Maddy summaryHB 3803 makes financial information about perpetual care cemeteries and their trust funds confidential under Texas law, directly affecting cemetery operators, trust fund managers, and the Texas Department of Health and Safety. The bill prohibits the state agency from disclosing this financial data (except through published statements) without authorization, requiring that any disclosure to other government agencies must be deemed necessary for public safety or law enforcement. Key provisions include mandating confidentiality for all non-public financial records obtained through examinations and allowing limited disclosure only when the commissioner determines it serves the public interest. This law applies to all perpetual care cemeteries operating in Texas and takes effect immediately.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 12 requires the State Commission on Governmental Operations to review state agencies that regulate activities through licensing, such as professional or business licensing boards. The bill mandates that these agencies post online notices about the review process and public participation opportunities, and regulatory agencies must also notify licensees and seek their input. The commission must include findings, recommendations, and a 10-year performance analysis for regulatory agencies in its final report. This applies to state agencies in the executive branch with statewide licensing authority (excluding river authorities) and became effective September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 1481 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt written policies prohibiting student use of personal communication devices (such as cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day on school property or at school events. Exceptions allow device use for students with documented medical needs, individualized education plans (IEPs), or health/safety protocols. Schools may implement either a full device ban or a secure storage system for devices during school hours, and must return confiscated devices or dispose of them after providing parents 90 days' written notice. The law takes effect immediately upon the governor's signature.
Maddy summaryHB 3092 exempts certain short electric transmission lines from requiring an amended certificate of public convenience and necessity. It applies specifically to lines under five miles connecting to load-serving substations or under two miles connecting to generation substations. The bill requires electric utilities to obtain written consent from directly affected landowners and purchase all necessary rights-of-way before construction. This change directly affects Texas electric utilities planning small-scale transmission projects connecting to existing facilities. The law took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 2217 creates a state grant program to help law enforcement agencies purchase and install bullet-resistant components on vehicles used by peace officers. It directly affects state and local law enforcement agencies (including county and city police departments) by providing funding for bullet-resistant windshields, side windows, rear windows, and door panels. The program requires the Criminal Justice Division to set eligibility rules, application procedures, and grant amounts, while agencies must submit proof of installation after using funds. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and focuses solely on funding vehicle safety upgrades for officers.
Maddy summaryHB 42 modifies how Texas allocates annual state funds to public universities and colleges by establishing a new formula based on space deficit, facilities condition, institutional complexity, and a separate allocation for the Texas State Technical College System. It specifies exact funding amounts for institutions like the University of North Texas ($65 million), Texas State University ($58 million), and Lamar University ($20 million) for the 2026 fiscal year. The bill changes the method of distributing constitutional appropriations from previous formulas to these new criteria and amounts. Signed into law on June 20, 2025, it takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 2786 exempts certain public safety students from the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment requirement. It specifically applies to students working as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) employed by local governments, firefighters defined under state law, or peace officers (like police) serving in government roles. The bill amends the Education Code to add these three categories to the existing list of exemptions, waiving the TSI assessment for them. This change directly affects students pursuing or working in these public service careers while enrolled in college. The law takes effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote, or September 1, 2025, otherwise.
Maddy summaryHB 4238 prevents creditors and debt collectors from attempting to collect debts from individuals who are victims of identity theft, as verified by a court order. It requires these entities to stop collection efforts within seven business days of receiving proof of identity theft, stop reporting the debt to credit bureaus, and not sell the debt to third parties. The law does not apply to home loans or existing court judgments. This directly affects identity theft victims (who can halt debt collection) and debt collectors (who must comply with these restrictions), effective September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 6 amends Texas Education Code Section 12.111 to update requirements for charter schools. The bill specifically adds new criteria allowing charter schools to exclude students who were expelled under Section 37.007, placed in disciplinary alternative education programs under Section 37.006, or have documented criminal histories or discipline problems. While the bill title mentions telehealth mental health services in public schools, the provided text does not detail provisions for telehealth access. The legislation primarily affects charter schools by modifying their student admission policies and discipline management standards. HB 6 was signed into law by the governor on June 20, 2025, and is now effective.
Maddy summaryHB 300 increases the maximum Texas Armed Services Scholarship to $30,000 per academic year (up from $15,000), capping at the average cost of attendance at Texas colleges. It expands appointment authority, allowing the governor and lieutenant governor to each appoint two students annually, and each state senator or representative to appoint one student, with deadlines set for September 30. The bill directly affects Texas students enrolled in ROTC or similar military commissioning programs at Texas colleges, requiring proof of program enrollment or acceptance into the Texas State Guard. These changes are effective immediately after the bill was signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.