Rep. Mihaela Pleșa

Maddy summaryHB 2275 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (specialized policies for high-risk or hard-to-place coverage) containing arbitration agreements must specify that any arbitration occurs in Texas and follows Texas law. It mandates that both the arbitration process and contract interpretation be governed by Texas statutes, applying only to contracts delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. Existing contracts before that date remain subject to prior law. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects insurers writing surplus lines policies in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 2229 amends Texas law to allow statutory county courts to expunge arrest records and files under specific conditions. It directly affects individuals who were arrested but not convicted (e.g., acquitted or had charges dismissed before trial), enabling them to clear their records through these courts. The key change specifies that statutory county courts may only expunge records for offenses within their jurisdiction, such as misdemeanor cases. This streamlines the process by clarifying which courts can handle expungement requests, replacing prior restrictions that limited this authority. The bill passed in May 2025 and applies to cases meeting eligibility criteria under existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 1268 creates the Texas Technology and Innovation Program to help Texas businesses access federal funding for technology development. The program matches or supplements money businesses receive through federal small business innovation programs (like those under 15 U.S.C. § 638), specifically targeting eligible Texas-based companies. To qualify, businesses must be organized in Texas, maintain a Texas headquarters or facility, employ most workers in Texas, and already qualify for federal funding without concurrent state support. The bill outlines application requirements, including certification of eligibility and documentation of federal funding stages (like "phase zero" or "phase one" of federal processes).

Maddy summarySB 262 updates Texas's requirements for becoming a licensed public accountant (CPA). It mandates that applicants must either complete 150 academic hours with an accounting focus or earn a bachelor's degree in accounting (both meeting board standards), pass the CPA exam, fulfill work experience requirements (including two years for degree holders), and pass a professional conduct exam. The bill also revises reciprocity rules to allow Texas to accept CPA exam credits from other states if administered by standard bodies like AICPA or NASBA and if the applicant met prior state requirements. These changes take effect September 1, 2025, and apply to all new applicants seeking a Texas CPA certificate.

Maddy summaryHB 2822 prohibits non-electric vehicles from parking in spaces clearly marked as electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. It allows only electric vehicles that are actively charging to use these designated spots, aligning with Texas Health and Safety Code definitions of EVs. This rule directly affects drivers using public or private parking areas with EV charging infrastructure, ensuring these spaces remain available for their intended purpose.

Maddy summaryHB 1988 amends Texas law to regulate when the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) may disclose records about former juvenile justice clients. The bill requires that disclosure of personally identifiable information only occurs if the individual is at least 18 years old, has been discharged from commitment, and has provided specific consent for the disclosure. Additionally, the department cannot disclose any information beyond what was consented to or for any purpose other than the agreed-upon reason. This law directly affects former youth in the juvenile justice system who seek to share their records, while imposing new restrictions on TJJD's disclosure practices.

Maddy summaryHJR 5 proposes a constitutional amendment to create two dedicated funds supporting Texas State Technical College System (TSTC) capital projects and equipment. It establishes a "permanent technical institution infrastructure fund" for long-term capital needs (like buildings) and an "available workforce education fund" for immediate operational costs, both administered outside general state funding. This would remove TSTC from annual appropriations that typically apply to other public colleges, providing the system with guaranteed funding streams for infrastructure without competing for general higher education funds. The amendment requires specific distribution rules and prohibits using these funds for non-educational purposes.

Maddy summaryHJR 40 proposes a constitutional amendment to remove a requirement that home equity loans must be closed only at a lender's office, an attorney's office, or a title company. This change would allow these loans to be finalized at other locations, directly affecting Texas homeowners seeking home equity financing. The amendment targets Section 50(a) of the Texas Constitution, which currently restricts where such loans can be processed. The bill is pending in committee after being reported favorably.

Maddy summaryHB 514 creates a state-mandated maternal health care workforce campaign to address shortages in maternal health services. It directs the Department of State Health Services to develop a public outreach initiative prioritizing continuing education, trauma-informed care training, and recruiting professionals for rural and underserved areas. The campaign specifically aims to increase the number of maternal health care professionals - such as doulas and certified providers - and boost representation of racial and ethnic minority groups in the workforce. Key provisions include facilitating training programs, expanding equipment and facility capacity, and improving access for underserved women. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 184 creates a student loan repayment program for Texas prosecuting attorneys working in the border prosecution unit. To qualify, attorneys must be licensed in Texas, have completed one to four consecutive years of employment with the unit, and apply through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The program provides up to 25% of an attorney’s total student loan balance each year for up to four years, totaling up to 100% of the loan. Repayment is delivered as a lump sum directly to the lender or shared between the lender and the attorney.