Rep. Jay Dean

Maddy summarySB 1202 allows homeowners and third-party reviewers to bypass local regulatory authorities for reviewing development documents and conducting inspections related to home backup power systems (like generators for single- or two-family homes). It requires local authorities to post all necessary rules online or provide electronic copies within two business days, prohibits them from charging fees for these reviews, and mandates that approvals be issued within two business days of receiving notice. This directly affects homeowners installing backup power systems, third-party inspectors, and local government agencies handling such permits. The bill aims to streamline the process by reducing bureaucratic delays while ensuring third parties can rely on the authority’s posted information. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires vision insurance companies to create online applications for optometrists and therapeutic optometrists to join their plans. It mandates that insurers provide contracts within 10 business days of receiving a complete application and make credentialing decisions within 30 days. The bill ensures all applicants face identical application requirements and processing timelines, prohibiting insurers from considering extra information beyond the submitted application. It also requires insurers to include approved providers in their plans within 20 business days of contract acceptance. The law applies to all vision care plans serving Texas residents.

Maddy summaryTexas SB 8 requires sheriffs in counties with 100,000+ residents to request agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that allow local officers to enforce federal immigration law. Smaller counties may voluntarily enter similar agreements. The bill creates a state grant program to cover costs for counties implementing these agreements, including personnel and resources needed for compliance. It directly affects Texas county sheriffs and law enforcement agencies participating in federal immigration enforcement programs.

Maddy summarySB 33 prohibits Texas governmental entities from using taxpayer funds to pay for or facilitate abortion-related services. It bans transactions with "abortion assistance entities" (organizations providing financial help, travel, childcare, or abortion drugs) or abortion providers for abortion procurement. The law specifically prevents government spending on logistical support like travel, lodging, childcare, or food to help individuals access abortion services. This applies to all state and local government entities and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 458 requires personal auto and residential property insurance policies in Texas to include a standardized appraisal process when policyholders and insurers disagree on the amount of a loss. The law mandates that policies contain this dispute resolution mechanism, involving qualified appraisers and an umpire to determine the loss value. An appraisal award under this process is binding on both parties, except for fraud, accident, or material mistake. This applies to most standard insurers (like capital stock or mutual companies) but excludes commercial policies and Texas Windstorm Insurance Association coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 3619 requires the Railroad Commission of Texas to restore the surface of land to its original topography after plugging or replugging a well, unless the surface landowner declines this service. It also ensures surface owners retain access to their property during these operations and shields them from liability claims related to the plugging process. The law applies to wells plugged or replugged on or after September 1, 2025, directly affecting landowners where oil and gas wells are being decommissioned. Key provisions include mandatory land restoration for natural regrowth and liability protections for landowners, the Commission, and operators acting in good faith under the Natural Resources Code.

Maddy summaryHB 3479 creates a state program to manage harmful vegetation, primarily Carrizo cane, along the Rio Grande River. The bill requires the state board to develop and implement this program specifically to address vegetation that impedes border security operations. It directly affects border security efforts by establishing a formal process for managing these plants in the Rio Grande corridor. The key provision mandates the state board to oversee this vegetation management, focusing on removing or controlling plants that obstruct border security.

Maddy summaryHB 4076 prohibits health care providers from denying organ transplants or related services (like evaluations, surgery, or waiting list placement) solely based on a patient's vaccination status. It allows providers to consider vaccination status only if medically significant to the transplant, following individualized assessment - such as if unvaccinated patients face higher infection risks. The law covers all transplant stages and protects providers who comply with it from penalties, while permitting alternatives like antibody testing instead of vaccination requirements. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies to all organ transplant candidates in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 49 limits legal liability for businesses and landowners handling oil and gas waste in Texas. It shields parties who treat or reuse this waste (e.g., for drilling operations) from tort claims related to subsequent use, unless they acted with gross negligence or failed to follow environmental rules. The law specifically protects those who generate, transport, or treat waste, including surface estate owners, but does not cover cases involving intentional misconduct or negligence. Signed into law on June 20, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, it directly affects oil and gas operators, waste treatment facilities, and landowners managing such waste.

Maddy summaryHB 2306 changes parole eligibility for inmates convicted of specific trafficking offenses involving vulnerable victims. It prohibits parole for individuals serving sentences under Texas Penal Code Sections 20A.02 (regarding child victims), 20A.03, 21.02, 22.021(f), 51.03, or 51.04. The bill amends parole rules to explicitly exclude these trafficking offenses from eligibility, repealing prior provisions that may have allowed parole for such cases. This law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed on or after that date.