Rep. Trent Ashby

Maddy summaryHB 748, known as Trey's Law, prohibits the enforcement of confidentiality clauses in agreements that prevent disclosure of sexual abuse. The bill makes any provision in settlement, employment, or other agreements that blocks someone from sharing details about sexual abuse (including the act itself, identity of victims/perpetrators, or related facts) void and unenforceable. However, it does not restrict confidentiality around other settlement terms, such as payment amounts. For agreements signed before the law's effective date (September 1, 2025), parties must first obtain a court declaration confirming the clause's enforceability to avoid being voided.

Maddy summarySB 1080 requires Texas licensing authorities to issue either a full occupational license or a provisional license (valid for six months) to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses, instead of automatically denying their applications. The provisional license begins on the date an applicant is released from prison if they were incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This bill directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (such as for nursing, contracting, or other licensed professions) who meet all other qualification requirements. It aims to reduce barriers to employment by providing a temporary licensing pathway for these applicants.

Maddy summaryHB 186 prohibits children under 18 from using social media platforms in Texas, subject to federal law. The bill defines "social media platform" to exclude email, internet service providers, news websites, and interactive gaming platforms. Social media platforms must verify users are 18 or older before account creation using a reasonable method relying on public or private data, then delete all verification information immediately. This law directly affects children under 18 and social media companies operating in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 455 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (for risks wholly located in Texas) include arbitration agreements conducted in Texas under Texas law, unless both insurer and policyholder agree to change the venue after the insurer provides written notice and a premium credit for added costs. This applies to new or renewed contracts on or after January 1, 2026, affecting insurers and policyholders purchasing specialized insurance for high-risk properties in Texas. The bill ensures arbitration venues and legal interpretations remain tied to Texas, preventing out-of-state arbitration without financial compensation to policyholders. It becomes effective September 1, 2025, but the new rules apply to contracts delivered after 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1057 increases salary and retirement benefits for certified career or technology education teachers in Texas public schools. The bill amends state law to allow these teachers to count up to five years of relevant work experience in their field (up from two years) toward both their salary step placement and service credit in the Teacher Retirement System. This change directly affects career/tech teachers who have industry experience before teaching, enabling them to advance faster in salary and retirement benefits. The policy takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 2081 establishes the Building Better Futures Program to provide educational and occupational skills training for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Texas public and private colleges. The program requires participating institutions to have U.S. Department of Education approval for transition programs, implement selective admissions, and award certificates upon completion. It exempts participating programs from certain existing education code requirements (Sections 61.0512 and 61.822) and creates a competitive funding process administered by the Texas Education Agency. The bill directly affects students with disabilities seeking inclusive higher education opportunities and the institutions offering these specialized programs, effective immediately after the Governor signed it on May 26, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 1293) commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Associated General Contractors of Texas (AGC Texas) Highway, Heavy, Utilities, and Industrial Branch, which was founded in 1924. It formally recognizes the organization's century-long role representing infrastructure construction businesses in Texas, including its work on highway projects, safety advocacy, and industry leadership. The resolution expresses the Texas House of Representatives' support by sending an official copy to AGC Texas as a gesture of appreciation. As a symbolic resolution, it has no binding policy impact or direct effect on legislation or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 2476 transfers ownership of the Woodlawn Water Supply Corporation's assets - including water systems, property, and its operating license - to the Angelina and Neches River Authority. This directly affects the Woodlawn Corporation (which will dissolve within 30 days) and its water service customers in the region. The bill requires a formal contract between the two entities to transfer all debts, rights, and obligations, with the River Authority assuming the Corporation's Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (operating license) without additional review. The transfer became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature on May 24, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 1399 creates a property tax exemption for animal feed held by owners for retail sale in Texas. It directly affects agricultural retailers and feed suppliers who currently pay ad valorem (property) taxes on inventory. The bill exempts this inventory from property tax if it's already exempt from sales/use taxes under existing law. The exemption applies only to tax years starting January 1, 2026, but only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment in the November 2025 election. If the amendment fails, the bill has no effect.