities like restrooms, locker rooms, and shelters to be designated and used based on biological sex as defined by reproductive anatomy. It directly affects correctional facilities, family violence shelters, and institutions of higher education by mandating single-occupancy spaces for each biological sex and restricting access to multi-occupancy spaces based on sex. The bill defines "female" and "male" based on natural reproductive systems (e.g., egg production or sperm production) and authorizes civil penalties for violations, as well as private lawsuits to enforce compliance. The law became effective September 22, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 12 requires law enforcement agencies to report election-related crimes to the Texas Attorney General's office and gives the Attorney General exclusive authority to prosecute these offenses. It mandates that local prosecutors assist the Attorney General when requested and specifies that the Attorney General must represent the state in all election crime cases. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies (who must submit reports), local prosecutors (who may be directed to assist), and individuals who violate election laws. The law applies only to offenses committed after its effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summarySB 5 allocates over $290 million from Texas' economic stabilization fund to support disaster response and preparedness following a July 2025 flood declaration. It provides $200 million for FEMA matching funds and statewide disaster needs, $50 million for flood warning systems in 30 specific counties affected by the July flood, $24 million to improve weather forecasting accuracy, and $20 million for a swift water training facility for first responders. The funding targets local governments, emergency services, and meteorological systems to address immediate flood recovery and enhance future disaster management. The bill became effective immediately after the governor signed it on September 18, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 54 allows voters who have changed their residence within a county to vote immediately in upcoming elections without waiting 30 days, provided they submit a verified statement to election officials. The bill requires voters to confirm their current address and eligibility through a written statement detailing their new residence and all registration information. This change applies only to voters who submit such a statement after the bill's effective date (September 17, 2025), eliminating the previous 30-day waiting period for address updates. It directly affects voters who move within their county but haven't updated their registration records. The bill amends Texas Election Code sections 15.025 and 63.0011 to implement this immediate effect process.

Maddy summaryHB 20, the Disaster Scam Response Act, creates a voluntary program to help Texans identify legitimate charities during disasters by allowing local governments to recommend specific nonprofits or financial institutions for designation by the Secretary of State. This designation helps residents easily find trustworthy groups to donate to for disaster relief in their area during declared emergencies. The law also establishes a new criminal offense for fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters and increases penalties for such crimes. It directly affects local governments, nonprofits, financial institutions, and individuals engaging in fraudulent donation schemes during declared disasters.

Maddy summaryHB 18 restricts Texas legislators and related political committees from accepting political contributions exceeding a daily limit or making political expenditures for travel, food, or similar expenses during unexcused absences when legislators are outside Texas to avoid their legislative duties. The daily contribution cap matches the Texas Ethics Commission's per diem rate for legislative sessions, and the bill bans political spending on travel or meals during these absences. Violations could trigger civil penalties. The law aims to prevent campaign activity while legislators evade attendance requirements.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 13) urges federal agencies to take immediate action against the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly threatening Texas livestock. It directly affects Texas ranchers and the state’s $1.8 billion livestock industry, which faces severe economic risk if the pest spreads. The resolution requests specific actions: federal coordination with Mexico to combat the infestation, expedited construction of a screwworm control facility at Moore Air Force Base, and faster approval of medications and pesticides by the USDA, FDA, and EPA. It does not create new law but formally requests federal intervention to prevent widespread livestock losses and economic damage.

Maddy summaryHB 7, the Woman and Child Protection Act, prohibits the manufacture and provision of abortion-inducing drugs in Texas while limiting legal actions against certain local providers. It creates new legal protections for Texas-based hospitals, health facilities, and providers who practice exclusively within the state, shielding them from civil lawsuits under this law. The bill also restricts courts outside Texas from enforcing judgments related to abortion drugs and allows private citizens to file lawsuits ("qui tam actions") against violators. It directly affects drug manufacturers, pharmacies, and healthcare entities offering abortion-inducing drugs, but excludes Texas hospitals, state facilities, and in-state-only providers from liability. The law takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a doctor's prescription. It requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order with standardized protocols, patient instructions, and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. Pharmacists acting in good faith under this order are protected from legal liability. The law directly affects licensed pharmacists and patients seeking ivermectin through pharmacy channels.