Rep. Carrie Isaac

Maddy summarySB 17 restricts certain foreign governments and entities from purchasing or acquiring title to specific types of real property in Texas if such ownership poses a risk to public health, safety, or welfare. It prohibits purchases of agricultural land, commercial, industrial, residential property, mines, minerals, or timber by organizations or governments from "designated countries" (identified by U.S. intelligence as national security risks). Exceptions include U.S. citizens/permanent residents, entities owned by them, homestead properties, and leaseholds under 100 years. The law creates a new Property Code Subchapter H (Sections 5.251-5.254) to implement these restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 14 creates the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office within the Governor's office to support the state's nuclear energy industry. The bill defines "advanced nuclear projects" to include facilities using next-generation reactors (like small modular reactors), fuel cycle operations, and associated technologies. The office will provide strategic leadership, develop public outreach programs, and promote job creation in advanced manufacturing while advancing nuclear energy for reliable power generation. This law directly affects Texas nuclear developers, utilities, and communities involved in nuclear facility projects. The office is authorized until September 1, 2040.

Maddy summaryHB 5115 increases criminal penalties for election fraud in Texas by elevating the offense from a Class A misdemeanor to a second-degree felony under Election Code Section 276.013. It directly affects individuals who commit specific election fraud acts, such as tampering with ballots, voting for deceased voters, or counting invalid votes. The bill amends the law to impose harsher penalties for these violations, excluding certain scenarios like election officials acting in their official capacity (which remains a state jail felony) or attempted offenses (classified as a third-degree felony). This change applies only to offenses committed on or after its September 1, 2025 effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 100 prohibits Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools from using state funds to purchase or adopt instructional materials that contain obscene or harmful content or appear on the State Board of Education's rejected materials list. The bill requires the State Board to issue a 45-day notice before adding materials to the rejected list, allowing time for revisions. It also bans the use of any instructional materials - whether traditional or open education resources - listed as rejected, while permitting local funds for non-rejected materials. This law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year and became effective immediately after the governor signed it on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 102 requires Texas public universities to offer early registration for courses and programs to students in military-related programs who are in good standing. Specifically, it mandates this for students enrolled in ROTC programs, cadet corps (including at senior military colleges), or maritime academies. The law, effective for the 2026 spring semester, obligates institutions to provide this early registration opportunity on the same basis as other designated student groups. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will develop rules to implement this requirement.

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 summaryHB 119 requires lobbyists who communicate directly with Texas lawmakers to influence legislation on behalf of a "foreign adversary" (as defined by state law) to register with the state. It specifically prohibits receiving compensation for such lobbying activities from foreign adversaries or their designated representatives. The bill establishes civil penalties for violations, including fines for unauthorized lobbying or compensation. This law directly affects lobbyists working for foreign governments or entities designated as national security threats by U.S. authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 3153 requires facilities like residential treatment centers, juvenile detention centers, and homeless shelters to conduct criminal history checks and employment verifications for all staff, volunteers, and contractors who may have direct contact with children. It applies to the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, counties, and municipalities. The law mandates that facilities review state criminal records and verify employment for anyone potentially providing care, supervision, control, or routine interaction with children at these locations. This policy change aims to prevent physical or sexual abuse by ensuring background checks for all individuals in direct contact with children. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.