Maddy summaryHB 43 amends Texas law to update the definition of "agricultural business" in the Agriculture Code, explicitly including rural recreational businesses (like hiking or fishing on farmland) and nonprofit land conservation groups. It also revises the composition of the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority's board, requiring the governor to appoint nine members with specific representation: two young farmers/ranchers, two representatives from rural entities (chambers, trade associations), and others with agricultural lending expertise. These changes directly affect entities applying for the Authority's loan and grant programs, such as farmers, ranchers, rural tourism businesses, and conservation nonprofits. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, after passing both chambers unanimously.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 120 amends Texas education law to prioritize college, career, and military readiness for high school students. It adds two new academic goals: requiring graduates to have immediate workforce skills (Goal 5) and ensuring college readiness without remediation (Goal 6). The bill mandates public schools to report de-identified student outcomes - including college enrollment, remedial coursework, and employment data - disaggregated by school district and campus. These reports will inform school accountability ratings and guide funding for career programs like the FAST and R-PEP initiatives. The law directly affects all Texas public high schools, students, and district administrators through updated accountability measures.
Maddy summarySB 1405 defines minimum broadband speed standards (100 Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload, 100ms latency) for "broadband service" in Texas. It requires the state to map and classify locations as "unserved" (no access to these speeds) or "underserved" (access below standards) and publish annual data on broadband program applications, reimbursements, and funding. The bill directly affects broadband providers, local governments, and residents in areas lacking high-speed internet access. It became law on June 20, 2025, after being signed by the governor. Note: The bill focuses on defining standards and transparency, not tax changes as implied in the title.
Maddy summarySB 1596 amends Texas Penal Code Section 46.05(a) to explicitly prohibit the possession, manufacture, transportation, repair, or sale of short-barrel firearms without proper registration or classification as a curio/antique. The bill directly affects individuals and businesses handling such firearms, adding them to existing prohibitions alongside machine guns and explosive devices. Key provisions include defining short-barrel firearms as illegal under the law (effective September 1, 2025) and establishing limited exceptions for antique/curio items or specific organizations. The bill repeals a prior Penal Code section (46.01(10)) and clarifies that new restrictions apply only to offenses occurring on or after the effective date.
Maddy summarySB 835, known as Trey's Law, invalidates any nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement that prevents someone from disclosing an act of sexual abuse. The law directly affects survivors of sexual abuse who may have signed such agreements, making those specific clauses unenforceable. Key provisions state that agreements cannot prohibit disclosure of sexual abuse details (defined using existing Texas Penal Code and Family Code offenses), though other settlement terms like payment amounts remain valid. This change applies to all agreements entered into before, on, or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill bars community supervision for individuals convicted of stalking by adding it to a list of offenses where such supervision is unavailable. It specifically targets convictions under Penal Code Section 42.072 (stalking) and explicitly excludes it from eligibility under Article 42A.053 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. As a result, judges must impose prison sentences instead of community supervision for stalking convictions, aligning it with other serious offenses like aggravated sexual assault. The law became effective September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 1948 prohibits governmental entities from requiring fire sprinkler systems in specific agricultural facilities, including pole barns, livestock markets, cotton gins, grain storage, and commercial feed mills. It directly affects farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses operating these facilities by preventing new fire safety regulations that would mandate sprinkler installations. The law creates Chapter 3001 in the Government Code, explicitly restricting ordinances, rules, or measures that would impose such requirements. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies statewide to all covered facilities.
Maddy summaryHB 2563 establishes a temporary self-insurance pool for certified and insured prescribed burn managers (CIPBMs) in Texas, administered by the Texas A&M Forest Service. The program provides general liability coverage for CIPBMs conducting prescribed burns, covering minimum required amounts under state law while excluding workers' compensation, auto liability, and professional liability. Participation requires a written application, and coverage is funded solely through a dedicated program fund. This bill directly affects Texas-based CIPBMs by creating a streamlined insurance mechanism for burn-related liability risks.
Maddy summaryHB 1592 creates a statewide internet-based alert system managed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to notify the public about dangerous plant and wildlife pests, diseases, and quarantine orders. The system requires agencies like the Texas Department of Agriculture and Parks and Wildlife to share information within 72 hours, enabling email notifications for confirmed cases, quarantine changes, or compliance agreements. It directly affects farmers, ranchers, and residents in areas impacted by pest outbreaks by providing timely alerts. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and mandates coordination between state agencies to ensure rapid public notification.
Maddy summaryHB 2217 creates a state grant program to help law enforcement agencies purchase and install bullet-resistant components on vehicles used by peace officers. It directly affects state and local law enforcement agencies (including county and city police departments) by providing funding for bullet-resistant windshields, side windows, rear windows, and door panels. The program requires the Criminal Justice Division to set eligibility rules, application procedures, and grant amounts, while agencies must submit proof of installation after using funds. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and focuses solely on funding vehicle safety upgrades for officers.