Rep. Matt Shaheen

Maddy summaryHB 4500 sets a standard for determining when healthcare providers charge "unconscionable" (unreasonably high) prices for services. It defines an unconscionable price as one exceeding 200% of the average charge for similar services in the same county, based on data collected by the Department of State Health Services. The bill specifically excludes emergency care from using urgent care pricing data for comparison and prohibits private lawsuits (only the state consumer protection division can enforce this). It directly affects healthcare providers who set prices above this threshold for non-emergency services, with enforcement focused on the state's consumer protection division.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a bill), passed by the Texas House on April 2, 2025, to recognize April 2, 2025, as "Strength in Unity: Elevating Texas Together Day" at the State Capitol. It formally honors the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) spiritual organization for its community service, humanitarian efforts, educational initiatives, and promotion of interfaith harmony in Texas. The resolution extends the House's sincere appreciation to BAPS members for their contributions and includes a plan to provide BAPS with an official copy of the resolution as a gesture of respect. It has no binding policy effect and solely serves as symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 1510 updates reporting requirements for the Texas Ethics Commission by mandating electronic filing for most campaign finance reports using commission-approved software or specified formats. It adjusts deadlines: electronic reports must be received by midnight of the first business day, while fax or in-person reports must be received by 5 p.m. the same day. The bill also removes the requirement for certain reports to include affidavits or use commission-prescribed forms, streamlining submission for candidates and committees. These changes apply directly to entities filing reports under Texas Election Code sections 254.036, 254.038, and 254.039.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 513) symbolically recognizes March 2025 as "Theatre in Our Schools Month" in Texas. It acknowledges the educational benefits of theatre programs, including fostering creativity, improving academic performance, and developing skills like communication and teamwork for students. The resolution highlights Texas schools' existing support for theatre education, referencing 18 cities that recognized the month in 2024 and the Texas chapter of the International Thespian Society's planned Capitol visit in March 2025. It does not create new funding or requirements but formally affirms the state's commitment to valuing theatre in education.

Maddy summaryHB 4294 requires app stores (like Apple App Store or Google Play) operating in Texas to verify the age of users when they create an account. It mandates using reasonable methods to assign age categories - child (under 13), teenager (13-16), older teenager (17), adult (18-20), or legal adult (21+) - and obtain parental consent for minors. The law directly affects app stores and users under 18, with specific rules for handling minors' data and transactions. Violations could result in civil penalties authorized by the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 4298 requires electronic device manufacturers selling in Texas to automatically enable filters on devices activated in the state. The filters must block minors (under 18) from accessing explicit content - including images of intimate parts, sexual conduct, or simulated sexual material - via mobile data, internet, or manufacturer apps. Users must be notified when content is blocked, and parents/guardians can bypass the filter with a password. Manufacturers who fail to comply face civil penalties, directly affecting device sellers and minor users in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 4295 restricts local governments in Texas from issuing new bonds or similar debt instruments (called "public securities") if their debt-to-asset ratio reaches 20% or higher. It applies only to debt issued on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect existing debt. The bill amends Texas Government Code Chapter 1253 to establish this 20% threshold for municipal bond issuances. This policy change directly affects cities, counties, and other local entities seeking to borrow money for projects or operations.

Maddy summaryHB 4296 prohibits foreign governments of China, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Russia, or Syria, or entities they control, from leasing, purchasing, or acquiring real property in Texas. It allows existing property interests held by these entities as of August 31, 2025, but bans renewal of such interests after September 1, 2025. The law amends the Texas Property Code to create these restrictions, taking effect on September 1, 2025. This bill directly affects foreign governments and their controlled entities seeking to own or lease property in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 4297 prohibits advertising the sale or provision of goods or services that are illegal under Texas law. It directly affects businesses, online platforms, and individuals who advertise such items, including those related to prohibited activities like certain drugs, unlicensed services, or other state-law violations. The bill bans advertisements for goods/services where either (1) their sale is prohibited by Texas law, or (2) the goods/services themselves are generally illegal statewide. This creates a clear legal prohibition on promoting illegal commerce through advertisements, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4292 creates a new appeal process for individuals who believe a school district or charter school violated state education laws or district policies. It allows written appeals to the inspector general or commissioner regarding issues like policy violations, legal breaches, or employment contract disputes causing monetary harm to staff. The bill requires the inspector general to issue a decision within 60 days (extendable by 7 days) after an appeal is filed, with the school district disclosing relevant records to the appeal reviewer. This process applies to students, parents, and employees facing specific grievances under school district policies or state law.