Rep. Matt Shaheen

Maddy summaryHB 1968 requires county elections administrators to enter binding contracts with political subdivisions (like cities or towns) that request election services for May elections held on the first Saturday in even-numbered years. The bill mandates that contracts be based on mutually agreed cost schedules, removing a previous exception (Section 41.001(d)) that allowed counties to decline such contracts. This change directly affects counties and local governments managing these specific May elections, ensuring they must formalize service agreements. The law applies only to elections occurring on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1080 allows Texas cities, counties, and other local governments to publish required public notices (like meeting schedules or public hearings) using alternative media - such as social media, free newspapers, utility bills, or homeowners' association newsletters - instead of traditional newspapers. To qualify, local governments must first hold a public meeting to prove the alternative media has greater circulation than the top local newspaper, then submit specific details (including circulation numbers) to the state comptroller. The comptroller will publish the notice on their website unless they determine the alternative method doesn’t meet the circulation standard or grant a waiver. This bill modernizes notice requirements while maintaining transparency through mandatory public input and state oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 2969 prohibits the Texas State Bar from adopting rules, policies, or penalties that restrict law license applicants or holders based on religious beliefs or burden constitutional rights. It specifically bans limitations on licensing due to sincerely held religious beliefs, or restrictions on free speech (including religious or political views), religious association, or assembly. Exceptions allow rules that serve a compelling government interest narrowly tailored to that purpose, or that address willful bias in court proceedings. The bill enables licensees to challenge violations through administrative hearings or lawsuits under Texas law, but not in cases involving sexual misconduct allegations or criminal prosecution.

Maddy summaryHB 5116 establishes specific deadlines and procedures for contesting election results on proposed constitutional amendments in Texas. It requires courts to rule on pretrial motions within 30 days, hold trials no earlier than 45 days after the election (and no later than 180 days), and issue final judgments within 180 days. Contestants must prove a "substantial likelihood of success," "irreparable harm," and that halting implementation serves the public interest to temporarily block an approved amendment. The bill directly affects individuals or groups challenging election outcomes for constitutional amendments, ensuring faster resolution of disputes while clarifying when implementation can be paused.

Maddy summaryHB 3727 creates a state grant program to fund railroad grade separation projects at non-state highway intersections and pedestrian crossings. It directly affects local governments and railroad companies by providing grants for projects that improve safety and reduce traffic. Key requirements include a 10% non-state funding match (from other sources or as matching funds) and restrictions on using state highway funds. The program can only use state appropriations, federal grants, or donations, and the Transportation Commission must adopt rules by October 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 298 requires Texas driver's licenses and personal ID certificates to include a clear indication that the holder is a U.S. citizen. This applies to all licenses issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The bill specifies that licenses must also display the holder's full name, date of birth, a full-face photograph, a distinguishing number, and either a residence address or, for certain federal judges or officials, the courthouse address. It does not change existing requirements for non-citizens. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 161 proposes amending the Texas Constitution to explicitly prohibit non-citizen residents from voting in Texas elections. The bill would add "persons who are not citizens of the United States" as a new category barred from voting, alongside existing restrictions for minors, those declared mentally incompetent, and convicted felons. If approved by voters in November 2025, this constitutional change would formally enshrine the current legal standard - non-citizens already cannot vote in Texas - into the state constitution. The amendment requires voter approval at the 2025 general election, with ballot language specifying the change. This is a procedural constitutional amendment, not a new voting law.

Maddy summaryHB 1027 establishes rules for telepharmacy services in Texas, directly affecting pharmacies and health centers offering remote medication dispensing. It requires telepharmacy systems to operate only at designated facilities like rural clinics, federally qualified health centers, and health centers in medically underserved areas. Key provisions include limiting a pharmacy to two remote sites, mandating monthly controlled substance reconciliation by pharmacists, requiring on-site technicians under pharmacist supervision, and setting specific staffing ratios (max three technicians per pharmacist). The bill also specifies that technicians must have one year of retail pharmacy experience and complete board-approved telepharmacy training before working at remote sites.

Maddy summaryHB 3061 increases penalties for certain criminal offenses committed while wearing masks or disguises specifically to hide the offender's identity. It applies to offenses under Texas law covering assault, robbery, public disorder (Title 5, Chapters 28-30, or Sections 42.01/42.02). If proven, the punishment escalates to the next higher offense category, with a minimum 180-day jail term for Class A misdemeanors. Exceptions allow the penalty increase to be avoided if the disguise was for events like Halloween, proven by a preponderance of evidence.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas licensing authorities to issue provisional occupational licenses for six months to applicants with criminal convictions who are otherwise qualified for the license, unless they have specific serious convictions listed in the Occupations Code. The provisional license begins upon the applicant's release from incarceration if they were imprisoned. It applies to most occupational licensing fields (like healthcare or trades) but excludes applicants convicted of offenses under Section 53.021(a). The bill provides a pathway for certain applicants to obtain licenses without full revocation of eligibility.