Rep. Mihaela Pleșa

Maddy summarySB 455 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (for risks wholly located in Texas) include arbitration agreements conducted in Texas under Texas law, unless both insurer and policyholder agree to change the venue after the insurer provides written notice and a premium credit for added costs. This applies to new or renewed contracts on or after January 1, 2026, affecting insurers and policyholders purchasing specialized insurance for high-risk properties in Texas. The bill ensures arbitration venues and legal interpretations remain tied to Texas, preventing out-of-state arbitration without financial compensation to policyholders. It becomes effective September 1, 2025, but the new rules apply to contracts delivered after 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2322 amends Texas law to clarify the specific findings the comptroller of public accounts must make before recommending approval of tax limitation applications under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act. It requires the comptroller to confirm: (1) the project is eligible, (2) it will generate sufficient state/local tax revenue to offset school district losses, (3) the agreement is a "compelling factor" for the project's location in Texas (meaning the company would not invest here without it), and (4) projects in qualified opportunity zones are actually located there. This directly affects school districts that may lose ad valorem tax revenue if projects receive approved tax limitations. The bill establishes clear, measurable criteria for the comptroller to apply, ensuring tax abatements are justified by economic benefits to the state.

Maddy summaryHB 4582 proposes a reimbursement program for developers who build infrastructure (like roads, water, and sewer systems) for qualifying "attainable housing developments" in specific Texas counties and municipalities. It applies only to developments meeting strict criteria: at least 7 acres with 50+ single-family homes (each 1,000+ sq ft), connected to public utilities, governed by property owner agreements, and offering units to veterans/military, first responders, or school employees. Developers must prove the infrastructure would have been built by the municipality/county otherwise, and comply with federal tenant protections. This bill, currently pending in committee, aims to reduce developer costs for housing projects in targeted high-population areas.

Maddy summaryHB 2081 establishes the Building Better Futures Program to provide educational and occupational skills training for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Texas public and private colleges. The program requires participating institutions to have U.S. Department of Education approval for transition programs, implement selective admissions, and award certificates upon completion. It exempts participating programs from certain existing education code requirements (Sections 61.0512 and 61.822) and creates a competitive funding process administered by the Texas Education Agency. The bill directly affects students with disabilities seeking inclusive higher education opportunities and the institutions offering these specialized programs, effective immediately after the Governor signed it on May 26, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 554 creates a new window for fireworks sales in Texas counties that approve it, specifically allowing sales from June 14 through June 19 (Juneteenth). This directly affects retail fireworks sellers in counties where commissioners courts have approved the sale period. The bill amends existing law to add this Juneteenth window to the list of authorized seasonal sale periods, alongside existing dates like Independence Day and July 4. It became effective immediately after the governor signed it on May 26, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2756 (the Jovian Motley Act) requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to provide annual training on de-escalation, crisis intervention, and behavioral health to correctional officers and their direct supervisors. The bill mandates specific training components, including communication techniques, alternatives to physical restraints, safety during cell extractions, and awareness of behavioral health concerns like suicide risk and substance use disorders. This training must be included in new officers' initial (preservice) training and completed annually by eligible employees. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, with TDCJ required to make the training available by December 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 334 establishes a program allowing county employees to voluntarily contribute unused sick or vacation leave to a shared family leave pool. Employees can access the pool after exhausting their own leave for qualifying events like childbirth, adoption, foster placement, or serious illness in an immediate family member. The county judge or an appointed administrator manages the pool, and contributions reduce the donor’s leave balance. Counties must create the program through a commissioners court order, making it available to all county employees.

Maddy summaryHB 220 requires Texas healthcare facilities treating sexual assault survivors to provide specific care standards. It mandates: forensic medical exams per state codes, private waiting areas, access to sexual assault advocates (if available), crisis center contact information, private treatment rooms (if available), STI prophylaxis when needed, free showers (if facilities offer them), and emergency contraception with consent and clinical indication. The bill directly affects sexual assault survivors seeking medical care and healthcare facilities across Texas. If passed, these requirements would take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a legislative bill), adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on May 23, 2025. It formally congratulates Joanne Huffstetler of Plano for graduating from the Texas Partners in Policymaking program, which trains adults with disabilities and families to advocate for policy change. The resolution recognizes her capstone project addressing housing for disabled Texans and her 30-year career in disability services. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is solely an expression of appreciation for her accomplishments.

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.