Rep. Trent Ashby

Maddy summaryHB 86 restricts how tax-levying government entities (like cities or counties) can spend public money on lobbying. It requires their governing bodies to approve such contracts by majority vote in an open meeting, publish details online (including contract amounts and names), and bans reimbursements for food, beverages, or entertainment related to lobbying. The bill also prohibits lobbying communications about specific tax code amendments (Sections 26.04(c) or 26.041(c)) and allows residents to file ethics complaints for noncompliance. It applies only to contracts entered after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 32, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires that certain facilities - such as restrooms, locker rooms, and family violence shelters - be designated and used based on biological sex, defined as the physical condition of being male or female at birth as determined by sex organs, chromosomes, and original birth records. The law applies to correctional facilities, family violence shelters, institutions of higher education, local governments (political subdivisions), and state agencies. It authorizes civil penalties for violations and creates a private right of action, allowing individuals to file lawsuits if they believe the law has been breached. The bill does not apply to state agencies as political subdivisions but covers them separately under the law's definition of "state agency."

Maddy summaryHB 70 prohibits transporting or funding the transportation of an unemancipated minor for an abortion. The bill creates a criminal offense for violations and imposes a civil penalty for non-compliance. It directly affects individuals, transportation providers, or organizations arranging or paying for such transportation to abortion services for minors. Note: Specific details of the bill's provisions are not available in the provided context, as the full text is referenced as a PDF not currently accessible.

Maddy summaryHJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment to clarify that Texas's Attorney General has concurrent authority with local county or district attorneys to prosecute criminal violations of election laws. This amendment would modify Article IV, Section 22 of the Texas Constitution to explicitly state that the Attorney General shares prosecution jurisdiction for election-related offenses. If approved by voters in the May 2, 2026 election, it would establish a clear legal framework for handling election law violations without creating new offenses or altering existing election laws. The change directly affects the Attorney General's office and local prosecutors in election-related criminal cases.

Maddy summaryHB 84 authorizes Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin for human use without a doctor's prescription, directly affecting pharmacists and patients seeking this medication. The bill requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order with standardized protocols for pharmacists, including patient instructions and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. It also provides legal protection for pharmacists who follow the order, shielding them from liability or disciplinary action. The commissioner must issue this order within 91 days after the legislative session ends, implementing the policy changes outlined in the new Health and Safety Code section.

Maddy summarySB 1362 prohibits Texas state and local entities - including courts, law enforcement, and prosecutors - from recognizing, serving, or enforcing "extreme risk protective orders" (commonly called "red flag" orders). These orders typically restrict firearm access when a court deems someone a risk to themselves or others. The bill creates a criminal offense for violating this prohibition and blocks Texas entities from accepting federal grants meant to implement such orders. It directly affects all Texas government bodies and law enforcement agencies, preventing them from participating in programs that require enforcing these firearm restrictions. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have created the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention, a 13-member body tasked with developing recommendations to improve teacher retention and job satisfaction across Texas public schools. The commission would be appointed with specific representation: five members by the governor (including at least three current or former teachers with 10+ years experience), four by the lieutenant governor, and four by the speaker of the house, with geographic diversity as a consideration. Members would not receive salary but could be reimbursed for expenses, and the commission could hire staff and legal counsel to carry out its work. The bill passed the legislature but was vetoed by the governor on June 22, 2025, so it did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 38 amends Texas Property Code to clarify procedures for eviction lawsuits involving tenants who lack legal right to occupy property. It specifies that justice courts must handle eviction cases in the precinct where the property is located, with limited circumstances allowing case transfers to adjacent precincts (e.g., if service delays occur or trials cannot be scheduled within 21 days). The bill prohibits courts from charging additional filing or service fees when transferring cases and explicitly states that eviction courts cannot rule on property title disputes or allow separate claims against third parties. This affects landlords and tenants involved in eviction proceedings by streamlining court processes and limiting judicial overreach.

Maddy summaryHB 3749, known as "Jenifer's Law," establishes new regulations for elective intravenous (IV) therapy in Texas, defined as non-emergency treatments (like hydration or vitamin infusions) sought for temporary wellness or symptom relief, not administered in hospitals, licensed health facilities, or physician offices. The law allows physicians to delegate prescribing and administering such therapy to physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, and registered nurses, but only under direct physician supervision. It prohibits these services in specific settings (e.g., hospitals or clinics) and requires prescriptive agreements to count toward existing limits under Texas law. The law took effect September 1, 2025, applying to all elective IV therapy provided after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 1506 amends Texas law to allow retired judges of constitutional or statutory county courts - who served at least 48 months - to apply for a handgun carry license. The bill specifically adds these retired judges to the existing definition of "retired judicial officer" in the Government Code. This change applies only to new license applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, with prior applications governed by previous law. It directly affects retired county court judges meeting the service requirement, expanding their eligibility for carry licenses under the new rule. The law became effective September 1, 2025, after the governor signed it on June 20, 2025.