Rep. Claudia Ordaz

Maddy summaryHB 3605 creates a franchise tax credit for Texas businesses that hire apprentices in broadband utility engineering or construction jobs. To qualify, businesses must employ at least one apprentice for three months in a certified apprenticeship program, provide specific training in skills like pole climbing or fiber splicing, and obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Texas Workforce Commission. The credit directly benefits taxable entities (businesses) in the broadband sector by reducing their franchise tax liability. It applies to apprentices working in roles classified under 2022 NAICS code 237130, requiring programs to meet U.S. Department of Labor standards or be registered under Texas Education Code Chapter 133. The bill is currently pending in committee after being favorably reported with a committee substitute.

Maddy summaryHB 5144 aims to prohibit deceptive trade practices by businesses that assist veterans with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims. The bill targets companies that charge fees or provide services related to VA benefits applications, seeking to prevent misleading tactics like false promises of guaranteed approval. However, the full bill text is unavailable in the provided context, so specific provisions, affected parties, or enforcement mechanisms cannot be detailed. Without access to the complete legislative language, a precise summary of how the law would operate or who it directly impacts is not possible. Please consult the bill's PDF version for the full text and detailed provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 137 designates specific routes for permits allowing oversize and overweight vehicles to travel from international border crossings to ports and industrial areas in Cameron and Hidalgo counties. The bill specifies exact roadways, including State Highways 48 and 4, U.S. Highways 77 and 83, and Farm-to-Market Roads 509 and 106, that must be used for these movements. It also grants the transportation commission authority to approve alternative routes after consulting with port authorities. This bill directly affects commercial trucking companies transporting large cargo across the U.S.-Mexico border in these counties.

Maddy summaryHB 5218 establishes designated routes for permits allowing larger cargo vehicles to move through specific areas near deepwater seaports on the U.S.-Mexico border. It directly affects commercial trucking companies transporting goods to and from these border ports by requiring permits for oversized or overweight vehicles traveling along these pre-approved routes. The bill's key provision is creating a formal system for route designation, streamlining permit issuance for vehicles serving border seaports while ensuring designated paths are used. This focuses on logistical efficiency for freight movement without altering vehicle size limits or creating new taxes. The bill is currently pending in the Transportation committee after a public hearing.

Maddy summaryHB 3618 requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to create policies governing searches of female inmates. It mandates that searches involving unclothed female inmates must be conducted by a female officer when available, and if a male officer must conduct such a search, they must submit a written report within 72 hours. The bill also limits visual body cavity searches (a visual inspection of genital or anal areas with clothing removed) to only "exigent circumstances" like immediate security threats - not routine program access like education or rehabilitation. These policies apply directly to female inmates in TDCJ facilities and must be adopted by September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2076 requires health insurance plans that cover prescription contraceptive devices (like IUDs or implants) to also cover evidence-based anxiety and pain management specifically for the insertion or removal of these devices. This applies to all health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The law mandates coverage for proven methods to address discomfort during these medical procedures, not general anxiety or pain treatment. It directly affects insurance providers and plan members seeking contraceptive care. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, with the coverage requirement applying to future plans starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1775 requires Texas law enforcement agencies and response teams to report on evidence collection kits used in sexual assault cases. The bill mandates annual reports (by December 1) detailing unanalyzed kits and kits not taken possession of within legal timeframes, plus biennial reports (odd-numbered years) on sexual assault case data like reports received, investigations, and indictments. These reports must include specific metrics on kits not properly handled and be posted online as a "Statewide Electronic Tracking System Report." The law affects all local law enforcement agencies and county response teams handling sexual assault evidence, with implementation set for September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe context provided does not include the actual text or substantive details of HB 1378. While the bill title indicates it relates to "municipal and county regulation of certain electric energy storage," no specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties are described in the available information. The summary section is blank, and recent actions only note committee referrals without policy content. Without access to the bill text or a substantive summary, a factual description of the bill's provisions cannot be provided. For details, the user should refer to the PDF version of the bill text mentioned in the context.

Maddy summaryHB 406 requires Texas municipalities and counties to notify local workforce development boards within 14 days when entering, amending, or renewing certain economic development agreements. The notice must include specific details outlined in state law (Government Code § 403.0246(c)). This applies only to agreements executed on or after September 1, 2025, and directly affects local governments and workforce boards in the relevant service areas. The bill establishes a procedural requirement for transparency between economic development agreements and workforce planning entities.

Maddy summaryHB 1675, known as "Mona's Law," allows perpetual care cemeteries in Texas to inter cremated remains of companion pets with human remains in specific ways. The bill permits pet remains to be buried in the same casket during human interment, placed in a separate adjacent grave, or stored in a columbarium beside human remains, while requiring cemeteries to include pet information on memorials. It defines "pet" as a domestic companion animal (excluding livestock) and prohibits euthanizing pets solely for burial with humans. The law applies to all perpetual care cemeteries in Texas and takes effect September 1, 2025.