Sen. Bob Hall

Maddy summarySB 2748 creates new rules for motor vehicle diagnosis, maintenance, and repair in Texas by defining key terms like "barrier" (restrictions preventing owners from choosing repair facilities or using aftermarket parts) and "critical repair information" (tools, schematics, and data needed to fix vehicles). The bill requires manufacturers and dealers to provide this information to owners and independent repair shops, aiming to remove barriers that limit repair choices. It directly affects vehicle owners, independent repair facilities, and manufacturers by mandating access to necessary repair tools and information. Violations could trigger civil penalties, though specific penalty amounts aren't detailed in the provided text. This bill focuses on expanding repair options without specifying outcomes or taking sides on the debate.

Maddy summarySB 848 prohibits the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) from requiring local governments to pay compensation for potential or actual lost toll revenue caused by nearby nontolled roads or infrastructure. The bill directly affects local governments by preventing TxDOT from seeking monetary compensation when adjacent roads compete with toll projects. It establishes a new legal provision (Section 228.0032 of the Transportation Code) that explicitly bans such compensation demands, ensuring local governments do not bear costs from competing infrastructure. This policy change clarifies that toll project revenue losses due to non-toll roads cannot be shifted to local entities.

Maddy summarySB 381 prohibits manufacturers and dealers from selling or making motor vehicles equipped with remote vehicle disabling technology, which includes any device or software that can remotely disable a vehicle's operation (excluding standard ignition interlocks used in DUI cases). The law, effective September 1, 2025, requires compliance by January 1, 2026, and imposes license revocation for violations by licensed dealers. It directly affects automotive manufacturers, dealers, and distributors by banning the sale or distribution of vehicles containing this technology. The bill does not restrict existing vehicles but applies to new vehicle sales and manufacturing from the effective date.

Maddy summarySB 720 prohibits the Texas Department of Transportation from imposing lane restrictions, including tolls or special toll lanes, on a specific segment of Interstate Highway 635. The ban applies directly to the portion of I-635 between its intersections with Interstate Highway 30 and U.S. Highway 75. This bill amends the Texas Transportation Code to explicitly prevent the department or any partner entity from charging tolls or implementing managed lanes on this corridor. The policy change would maintain this section as a standard, non-tolled highway for all drivers.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits local governments in Texas from reallocating existing roadway space (such as converting lanes to bike lanes, sidewalks, or parking) without specific approval. It requires municipalities to hold public hearings, obtain commission approval, and secure two-thirds voter approval before implementing such projects. Local entities must also include department contact information in project communications for public complaints, and the Texas Department of Transportation must investigate alleged violations. If a project violates the prohibition, the commission may notify the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The bill directly affects cities and counties managing local roadways.

Maddy summarySJR 10 proposes adding Section 37 to the Texas Constitution to guarantee that "each individual residing in this state has the right to refuse any medical treatment, including a procedure, vaccine, medical device, or prophylactic." The amendment would prohibit anyone from interfering with this right. If approved by voters in the November 2025 election, it would become part of the state constitution. This is a procedural proposal requiring voter approval, not an immediate law affecting current medical practices.

Maddy summarySB 137 establishes new rules for toll billing and enforcement on Texas toll roads. It requires toll project entities (like toll road operators) to bill the registered vehicle owner for unpaid tolls using video billing or similar technology, sending an invoice to the owner's address on file with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. The bill mandates payment within 30 days of the invoice date and authorizes toll entities to charge an administrative fee and impose a civil penalty for non-payment. This directly affects vehicle owners who use toll roads without paying at the time of use and toll operators managing toll collection.

Maddy summarySB 2777 requires new members of the Texas Lottery Commission to sign an acknowledgment form confirming they understand their statutory duties. This applies to all newly appointed members and existing members whose terms began before September 1, 2025 (with a deadline of January 1, 2026). The form details specific responsibilities, including adopting rules for lottery security, revenue distribution, age restrictions on ticket sales, and protecting winner privacy. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and is procedural rather than creating new policy.

Maddy summarySB 2652 establishes new fencing requirements for deer breeding operations regulated by the Parks and Wildlife Department. It requires all breeder deer to be held behind fences at least eight feet high and mandates the same height for release sites where deer are liberated. This bill directly affects licensed deer breeders who operate under Subchapter L permits in Texas. The key provision, added to Section 43.3515 of the Parks and Wildlife Code, aims to prevent deer escapes by setting minimum fence standards for both holding and release areas.

Maddy summarySB 2700 requires the Texas Department of Insurance to conduct a study comparing Texas title insurance rates with those in other states (both regulated and deregulated). The study must analyze cost differences, track industry data like claims and premiums annually, assess impacts on market competition and consumer protection, and evaluate potential regulatory changes. It directly affects title insurance companies, homebuyers, and real estate professionals by gathering data to inform future policy decisions. The Department must submit findings to the legislature by December 1, 2026, with the bill expiring January 1, 2027. This is a data-gathering measure, not a rate-setting law.