Sen. Bryan Hughes

Maddy summarySB 1270 requires health care providers in Texas to send itemized bills electronically through patient portals, but if a patient hasn't created a portal account, the provider must mail a physical copy of the bill. This applies to all health care providers (like hospitals and clinics) billing patients for services or supplies. The law mandates providers check whether patients have portal profiles before sending electronic bills, ensuring patients without online access still receive paper copies. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies only to bills issued on or after that date. The bill does not change billing content but standardizes delivery methods to improve accessibility.

Maddy summarySB 776 modifies Texas law to allow contractors to seek compensatory damages when government delays cause project setbacks. It defines "compensatory damages" as actual costs incurred due to delays the contractor couldn't reasonably mitigate (excluding profit, overhead, or special damages), and prohibits government contracts from banning such claims for delays caused solely by the government or its responsible parties. The bill affects contractors working on government construction projects and government entities (like cities, counties, or school districts) entering these contracts, while allowing contracts to still require contractors to provide notice or prove damages. It does not apply to disaster recovery projects or certain transportation contracts, and cannot be waived by contractors. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 895 modifies Texas' Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program to clarify student eligibility for dual credit courses. It requires school districts, charter schools, or private schools to determine if high school students were "educationally disadvantaged" during their prior four school years before enrolling in dual credit courses at participating colleges. Schools must notify colleges of this eligibility determination, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will distribute funds to colleges based on the number of eligible students enrolled in dual credit courses. This bill directly affects high school students (including those in private or home schools), school districts, and participating colleges by establishing clear eligibility criteria and funding mechanisms for the FAST program.

Maddy summarySR 343 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the 2025 Bear Bottom BBQ Bash and Cook-Off in Marshall, Texas. It formally commends the event - which is sanctioned as a state championship cook-off by the Outlaw BBQ Association - and extends well-wishes to organizers, contestants, and attendees. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes; it simply acknowledges a community event celebrating Texas barbecue culture. This procedural resolution was adopted by the Texas Senate on March 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 333) adopted by the Texas Senate on March 27, 2025, to honor Gordon Robert Johnson, a longtime Austin resident and legal advisor with deep ties to Texas state government. The resolution recognizes his career as a lawyer, his service as political director for former House Speaker Joe Straus, his role in securing key legislation like the Texas Racing Act, and his family life. It does not create new laws or policies; it solely serves to memorialize Johnson following his death on March 16, 2025, and extend condolences to his family.

Maddy summarySB 810 (2025) prohibits public school districts from disciplining, retaliating against, or discriminating against employees who address students or colleagues using terms consistent with biological sex. The bill directly affects public school staff, including teachers and administrators, who may face workplace consequences for using such language. It adds Section 22.905 to the Texas Education Code, creating a specific legal protection for employees using biological sex-based terminology. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, unless it receives a two-thirds vote for immediate enactment.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 284), not a law with policy changes. It formally recognizes March 26, 2025, as "Texas Pharmacy Day" at the State Capitol. The resolution acknowledges pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and students for their contributions to healthcare in Texas, including their roles in rural communities and patient counseling. It has no legal effect or impact on policy - it is solely a symbolic gesture to honor the profession.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates five new regional judicial districts across Texas, each covering specific groups of counties. It establishes a regional district attorney office for each district to handle prosecutions and legal matters within those areas. The bill specifies which counties belong to each district (e.g., the 1st district includes Anderson, Angelina, and Dallas counties). This reorganizes judicial administration by grouping counties into regional units with centralized prosecutorial oversight, rather than operating under individual county district attorneys.

Maddy summarySB 2198 allows commercial sign owners to relocate signs that become non-compliant due to highway construction, public infrastructure projects, or obstructions like vegetation or safety measures. Owners can move signs to permitted locations under the Transportation Code, but must cover all relocation costs without compensation. The bill also clarifies that owners retain rights to signs lawfully erected but no longer meeting current regulations. Municipalities must permit relocations through special exceptions if needed. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2249 requires Texas public schools to use "BC" and "AD" instead of "BCE" and "CE" when referencing years in instructional materials. It directly affects public school curricula and textbooks acquired on or after September 1, 2025, while allowing materials that explain "BCE" or "CE" terminology. The law does not apply to instructional materials purchased before the effective date. This is a procedural change to standardize year references in school materials, with no impact on existing textbooks or materials explaining historical dating systems.