Maddy summarySB 2175 amends Texas Penal Code sections to criminalize specific unsolicited solicitation practices by licensed professionals (like lawyers, doctors, and investigators). It prohibits actions such as contacting accident victims within 31 days of an incident, soliciting clients who are already represented by another lawyer, or using social media to promote services for personal injury cases without consent. The bill also bans paying family members to solicit clients, offering money for referrals, or contacting individuals who have requested no further communication. These changes directly affect professionals in regulated fields who engage in aggressive or improper client acquisition tactics. The law aims to prevent coercive or deceptive solicitation while expanding protections for potential clients.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2061 removes the requirement for Medicaid recipients or healthcare providers to obtain prior approval for repairs of complex rehabilitation technology equipment. The bill mandates that Texas Medicaid reimburse repair costs directly without needing prior authorization or precertification. This affects Medicaid beneficiaries who use specialized equipment (like mobility devices) and healthcare providers who maintain it. The policy change takes effect September 1, 2025, streamlining access to necessary repairs.
Maddy summarySB 2176 establishes the Texas Cyber Command as a new component institution within the University of Texas System. It transfers specific cybersecurity-related duties and powers from the Department of Information Resources to this new entity. The command will provide cybersecurity services to critical infrastructure operators (such as energy, water, and healthcare facilities) and local governments through contracts, focusing on protecting systems defined as "critical infrastructure" under the bill. This is a structural reorganization bill, not a policy change affecting daily life.
Maddy summarySB 507 requires county election authorities to provide each precinct with ballots equal to 125% of the previous election's turnout in that precinct (capped at registered voters unless using countywide polling). It creates a Class A misdemeanor offense for intentionally failing to provide the required ballots or to supplement ballots upon polling place requests. The bill applies to election supply procurement and directly affects county election officials and polling places. Penalties increase for certain election code violations, with new misdemeanor charges for supply failures. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 2164 creates a state program to help employers support employee child care costs. It establishes an "employer child-care contribution partnership program" where eligible employers can contribute to employee child care, and the state will match those contributions. Businesses making qualifying contributions may also receive a franchise tax credit. The bill requires the Texas Workforce Commission to set rules for eligibility, income verification, quality standards for child-care providers, and procedures for matching funds. It also authorizes civil penalties for violations of the program rules.
Maddy summarySB 2171 requires Texas public school districts to adopt standardized grievance procedures for complaints about violations of rights guaranteed under the Education Code. The bill mandates that schools provide written notice within five business days of filing, including clear appeal instructions and contact information; establish uniform response timelines; automatically allow appeals if timelines are missed; enforce disciplinary action for FERPA violations; require staff training on student privacy; and maintain accessible grievance records. It directly affects students, parents, and school employees by changing how schools handle complaints about rights violations, though it excludes complaints about extracurricular participation unless related to special education law (IDEA). The bill does not create new rights but standardizes complaint procedures for existing protections.
Maddy summarySB 2163 requires Texas public universities to appoint a liaison officer to support students who are homeless or were in foster care. The bill mandates schools to identify these students using application data and provide information about housing, financial aid, food programs, and counseling services. It also creates a temporary housing option between academic terms for students who were in foster care or are homeless, as defined by federal law. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board must ensure liaisons complete federal-required professional development. This directly affects homeless and foster care alumni enrolled at public colleges and universities across Texas.
Maddy summarySB 2116 establishes a process for designating natural gas facilities (such as those involved in production, processing, transportation, and delivery to power generators) as "critical" during energy emergencies. It requires the Texas Railroad Commission to create rules ensuring only weather-ready facilities qualify for critical designation, while considering operational needs like delivery to power plants. The bill also allows for seasonal critical designations, mandating the Railroad Commission to provide a list of these facilities to the Public Utility Commission by March 31, 2026. Additionally, it directs the Public Utility Commission to develop rules enabling these critical facilities to participate in competitively procured demand reduction programs.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 305) honors Jill Diane Warrington Glover, a Republican Party member, mental health professional, and civic leader who died in January 2024. It pays tribute to her work supporting conservative legislation (including the Texas Heartbeat Act), her service on the State Republican Executive Committee, and her family. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely to recognize her contributions. The Texas Senate adopted it to extend sympathy to her husband, son, brothers, and other family members.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 304) formally recognizes March 20 and 21, 2025, as "Texas Federation of Republican Women Days" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors the Texas Federation of Republican Women (TFRW), a women's political organization established in 1955, for its work in educating voters, encouraging women to run for office, and supporting Republican candidates. The resolution extends a welcome to TFRW members attending their annual event at the Capitol during those dates. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect or policy changes.