Sen. Bryan Hughes

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas Medicaid to establish a dedicated support team to help providers (especially eye and vision care services) complete enrollment and credentialing processes, reducing administrative burdens. It mandates 30 days' written notice before disenrolling providers and creates an electronic system for submitting complaints about these processes. The bill also prohibits Medicaid managed care organizations from using separate vision plans for eye care services, requiring these services to be covered under the main Medicaid plan. These changes directly affect Medicaid providers, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, and managed care organizations.

Maddy summarySB 1845 requires lobbyists who communicate directly with Texas lawmakers to influence legislation on behalf of a "foreign adversary" (as defined by U.S. Commerce Department rules, including sanctioned foreign governments or entities) to register with the state. It prohibits such lobbyists from receiving compensation for these activities and imposes civil penalties for violations. The bill directly affects individuals or firms representing foreign governments or entities designated as adversaries under federal law. Key provisions include mandatory registration for lobbying related to foreign adversaries and a ban on accepting payment for those efforts, aiming to increase transparency around foreign influence in Texas policymaking.

Maddy summarySB 668 requires large companies using artificial intelligence to provide services to Texas residents (with at least $100 billion in annual revenue) to publicly disclose specific details about their AI systems. It mandates that these companies list each AI model they use, describe its purpose, identify third parties who contributed to the model, detail their input, and disclose any changes made based on that input. The law prohibits retaliation against individuals who report violations to the Texas Attorney General and gives the AG authority to enforce compliance as a deceptive trade practice. This bill applies only to major corporations offering AI services like loan decisions, hiring, or content generation to Texas residents, not to smaller businesses or general AI use. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySCR 42 is a non-binding Senate Concurrent Resolution passed by the Texas Senate in April 2025. It declares the state's policy to "recognize two sexes, male and female," stating that biological sex is "immutable and innate." The resolution does not create new laws or change existing policies but affirms this position in state communications and actions. It specifically references concerns about "men entering spaces designed for women," though the resolution itself has no legal effect on access to facilities or protections.

Maddy summarySB 240, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, requires public schools, government buildings, and facilities like restrooms, locker rooms, and shelters to designate and restrict access based on biological sex as defined by birth certificate and physical characteristics. It prohibits facilities from allowing individuals to use spaces designated for a biological sex different from their own, with exceptions for young children (under 10), ADA accommodations, or emergency assistance. Violations carry civil penalties of $5,000 for first offenses and $25,000 for repeat violations, and citizens can file complaints with the attorney general after providing 3 days’ notice to the facility. The law directly affects state and local government entities managing public facilities, including schools, shelters, and correctional facilities.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 1742 mandates that public school students in grades 6 and 10 receive instruction on the "Success Sequence" - defined as earning a high school degree with additional training, securing full-time employment, and marrying before having children - beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill requires the State Board of Education to develop a curriculum based on specific academic studies cited in the legislation, including works from The Brookings Institution and the American Enterprise Institute. This instruction must be integrated into existing courses like health or personal finance, not as a new standalone class. The policy directly affects all public school students in Texas during these grade levels, with implementation required by school districts and charter schools.

Maddy summarySB 2429 creates new protections for Texas residents' genetic data by prohibiting medical facilities, research organizations, and companies from sharing genetic information with foreign adversaries. The bill establishes a private right to sue for violations and imposes civil fines on entities that fail to prevent such access. It applies to any organization conducting genetic research or testing within Texas, including facilities receiving state funding. The law defines key terms like "foreign adversary" (per federal regulation) and "genome sequencing" to clarify coverage.

Maddy summarySB 312 clarifies the fiduciary duties of Texas public retirement systems (like those for teachers, state employees, and judges) and their investment managers or proxy advisors. It defines key terms like "financial factor" and requires investment decisions to be made solely in the financial interest of participants and beneficiaries, focusing on risk management and return objectives. The bill amends existing law to ensure investment managers and governing bodies act with "care, skill, and prudence" while prioritizing participant benefits over other considerations. It does not create new programs but refines standards for how retirement funds are managed. The bill is currently pending in committee (left pending April 24, 2025).

Maddy summarySB 1104 requires auto dealers operating 10 or more locations to submit fingerprints for one manager or employee per 100-mile cluster of locations instead of for each individual site. This applies only to applicants or holders of "dealer general distinguishing numbers" for 10+ locations, streamlining fingerprint requirements by covering all nearby locations within 100 miles of the employee's regular workplace. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects large auto dealers with multi-location operations under Texas Transportation Code. It modifies existing licensing procedures without changing the underlying requirements for dealer registration.

Maddy summarySB 14, titled the Regulatory Reform and Efficiency Act, creates the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office within the governor's office to streamline how state agencies develop and review regulations. The office will help agencies identify unnecessary rules, reduce costs for businesses and individuals, and establish a public online portal for searching regulatory information. This bill directly affects state agencies that create regulations and the public who interact with those regulations. The new office will operate until 2037 unless extended under the Sunset Act, with its work focused on improving regulatory efficiency and transparency.