Rep. Caroline Fairly

Maddy summaryHB 1268 creates the Texas Technology and Innovation Program to help Texas businesses access federal funding for technology development. The program matches or supplements money businesses receive through federal small business innovation programs (like those under 15 U.S.C. § 638), specifically targeting eligible Texas-based companies. To qualify, businesses must be organized in Texas, maintain a Texas headquarters or facility, employ most workers in Texas, and already qualify for federal funding without concurrent state support. The bill outlines application requirements, including certification of eligibility and documentation of federal funding stages (like "phase zero" or "phase one" of federal processes).

Maddy summaryHB 3061 increases penalties for certain criminal offenses committed while wearing masks or disguises specifically to hide the offender's identity. It applies to offenses under Texas law covering assault, robbery, public disorder (Title 5, Chapters 28-30, or Sections 42.01/42.02). If proven, the punishment escalates to the next higher offense category, with a minimum 180-day jail term for Class A misdemeanors. Exceptions allow the penalty increase to be avoided if the disguise was for events like Halloween, proven by a preponderance of evidence.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas licensing authorities to issue provisional occupational licenses for six months to applicants with criminal convictions who are otherwise qualified for the license, unless they have specific serious convictions listed in the Occupations Code. The provisional license begins upon the applicant's release from incarceration if they were imprisoned. It applies to most occupational licensing fields (like healthcare or trades) but excludes applicants convicted of offenses under Section 53.021(a). The bill provides a pathway for certain applicants to obtain licenses without full revocation of eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 1699 requires healthcare providers to wait at least three business days before sending certain sensitive medical test results electronically to patients or their representatives. It specifically applies to cancer-related pathology/radiology reports and genetic test results. The bill mandates that such results must be disclosed via secure electronic means (like patient portals) only after they're finalized, giving providers time to review results before sharing. This affects patients receiving these test results and healthcare systems managing electronic health records. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 503 requires Texas livestock owners (cattle, hogs, sheep, goats) to register their animal identification marks - such as brands, tattoos, or electronic tags - electronically with county clerks. County clerks must maintain these records electronically and send copies to the Texas Animal Health Commission within 30 days of receipt. The bill updates existing law to mandate electronic record-keeping instead of paper, specifying details like the date of registration and placement location on animals. This law takes effect September 1, 2025, directly impacting all livestock owners who must comply with the new registration system.

Maddy summarySB 2 establishes a state-funded education savings account program in Texas, allowing eligible families to use public funds for approved educational expenses. The program directly affects Texas families with children who have disabilities or who live in low-income households (at or below 500% of the federal poverty level). The comptroller administers the program, funding accounts with state money that can cover approved education costs like tuition, books, or tutoring. The bill becomes effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 3, 2025. This creates a new state-funded option alongside public schools for participating families.

Maddy summaryHB 4153 clarifies that standard grant and contract management rules (from Chapter 783 of the Government Code) do not apply to certain contracts managed by the Texas Water Development Board. Specifically, it exempts contracts under Subchapters B, C, F, H, I, K, P, or R of the Water Code, including those for economically distressed areas or nonborder colonias under Subchapter C. This change only affects contracts entered into on or after September 1, 2025; existing contracts remain subject to prior rules. The bill modifies an existing Water Code provision to streamline administrative requirements for these specific water development programs.

Maddy summaryHB 997 requires out-of-state health professionals (including physicians, dentists, and their authorized assistants) to register with Texas to provide telehealth or telemedicine services to Texas patients. The bill creates a registration system administered by the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, with associated fees for providers. It amends the Insurance Code and Occupations Code to define "telemedicine medical service" and clarify that out-of-state providers must register to legally deliver remote care. This policy change directly affects healthcare professionals practicing across state lines without Texas licensure.

Maddy summaryHB 54, titled "Relating to the display of and allowance for non-human behaviors in Texas schools," is a procedural bill that amends school discipline requirements. It mandates that Texas public school districts include specific factors in their student conduct codes, such as self-defense, intent, disability considerations, and homelessness status, when making disciplinary decisions like suspensions or expulsions. The bill requires schools to post these codes prominently and consider these factors in all disciplinary actions. It does not ban specific activities but standardizes how schools evaluate student behavior. The bill is currently pending in the Education Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2107 modifies Texas public school training requirements by allowing school districts and charter schools to require educators to complete certain trainings every two years instead of annually. This change applies to trainings mandated by statute, overriding any stricter frequency requirements in district policies. The bill directly affects public school educators and their school districts, giving them flexibility in scheduling required professional development. It takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year, as specified in Section 2 of the bill.