Rep. Giovanni Capriglione

Maddy summaryHB 5196 establishes a formal framework for telework arrangements for Texas state employees. It requires state agencies to obtain written authorization from employees' supervisors before allowing telework, specifying reasons for approval, terms of the agreement, and annual renewal requirements. Agencies can revoke telework agreements at any time without notice and cannot make telework a condition of employment. The bill also mandates that agencies develop written telework plans addressing policies and procedures, while allowing in-person requirements for meetings or events deemed necessary by the agency.

Maddy summaryHB 2818 establishes an Artificial Intelligence Division within the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) to guide state government use of artificial intelligence. The division must assist state agencies in implementing generative AI for projects like modernizing legacy computer systems and other appropriate initiatives, requiring cost analysis reports to document time and resource savings compared to traditional methods. It mandates that the division coordinate all AI activities to avoid duplication and maximize efficiency across state resources. The division can hire staff directly or partner with vendors (with vendors completing most work) for AI projects, as outlined in the amended Government Code.

Maddy summaryHB 4236 creates a temporary six-member study group (three Senate members, three House members) to examine how the state auditor’s school district property valuation study impacts state education funding. The group must hold one public meeting to assess the study’s current use in distributing funds and recommend better ways to verify valuations of complex properties. It can request data from the state auditor, school agencies, and local property assessors. The study group must submit its findings and recommendations to state leaders by December 1, 2026, and will dissolve by January 1, 2027. This bill does not change funding formulas but aims to improve how property valuations are evaluated for school finance purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 2348 allows courts to order video recordings of depositions (pre-recorded testimony) for elderly or disabled individuals in criminal cases when requested by either party. The bill requires the person operating the video device to verify the recording's authenticity in court for it to be used as evidence. It amends Texas law to explicitly include "age or bodily infirmity" as a valid reason to use recorded testimony instead of requiring the witness to appear in person. This change applies only to criminal cases beginning on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 10 requires all Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a specific, standardized version of the Ten Commandments in every classroom starting September 1, 2025. The law mandates a durable poster or framed copy meeting strict size (at least 16x20 inches) and content requirements, including only the exact text listed in the bill. Schools must display this unless they accept a privately donated version meeting the same specifications, and may optionally use district funds to purchase compliant displays. This directly affects every public school classroom in Texas, requiring a physical display of the specified religious text.

Maddy summaryHB 223 exempts Texas municipalities from standard competitive bidding requirements when procuring lobbying, government relations, or similar services intended to influence state or federal lawmakers. This change applies directly to cities, towns, and counties that hire firms for advocacy work with government officials. The bill amends the Local Government Code to explicitly exclude these services from mandatory competitive procurement rules, creating a specific exception in Section 252.022(a)(4). The policy change took effect September 1, 2025, after the governor signed it on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4535 requires healthcare providers to obtain written informed consent before administering any COVID-19 vaccine to patients, including parental or guardian consent for minors or individuals lacking decision-making capacity. The law mandates that consent forms include acknowledgment of receiving a standardized information sheet developed by the state health department. This sheet must detail vaccine benefits/risks, accelerated development timeline, availability of long-term studies, manufacturer liability status, and instructions for reporting adverse reactions through the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The law, effective September 1, 2025, applies directly to healthcare providers and patients receiving COVID-19 vaccinations in Texas.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas law to include the National Rifle Association's (NRA) annual meetings and exhibits as eligible events for state funding under the major events reimbursement program. Previously, the program funded events like sports championships (e.g., NCAA Final Four, NASCAR races) and music awards, but excluded NRA gatherings. The bill adds the NRA specifically to the definition of "Event" in the Government Code, expanding the list of qualifying activities. This change directly affects the NRA by allowing it to seek state reimbursement for these events starting September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5129, the Right to Privacy Act, requires Texas state agencies to obtain written consent before sharing certain personal information submitted when applying for an occupational license (like professional certifications or business permits). The law specifically protects details such as home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, driver's license numbers, and emergency contact information. Agencies may share this data without consent only if required by federal law, state law, or for law enforcement purposes. This affects individuals applying for occupational licenses and all state agencies handling such applications, effective immediately as the bill was signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4099 changes Texas law to allow physical therapists to treat patients without a referral for up to 10 consecutive business days, reducing the previous 30-day limit. After this initial period, therapists must obtain a referral from a licensed practitioner to continue treatment. The bill directly affects physical therapists and their patients by modifying practice requirements. It repeals an existing subsection and requires the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners to adopt implementing rules by December 1, 2025, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025.