Rep. Ramon Romero

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 summarySB 1612 exempts certain construction funds from trust account requirements. It specifically removes the trust fund status for money reserved under Section 53.101 when used for building or repairing single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, or quadruplexes (up to four units) for residential use. This change directly affects residential contractors and homeowners by simplifying financial handling for smaller housing projects. The bill applies only to contracts signed on or after September 1, 2025, and adds provisions for attorney fees if beneficiaries win trust fund disputes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 1125) commemorates the 94th anniversary of the birth of former Texas State Representative Irma Rangel. It honors her legacy as the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas Legislature (1976), highlighting her work on absentee voting, domestic violence support, education programs for mothers, and the top 10% college admission law. The resolution, adopted by the Texas House, requests the Legislature to recognize her contributions and encourages Texans to learn about her impact. It has no policy effect - this is a symbolic gesture of recognition, not a law changing regulations or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 220 requires Texas healthcare facilities treating sexual assault survivors to provide specific care standards. It mandates: forensic medical exams per state codes, private waiting areas, access to sexual assault advocates (if available), crisis center contact information, private treatment rooms (if available), STI prophylaxis when needed, free showers (if facilities offer them), and emergency contraception with consent and clinical indication. The bill directly affects sexual assault survivors seeking medical care and healthcare facilities across Texas. If passed, these requirements would take effect September 1, 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 summaryHCR 29 designates April as Counseling Awareness Month in Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution recognizes the work of mental health professionals, including over 13,000 Certified School Counselors and 34,000 Licensed Professional Counselors in the state. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to raise public awareness about counseling services. The designation remains in effect until the 10th anniversary of the resolution's passage, as specified in Texas Government Code Section 391.004(d).

Maddy summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

Maddy summaryHB 50 requires healthcare providers to obtain patient consent before conducting blood screening tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and to inform patients they can opt out of the test. If a screening test is positive, providers must offer information about available healthcare, prevention, and support services. The bill applies to all medical screenings for STDs in Texas and takes effect January 1, 2026, after the Health and Human Services Commission adopts implementing rules. It does not change existing testing protocols but adds a consent requirement and post-positive support obligation for providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas' Department of State Health Services to study the use of psychedelic therapies (including MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine) for treating PTSD, depression, and related conditions. The study will review clinical evidence, FDA actions, treatment guidelines, and patient access barriers, with recommendations for future implementation if therapies gain federal approval. The department must submit a final report by December 1, 2026, and the bill expires September 1, 2027. It does not change current treatment laws but prepares for potential future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1738 repeals the criminal penalty for homosexual conduct (previously codified in Section 21.06 of the Penal Code). It simultaneously amends health education requirements in Texas schools to mandate that materials for minors include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law. The bill affects public school health curricula for students under 18, requiring this specific language to be included in sexual education programs. The legislation passed the Texas legislature on May 16, 2025, and would take effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025, otherwise.