Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summaryHB 3228 requires wind power facility operators (leaseholders) to include specific waste management provisions in their agreements with landowners. The bill mandates that operators must collect, reuse, or recycle reusable components (like turbine blades) and properly dispose of non-recyclable parts - hazardous materials at authorized facilities and non-hazardous waste at approved landfills. It also requires operators to provide financial assurance (e.g., bonds or letters of credit) to cover decommissioning costs. This law applies to wind facilities in Texas and took effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 868 requires at least 10% of annual state funds for rural volunteer fire department assistance to be allocated to departments in areas classified as high-risk for large wildfires by the state wildfire service. This directly affects rural volunteer fire departments located in these high-risk zones. The bill establishes that if these departments request less than the allocated amount, the remaining funds can be used for other eligible fire department assistance requests. The provision applies only to funds appropriated on or after September 1, 2025, the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 5154 creates the Joint Admission Medical Program Council to administer a program supporting economically disadvantaged students pursuing medical degrees in Texas. The council, formed by participating medical schools, provides mentoring, academic support, and scholarships while guaranteeing admission to at least one participating medical school for eligible students. Key provisions require the council to establish public meeting protocols, develop communication policies, and align with statewide workforce goals to address medical professional shortages. This bill directly affects disadvantaged students seeking medical careers and the participating medical schools that form the council.

Maddy summarySB 331 requires hospitals, abortion facilities, surgical centers, and other large health care providers (with $7 million or more in annual revenue) to publicly disclose pricing information for certain services. It mandates that facilities respond to commission requests for corrective action plans if they fail to comply, with administrative penalties for non-compliance. The law applies only to facilities meeting the $7 million revenue threshold, as specified in Section 327.0015 of the Health and Safety Code. The bill became effective immediately after the governor signed it 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 summaryHB 5656 creates Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 263, a new local government entity to provide utility services (like water, sewer, and drainage) to a specific area in Fort Bend County. The bill grants the district limited power to acquire property through eminent domain, authority to issue bonds for infrastructure projects, and the ability to impose assessments, fees, and taxes on properties within its boundaries. This procedural bill directly affects property owners in the designated district territory and establishes the district’s governing board and initial boundaries under Texas law. It became effective immediately on June 20, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

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 SB 8 requires sheriffs in counties with 100,000+ residents to request agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that allow local officers to enforce federal immigration law. Smaller counties may voluntarily enter similar agreements. The bill creates a state grant program to cover costs for counties implementing these agreements, including personnel and resources needed for compliance. It directly affects Texas county sheriffs and law enforcement agencies participating in federal immigration enforcement programs.

Maddy summarySB 33 prohibits Texas governmental entities from using taxpayer funds to pay for or facilitate abortion-related services. It bans transactions with "abortion assistance entities" (organizations providing financial help, travel, childcare, or abortion drugs) or abortion providers for abortion procurement. The law specifically prevents government spending on logistical support like travel, lodging, childcare, or food to help individuals access abortion services. This applies to all state and local government entities and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 510 requires Texas voter registrars (county election officials) to timely complete specific voter registration duties, such as processing registration changes or scheduling hearings. If a registrar fails to meet these deadlines, the Secretary of State may withhold state funds distributed under Chapters 19 or 31. Registrars can regain funds by completing the required duty within 30 days of the funds being withheld. The bill directly affects county election offices and aims to ensure timely voter registration processing. It takes effect September 1, 2025.