Rep. Matt Shaheen

Maddy summaryHB 230 prohibits local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that hire lobbyists to influence state legislation. The bill specifically bans spending on: (1) hiring registered lobbyists for general lobbying, or (2) funding associations that primarily represent local governments and employ registered lobbyists. Exceptions allow spending for military-related lobbying (e.g., veterans' issues) and for nonprofit staff to provide basic legislative services like tracking bills, analyzing legislation, or testifying before committees. Taxpayers or residents can sue to stop violations and recover legal fees if the local government breaks the rules.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to clarify that the Texas Attorney General has equal authority with county or district attorneys to prosecute criminal violations of state election laws. It would amend Article IV, Section 22 of the Texas Constitution to explicitly grant the Attorney General "concurrent jurisdiction" in such cases. If approved by voters in the 2026 election, this change would directly affect how election-related criminal cases are handled across Texas, ensuring the state attorney general can participate alongside local prosecutors. The amendment does not create new election crimes but specifies existing prosecutorial authority.

Maddy summaryHB 11 requires the Texas Attorney General to prosecute criminal offenses related to election laws, shifting responsibility from local prosecutors to the state level. It mandates that law enforcement agencies report such offenses to the Attorney General and obligates local prosecutors to provide requested information and assist in prosecutions. The Attorney General may also direct local district attorneys to either prosecute these cases or support the state's efforts. These changes apply only to offenses committed after the bill's effective date, which is set for 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryHB 32, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires that certain facilities - such as restrooms, locker rooms, and family violence shelters - be designated and used based on biological sex, defined as the physical condition of being male or female at birth as determined by sex organs, chromosomes, and original birth records. The law applies to correctional facilities, family violence shelters, institutions of higher education, local governments (political subdivisions), and state agencies. It authorizes civil penalties for violations and creates a private right of action, allowing individuals to file lawsuits if they believe the law has been breached. The bill does not apply to state agencies as political subdivisions but covers them separately under the law's definition of "state agency."

Maddy summaryHB 84 authorizes Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin for human use without a doctor's prescription, directly affecting pharmacists and patients seeking this medication. The bill requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order with standardized protocols for pharmacists, including patient instructions and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. It also provides legal protection for pharmacists who follow the order, shielding them from liability or disciplinary action. The commissioner must issue this order within 91 days after the legislative session ends, implementing the policy changes outlined in the new Health and Safety Code section.

Maddy summarySB 1241 amends Texas law to allow public universities to admit students who achieve a minimum SAT score of 1,500 (or equivalent ACT score) as an alternative to graduating in the top 10% of their high school class. It directly affects undergraduate applicants to Texas public institutions of higher education who do not meet the top 10% academic requirement. The bill establishes specific score thresholds (1,500 on the SAT or equivalent ACT benchmarks) that applicants must meet to qualify for admission under this new pathway. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is also directed to study how these entrance examinations impact student success and institutional admissions. The law took effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 640 clarifies that during election periods, election authorities (like county or city offices) must be open on "regular business days" - defined as days when their main office is typically open for business. The bill specifically notes that for independent school districts, this means the school district's main business office hours apply. It directly affects election offices and voters needing access to these locations during voting periods. The change takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not alter existing voting procedures or requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 3214 modifies Texas' master plumber license eligibility requirements by reducing the required journeyman plumber experience from four years to two years. It allows applicants to qualify with either two years of experience or one year of experience plus completion of a nationally recognized apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. The bill applies only to new license applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing applications and current license holders unaffected. All other requirements - including passing exams and supervision duties - remain unchanged under the revised rules.

Maddy summarySB 869 limits the Texas Ethics Commission's ability to delay resolving ethics complaints by restricting when its resolution deadline can be paused. Specifically, the bill states that the commission may only pause the deadline during active court litigation involving the complaint, and cannot extend the deadline for any other reason. This change applies only to complaints filed on or after September 1, 2025, with pre-existing complaints governed by prior rules. The law aims to prevent indefinite delays in resolving ethics complaints by enforcing a strict timeline.

Maddy summaryHB 127 creates the Higher Education Research Security Council to protect universities from foreign espionage risks. The council, made up of security officers from university systems and select research institutions, will identify best practices for securing academic research while mitigating threats from foreign adversaries. It directly affects public and private research-focused universities in Texas, particularly those designated as "tier one" institutions. The bill establishes this council as a formal body to coordinate security efforts across higher education, without changing existing trade secret laws. The council’s role is limited to advising institutions on security protocols, not enforcing new penalties.