Rep. Giovanni Capriglione

Maddy summaryHB 2407 increases criminal penalties for sex offenders who fail to comply with registration requirements in Texas. Specifically, it raises penalties to the next highest felony category if: (1) the offender has prior convictions under these registration laws, or (2) they fraudulently used fake identification during the offense. The bill applies only to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, meaning past violations remain governed by previous law. This change directly affects sex offenders who miss registration deadlines or provide false information, making non-compliance a more severe criminal offense under updated sentencing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 3512 requires state agency employees who use computers for at least 25% of their duties and local governments applying for certain grants to complete annual cybersecurity and artificial intelligence training. The law mandates that state agencies identify qualifying employees, while local governments must certify training compliance when applying for grants under Chapter 772 of the Government Code. Failure to meet these requirements results in a local government losing the grant award and being ineligible for future grants for two years. The bill directly affects state agency staff and local government officials handling cybersecurity or grant applications, with training programs needing certification under existing state law.

Maddy summaryHB 493 amends Texas election law to clarify who cannot serve as a poll watcher. It requires poll watchers to sign an affidavit confirming they will not use recording devices during their service and that they have not been convicted of certain felonies (including first/second-degree felonies or election-related offenses). The bill directly affects individuals seeking to serve as poll watchers, making them ineligible if they meet these disqualification criteria. These changes take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 102 requires Texas public universities to offer early registration for courses and programs to students in military-related programs who are in good standing. Specifically, it mandates this for students enrolled in ROTC programs, cadet corps (including at senior military colleges), or maritime academies. The law, effective for the 2026 spring semester, obligates institutions to provide this early registration opportunity on the same basis as other designated student groups. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will develop rules to implement this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 3388 requires insurers offering group property and casualty insurance policies to clearly disclose whether a policy has a shared aggregate limit during the application process. It mandates that insurers deliver a copy of the policy and certificate of insurance to each policyholder within 30 days of issuance or renewal. The bill defines "permitted groups" as 10 or more members with preexisting relationships (e.g., trade associations or affiliations) and allows incidental casualty/liability coverage under these policies. Surplus lines insurers must file group policies collectively rather than individually for each member, streamlining reporting requirements. These changes apply to all group policies issued under Section 2171.002 of the Texas Insurance Code.

Maddy summaryHB 4350 requires county clerks to redact specific personal information - including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and residence addresses - from online public real property records when requested by certain officials. It applies to peace officers, federal judges, marshals, U.S. attorneys, state judges, and their family members as defined by law. County clerks must also display a clear notice on the website stating that redactions were made and that the online database isn’t the official record. The law took effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Texas state agencies to modernize their websites and digital services to improve accessibility and user experience. Agencies must assess their online platforms for issues like slow loading, complex navigation, and lack of mobile compatibility, then implement changes such as simplifying forms, reducing paper requirements, and adopting consistent design templates. The state department will provide guidance, templates, and best practices for agencies to follow, with a requirement to report progress to the legislature by November 2026. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1540 requires Texas to maintain the confidentiality of personal information for election officials and their employees, preventing public disclosure of details like home addresses and phone numbers. The bill amends Texas Government Code Section 552.1175 to explicitly protect this information from public records requests. It applies directly to current and former election officials and their staff across Texas, aiming to enhance their privacy and safety. The law was signed by the governor on June 20, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new civil remedies for victims of financial exploitation using AI-generated media (like deepfakes) or phishing communications. It allows individuals to sue perpetrators for actual damages - including mental anguish and the perpetrator's profits - and to seek court orders halting further dissemination. The bill also imposes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day for violations, enforceable by the Texas Attorney General. Platforms like social media companies are exempt from liability under this law, as they are protected by federal Section 230.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 1964 requires state and local government agencies to track and report on their use of artificial intelligence systems, particularly those making decisions affecting access to government services (like benefits or permits). The bill defines "heightened scrutiny AI systems" as those autonomously influencing such decisions and mandates agencies to inventory these systems, document their purpose, assess risks, and confirm compliance with ethics standards. Agencies must also include AI systems in regular technology infrastructure reviews, detailing how each supports agency goals and strategic plans. This focuses on transparency and accountability for AI use in public services, not restricting AI deployment.