Rep. Drew Darby

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 783 exempts certain building regulations from state oversight, specifically clarifying that local governments cannot enforce restrictions on residential or commercial construction that conflict with pre-existing standards. It directly affects municipalities, developers, and historic preservation entities by creating nine specific exemptions, including windstorm insurance requirements, certified Dark Sky Community lighting ordinances, and buildings in historic districts (like National Register sites or Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks). Key provisions allow local ordinances for outdoor lighting to comply with international dark-sky certification standards and preserve existing historic designations without state interference. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers in May 2025.

Maddy summarySB 494 establishes a task force within the Railroad Commission of Texas to study and address petroleum product theft. The task force, requiring industry, energy association, and law enforcement representation, must analyze theft impacts on sales tax revenue and long-term economic effects, then recommend prevention strategies and officer training. It will submit annual reports to state leaders by December 1 of even-numbered years, focusing on security improvements and stakeholder coordination. The bill expires December 31, 2030, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 265 adjusts how Texas allocates constitutionally required funds between three state funds: the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, and the Grow Texas fund. If available funds fall below a set threshold, the bill requires the state treasurer to proportionally reduce highway fund allocations, increase economic stabilization fund funding, and transfer the difference to the Grow Texas fund. This mechanism directly affects state budgeting for infrastructure projects, economic stability programs, and business growth initiatives, with the adjustment set to expire December 31, 2042.

Maddy summarySB 1806 regulates the handling of petroleum products (crude oil and condensate) in Texas by creating new criminal offenses for illegal activities like unauthorized possession, storage, or transportation. It requires law enforcement to use NYMEX oil prices to sell stolen petroleum products and mandates inspections of cargo tanks on public roads by trained officers, with samples sent to crime labs for analysis. The bill directly affects oil and gas industry operators, law enforcement agencies, and individuals involved in petroleum product transactions. It increases penalties for existing crimes related to petroleum products and takes effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 2629 updates Texas law governing condominium and property owners' associations. It requires associations to be organized as formal corporations (profit or nonprofit) before units can be sold, and mandates that all unit owners automatically become members. The bill allows virtual meetings via electronic or phone means with specific safeguards - ensuring all directors can communicate directly and preventing immediate voting on fines or suspensions without giving members a chance to speak. It also clarifies that boards can act via written consent without a meeting for non-sensitive issues, provided proper records are kept. This directly affects all Texas condominium and property owners' associations and their members.

Maddy summarySB 879 exempts drillers and operators of closed-loop geothermal injection wells from specific requirements under the Natural Resources Code when they hold a valid permit from the Railroad Commission of Texas. It specifically removes applicability of Sections 85.2021 and 91.142 of the Natural Resources Code for these operators. The exemption applies only to permits issued under the Railroad Commission’s rules, streamlining regulatory oversight for this type of geothermal activity. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects geothermal energy operators seeking permits for closed-loop systems.

Maddy summarySB 1197 amends Texas Penal Code Section 42.15 to criminalize unauthorized operation of unmanned aircraft (drones) over licensed spaceports. It prohibits intentionally or knowingly operating drones that interfere with spaceport operations, cause contact with facilities, or disturb activities there. The law includes specific defenses for government entities, contractors, law enforcement, spaceport owners, or individuals with prior written authorization from spaceport operators or the Federal Aviation Administration. This directly affects drone operators near spaceports like SpaceX’s Starbase, requiring compliance with new safety restrictions to avoid criminal penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 3540 expands pharmacists' authority in Texas to order and administer immunizations or vaccinations. It allows pharmacists to provide these services to patients aged three and older without a physician referral, and to administer them to younger patients under a physician's written protocol. The bill requires pharmacists to meet board-specified certification, education, and skill standards for immunization administration, and mandates notification to the prescribing healthcare provider after vaccination. This change directly affects pharmacists and patients seeking convenient vaccination access within pharmacy settings.

Maddy summaryHB 5568 clarifies the definition of a "geothermal energy conservation well" in Texas law as a facility storing geothermal energy for grid electricity, distinct from battery storage. It establishes a process for the Railroad Commission of Texas to designate an operator of such a well if a claimant files: (1) proof of legal ownership of mineral, geothermal, or geologic space rights via lease or deed; (2) a compliance certificate; and (3) a $250 nonrefundable fee. This bill directly affects landowners, energy companies, or developers seeking to operate geothermal energy storage wells. The policy change creates a formal pathway for designation, streamlining operator claims without altering existing mineral rights frameworks.

Maddy summaryHB 3453 limits the liability of nonprofit organizations contracted by Texas' Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or a single source continuum contractor to provide foster care or adoption services. To qualify for this protection, nonprofits must meet five specific requirements: conduct background checks on staff, confirm they are not barred from child care, report misconduct, take action on misconduct, and provide required training in child abuse prevention and reporting. The bill does not shield nonprofits from liability for gross negligence. This change modifies how civil lawsuits against these organizations are handled, focusing on ensuring safety standards are met before holding nonprofits accountable.