Rep. Carrie Isaac

Maddy summarySB 269 requires physicians to report certain serious adverse reactions to federal systems (VAERS for vaccines, MedWatch for drugs) when patients receive experimental/investigational vaccines or drugs approved for emergency use by the FDA. It defines "serious adverse events" as those causing death, life-threatening conditions, hospitalization, or significant disability. Physicians must report within one year of vaccination/drug administration if they diagnose the condition and know the patient received a covered vaccine or drug. Violations may result in non-disciplinary corrective action for first offenses or disciplinary measures by the Texas Medical Board for repeat failures. The law applies only to non-routine vaccines/drugs, excluding standard vaccines and clinical trial uses.

Maddy summaryHB 1586 creates a standardized affidavit form for parents or guardians seeking immunization exemptions for school enrollment. The form must include a statement explaining the benefits and risks of both immunizations and not being immunized. The health department must provide this form online or by mail without collecting personal information, and can only track how many times the form is accessed (not who uses it). This change applies starting the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas to collect de-identified data on veteran deaths from death certificates and submit it to the Texas Veterans Commission. Specifically, it mandates that the state registrar provide details like age, race, cause of death (if suicide or homicide), and occupation, but not medical history unless available. The commission must then produce annual reports by December 1 each year, containing aggregated data, analysis, and policy recommendations for veterans' affairs committees. The first report is due December 1, 2027, with annual reports starting in 2026. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 247 exempts property owners in Texas counties bordering Mexico from paying property taxes on the increased tax value caused by border security infrastructure (like walls, fences, or roads) installed on their land under specific agreements. It also prevents government entities from having to pay higher property taxes when purchasing land or easements for border security projects, as the price paid for those parcels won’t factor into appraising other nearby properties. The law applies only to real property in border counties and covers both infrastructure built on private land and government acquisitions for such projects. This directly affects landowners in border counties and state/federal agencies managing border security. The policy change simplifies tax treatment for border infrastructure development without altering overall property tax rates.

Maddy summaryTexas House Bill 706 requires Texas to recognize valid handgun licenses issued by other states, directly affecting out-of-state license holders who travel or reside in Texas. The bill mandates that Texas will recognize such licenses only if the other state either has a mutual agreement with Texas or conducts background checks through the FBI's National Crime Information Center before issuing licenses. Texas must publish and update an annual list of states that recognize Texas-issued licenses. The law took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4230 establishes the Bicentennial Trail, a network of hike and bike trails connecting the Alamo to the Texas State Capitol and linking to Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs, and San Antonio Springs. The Texas Land Office must coordinate trail development and ensure completion by January 1, 2036, through agreements with local governments, nonprofits, and agencies like the Parks and Wildlife Department. The bill prohibits using eminent domain for land acquisition and restricts acquired property to trail use only. It expires September 1, 2037, but existing agreements remain valid. The trail aims to promote recreation, environmental stewardship, and Texas heritage.

Maddy summaryHB 3441 creates legal liability for vaccine manufacturers who advertise a harmful vaccine within Texas. It defines "advertise" broadly to include paid promotions across media (TV, internet, influencers), but excludes doctor-patient discussions or clinic materials. If a manufacturer's advertised vaccine causes injury, victims can sue within three years for actual damages, attorney fees, and court costs. The law applies only to cases where harm occurs on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1629 changes when retail businesses with fireworks permits can sell fireworks to the public in Texas. It restricts sales to three specific periods: June 24-July 4, December 20-January 1, and May 1-5 only in counties near the Texas-Mexico border (within 100 miles) if the county commissioners court approves. The bill directly affects retail fireworks permit holders, particularly those operating in border counties during the May holiday window. It does not alter the standard summer or holiday sales periods but adds a conditional border exception requiring local approval. The law took effect immediately after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 34 prohibits Texas state investments in countries designated as "countries of concern" (including China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and any country the governor designates) and in private companies operating in those countries that meet specific criteria. It defines "scrutinized companies" as those engaged in certain business activities (like those linked to the Darfur genocide) or meeting other conditions outlined in the bill. The law applies to all state investment entities, requiring them to divest from or avoid purchasing securities in these entities. An exception allows investments in companies excluded by U.S. federal sanctions regimes.

Maddy summaryHB 20 establishes Texas' Applied Sciences Pathway program, allowing high school students to earn both diplomas and industry certificates through school-college partnerships. It requires courses in 20 specific high-wage, high-growth fields like plumbing, welding, IT, and oil/gas exploration, with a focus on successful job placement rates. Partnerships must offer non-duplicative, progressive coursework leading to both diplomas and certificates in these sectors. The program begins for the 2027-2028 school year, with industries reviewed every five years to match labor market needs.