Rep. Giovanni Capriglione

Maddy summaryHB 5149 prohibits the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) from collecting or using DNA samples from children in its foster care system without either the written consent of the child’s primary caregiver or a court order. The law directly affects children under DFPS conservatorship and their caregivers, requiring explicit permission or judicial approval before DNA collection. Key provisions mandate that DFPS cannot use DNA for any purpose - such as genetic databases or identification - without these safeguards. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and aligns with broader privacy protections for foster youth.

Maddy summaryHB 4751 establishes the Texas Quantum Initiative to position Texas as a national leader in quantum technology. The initiative, administered by the Governor's office with a 7-member executive committee appointed by the Governor, focuses on accelerating quantum computing, networking, and sensing technologies into the state's economy. Key provisions include developing a strategic plan for quantum leadership, identifying workforce training needs, supporting existing quantum industries, and building a quantum manufacturing supply chain. The bill directly affects Texas' economic development strategy, regulatory stakeholders, higher education institutions, and quantum technology industries within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 3441 creates legal liability for vaccine manufacturers who advertise a harmful vaccine within Texas. It defines "advertise" broadly to include paid promotions across media (TV, internet, influencers), but excludes doctor-patient discussions or clinic materials. If a manufacturer's advertised vaccine causes injury, victims can sue within three years for actual damages, attorney fees, and court costs. The law applies only to cases where harm occurs on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3963 establishes a new early childhood integrated data system to improve coordination among Texas state agencies serving young children. It requires four key agencies - the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Workforce Commission, and Children’s Learning Institute - to share aggregated, non-identifiable data across early childhood programs. The system aims to identify service gaps, align programs, and inform state-level policy decisions to improve outcomes for children and families. All data sharing must comply with privacy and cybersecurity laws, ensuring no personally identifiable information is used. This law, signed by the governor and effective September 1, 2025, directly affects state agencies responsible for early childhood services.

Maddy summaryHB 34 prohibits Texas state investments in countries designated as "countries of concern" (including China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and any country the governor designates) and in private companies operating in those countries that meet specific criteria. It defines "scrutinized companies" as those engaged in certain business activities (like those linked to the Darfur genocide) or meeting other conditions outlined in the bill. The law applies to all state investment entities, requiring them to divest from or avoid purchasing securities in these entities. An exception allows investments in companies excluded by U.S. federal sanctions regimes.

Maddy summarySB 535 restricts the use of evidence about a victim's past sexual behavior in criminal trials for specific offenses, including sexual assault (Penal Code §22.011), trafficking (§20A.02), indecency with a child (§21.11), and related cases. The bill generally prohibits such evidence - whether as reputation, opinion, or specific instances - unless a court holds a private hearing (in camera) and determines it meets narrow exceptions, like proving consent or rebutting medical evidence. Courts must seal records of these private hearings to protect victims' privacy. This law applies to cases under Texas Penal Code sections 20A.02, 20A.03, 21.02, 21.11, 22.011, and 22.021. It became effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3424 modifies Texas property tax rules for heavy equipment dealers. It requires dealers to calculate a property tax on each item sold, leased, or rented by multiplying the sales price or monthly rental amount by a set tax factor. Dealers must collect this tax from buyers or renters, deposit it monthly into a special account, and report it quarterly using a state-formatted statement. This applies directly to businesses that sell or lease heavy equipment like construction or agricultural machinery.

Maddy summaryHB 1106 amends Texas' Family Code definitions of child abuse and neglect. It explicitly states that a parent or guardian's refusal to affirm a child's gender identity (including using preferred names/pronouns) or sexual orientation does not constitute abuse. The bill also clarifies that neglect includes specific failures like withholding medical care or leaving a child in immediate danger, but the key change is excluding these gender/sexual orientation refusals from abuse definitions. This directly affects parents, guardians, and child welfare systems in Texas by altering what legally qualifies as abuse under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 20 establishes Texas' Applied Sciences Pathway program, allowing high school students to earn both diplomas and industry certificates through school-college partnerships. It requires courses in 20 specific high-wage, high-growth fields like plumbing, welding, IT, and oil/gas exploration, with a focus on successful job placement rates. Partnerships must offer non-duplicative, progressive coursework leading to both diplomas and certificates in these sectors. The program begins for the 2027-2028 school year, with industries reviewed every five years to match labor market needs.

Maddy summarySB 17 restricts certain foreign governments and entities from purchasing or acquiring title to specific types of real property in Texas if such ownership poses a risk to public health, safety, or welfare. It prohibits purchases of agricultural land, commercial, industrial, residential property, mines, minerals, or timber by organizations or governments from "designated countries" (identified by U.S. intelligence as national security risks). Exceptions include U.S. citizens/permanent residents, entities owned by them, homestead properties, and leaseholds under 100 years. The law creates a new Property Code Subchapter H (Sections 5.251-5.254) to implement these restrictions.