Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summaryHB 127 creates the Higher Education Research Security Council to protect universities from foreign espionage risks. The council, made up of security officers from university systems and select research institutions, will identify best practices for securing academic research while mitigating threats from foreign adversaries. It directly affects public and private research-focused universities in Texas, particularly those designated as "tier one" institutions. The bill establishes this council as a formal body to coordinate security efforts across higher education, without changing existing trade secret laws. The council’s role is limited to advising institutions on security protocols, not enforcing new penalties.

Maddy summarySB 835, known as Trey's Law, invalidates any nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement that prevents someone from disclosing an act of sexual abuse. The law directly affects survivors of sexual abuse who may have signed such agreements, making those specific clauses unenforceable. Key provisions state that agreements cannot prohibit disclosure of sexual abuse details (defined using existing Texas Penal Code and Family Code offenses), though other settlement terms like payment amounts remain valid. This change applies to all agreements entered into before, on, or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySCR 8 is a Texas Senate Concurrent Resolution expressing the state legislature's opposition to the Federal Reserve's potential creation of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). The resolution cites concerns about privacy risks, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the potential for increased government surveillance of financial transactions that a CBDC could enable. It does not create new law or directly affect any individuals or entities, as it is solely a statement of legislative position. The resolution was passed by the Texas Senate and House and signed by the governor in June 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4219 amends Texas' Government Code to clarify how governmental bodies must respond to public information requests. It requires officials to notify requesters in writing within 10 business days if no responsive information exists (Section 1(f)) or if information is withheld based on a prior determination (Section 1(g)), specifying the exact prior decision used. The bill also creates a process for requesters to file complaints with the attorney general if a body fails to respond properly (Section 552.328), which could lead to mandatory open records training for the body and prohibit charging requesters for non-compliant responses. This directly affects all Texas governmental bodies handling public records requests and requesters seeking transparency.

Maddy summarySB 15 limits zoning restrictions for small residential lots (4,000 sq ft or less) in certain large Texas municipalities (population over 90,000 in counties over 300,000). It prohibits municipalities from requiring lots larger than 1,400 sq ft, wider than 20 feet, or deeper than 60 feet, and mandates a minimum density of 31.1 units per acre. The bill also bans restrictions on covered parking, parking space limits, building height (requiring at least 3 stories), and excessive open space requirements for small lots. Municipalities may still charge permitting fees equivalent to single-family lot fees but cannot impose other zoning rules inconsistent with these provisions.

Maddy summaryHCR 157 is a ceremonial resolution designating Rockport as the official "Redfish Capital of Texas" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or impact regulations - only formally recognizes Rockport's reputation for redfish (red drum) fishing and coastal tourism. The resolution cites the city's natural beauty, thriving redfish population, and community efforts in conservation as the basis for the designation. This symbolic title expires automatically on the 10th anniversary of the resolution's passage.

Maddy summarySB 739 clarifies which law enforcement personnel can legally use tracking devices and access certain communications under Texas law. It expands the definition of "authorized peace officer" to include specific roles like county constables, municipal police officers, state park rangers, juvenile justice investigators, and state alcohol agency agents. This change ensures these officers can operate under existing legal frameworks without ambiguity when using tracking equipment or accessing communications data. The bill directly affects local, county, and state law enforcement agencies across Texas that rely on these tools for investigations.

Maddy summaryHB 3597 requires applicants for new licenses or capacity expansions at residential child-care facilities in counties with fewer than 300,000 residents to hold a public hearing and publish notice in a local newspaper. This applies to general residential operations, cottage homes, and continuum-of-care facilities. The law, effective September 1, 2025, adds these community notification steps before the licensing commission issues approval. It directly affects facility operators seeking to open or expand services in smaller counties across Texas. The bill modifies existing licensing procedures without changing the substantive standards for facility operations.

Maddy summaryHB 12 requires the State Commission on Governmental Operations to review state agencies that regulate activities through licensing, such as professional or business licensing boards. The bill mandates that these agencies post online notices about the review process and public participation opportunities, and regulatory agencies must also notify licensees and seek their input. The commission must include findings, recommendations, and a 10-year performance analysis for regulatory agencies in its final report. This applies to state agencies in the executive branch with statewide licensing authority (excluding river authorities) and became effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2071 requires child protective services to refer suspected abuse or neglect cases involving medical consultations to specific, independent physicians who weren’t previously involved in the case. It mandates that parents or guardians receive all medical records - including imaging and test results - before referrals and ensures independent medical reviews resolve disagreements about injury causes. The bill also prohibits barriers to parents obtaining records for second opinions or additional testing. This directly affects parents, child welfare departments, hospitals, and healthcare providers involved in abuse investigations. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.