Maddy summarySCR 8 is a Texas Senate Concurrent Resolution expressing the state legislature's opposition to the Federal Reserve's potential creation of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). The resolution cites concerns about privacy risks, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the potential for increased government surveillance of financial transactions that a CBDC could enable. It does not create new law or directly affect any individuals or entities, as it is solely a statement of legislative position. The resolution was passed by the Texas Senate and House and signed by the governor in June 2025.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 4219 amends Texas' Government Code to clarify how governmental bodies must respond to public information requests. It requires officials to notify requesters in writing within 10 business days if no responsive information exists (Section 1(f)) or if information is withheld based on a prior determination (Section 1(g)), specifying the exact prior decision used. The bill also creates a process for requesters to file complaints with the attorney general if a body fails to respond properly (Section 552.328), which could lead to mandatory open records training for the body and prohibit charging requesters for non-compliant responses. This directly affects all Texas governmental bodies handling public records requests and requesters seeking transparency.
Maddy summarySB 1352 adjusts deadlines and penalties for property tax exemptions related to "freeport goods" (imported goods intended for re-export). It requires chief appraisers to extend exemption application deadlines to May 15 if property filing deadlines are extended to that date, with possible additional 60-day extensions for good cause. For approved applications, penalties are capped at 10% of either the tax difference or the actual tax amount owed. This bill directly affects property owners seeking tax exemptions for freeport goods under Texas Tax Code Section 11.251, applying only to applications filed on or after September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 75 requires magistrates in Texas to provide written findings within 24 hours when they determine no probable cause exists for a criminal arrest. This applies specifically to cases involving offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. The law aims to create a clear, documented record of the magistrate's decision in these initial proceedings. It directly affects magistrates handling pretrial detention hearings for criminal defendants.
Maddy summaryHB 3112 creates exceptions to Texas's open meetings law and public information law for government cybersecurity activities related to critical infrastructure. It allows government bodies to hold closed meetings and withhold specific cybersecurity information - including incident response plans, system configurations, and insurance details - from public disclosure when protecting facilities like power grids, water treatment plants, dams, or natural gas systems. The law applies only to information directly tied to protecting these critical infrastructure facilities within a government body's jurisdiction. This change aims to prevent exposing vulnerabilities while maintaining transparency for other government operations.
Maddy summaryHB 12 requires the State Commission on Governmental Operations to review state agencies that regulate activities through licensing, such as professional or business licensing boards. The bill mandates that these agencies post online notices about the review process and public participation opportunities, and regulatory agencies must also notify licensees and seek their input. The commission must include findings, recommendations, and a 10-year performance analysis for regulatory agencies in its final report. This applies to state agencies in the executive branch with statewide licensing authority (excluding river authorities) and became effective September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 130, the Texas Genomic Act of 2025, prohibits medical facilities, research organizations, companies, and nonprofits conducting genome sequencing in Texas from providing residents' genetic data to foreign adversaries. It creates a private right for individuals to sue entities that violate this rule and imposes civil penalties for noncompliance. The law applies to any entity handling human genome sequencing or testing within the state, defining "foreign adversary" per federal regulations. This policy directly affects organizations processing genetic data in Texas, requiring them to safeguard residents' information from unauthorized foreign access. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.
Maddy summaryHB 1458 clarifies that school district police officers and reserve police officers who hold a valid peace officer license (as defined under Texas law) are officially recognized as peace officers. This affects Texas public school districts that employ security personnel or reserve officers under Education Code Sections 37.081 or 37.0816. The bill amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to explicitly include these school-affiliated officers in the definition of peace officers, ensuring their legal authority aligns with existing licensing requirements. It does not create new security mandates but formalizes the status of qualified school security personnel. The law took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 4623 creates new liability standards for Texas public schools and their employees regarding student sexual misconduct. It holds schools financially responsible if they act with gross negligence or intentional misconduct in hiring or supervising employees who commit sexual misconduct against students or fail to report suspected abuse. The law caps damages at $500,000 per victim in successful claims and requires the employee who committed the act to be named as a defendant. This directly affects public school districts, charter schools, and all professional school employees covered by the definition, including teachers, administrators, and even student interns. The law became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.
Maddy summarySB 2900 requires Texas' comptroller to review all advisory groups (like boards, committees, or task forces) directly under the comptroller's office by December 2026. The review assesses whether each group is necessary and promotes efficient operations of the comptroller's office. The comptroller must report to the legislature by that date any groups deemed unnecessary or inefficient. This bill streamlines government operations by evaluating existing advisory structures but does not change public policies or affect citizens directly.