Sen. Bob Hall

Maddy summarySB 133 amends Texas law governing complaints filed against attorneys with the State Bar of Texas. It adds new procedures allowing the Texas Supreme Court to stay proceedings and reconsider the State Bar's finding of "just cause" after an investigation, with motions requiring a decision within 45 days or being automatically denied. The bill affects attorneys facing complaints, the State Bar's chief disciplinary counsel, and the Supreme Court by creating a new reconsideration step. Key provisions clarify that filing a stay motion doesn't delay trial or hearing deadlines and specify that the new process applies only to complaints filed on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows employees to sue their employers for damages if they suffer health problems directly caused by a mandatory workplace vaccine requirement. It specifically applies to employees who did not qualify for two exemptions: religious or conscience-based objections, or a physician's medical contraindication. Employers who grant these exemptions are protected from liability under the law. The bill also permits courts to award attorneys' fees to successful plaintiffs and applies only to claims arising after its effective date.

Maddy summarySB 81 authorizes the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to take specific actions during a declared "state of invasion or imminent danger" along the Texas-Mexico border. It directly affects individuals crossing the border illegally, migrants apprehended near the border, and suspected cartel members. Key provisions include allowing DPS to detect and repel unauthorized border crossings away from ports, return certain apprehended migrants to Mexico, inspect cargo for drugs and smuggling, and use force against known cartel operatives. The bill requires a two-thirds legislative vote for immediate effect or takes effect September 1, 2025, if not approved. This legislation expands DPS authority under Texas and U.S. constitutional provisions.

Maddy summaryThe provided bill text for SB 80 only includes the title, preamble, and findings, not the actual legislative provisions. It states the Texas legislature's position that state sovereignty is reserved under the U.S. Constitution (citing the Tenth Amendment and Commerce Clause) and that federal actions must comply with constitutional limits. However, the context lacks specific policy mechanisms, concrete changes to law, or details on who would be directly affected. Without the full bill text describing its requirements or enforcement, a summary of its operational provisions cannot be generated. This bill is currently in the State Affairs committee as of its latest action.

Maddy summarySB 122 requires clear labeling on food, medical, and cosmetic products containing or derived from human fetal tissue obtained from abortions. It defines "fetal tissue products" as items made with, manufactured using, or derived from such tissue, and prohibits their sale without conspicuous labeling. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission must establish label requirements by December 1, 2025. This bill directly affects manufacturers and sellers of these products within Texas, mandating transparency about their ingredients without altering product availability.

Maddy summarySB 126 prohibits public primary/secondary schools, public colleges, prescription drug manufacturers, and research entities from conducting studies or surveys about children's sexual behavior without written parental consent. It creates a state jail felony offense for violations and imposes civil penalties of $1,000-$5,000 per violation, collectible by the attorney general. The bill explicitly states it does not override existing prohibitions in education codes for schools and colleges. This directly affects school districts, universities, and organizations conducting research involving minors. The law requires parental consent for such studies but does not authorize new research types beyond the existing prohibitions.

Maddy summarySB 99 requires bills that create or expand occupational licenses to attach two specific documents: a statement from the Legislative Budget Board about whether a review was requested under Section 325.023, and any related reports if applicable. This applies to all such bills moving through the Texas legislature. The required documents must be included in committee reports and remain with the bill throughout its entire legislative process, including when submitted to the governor. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 138 modifies Texas law governing when state agency rules can be challenged. It creates exceptions to voidability rules for agency actions that reduce regulatory burdens, respond to natural disasters, comply with federal requirements, protect water resources, or are adopted by specific agencies like DPS or TxDOT. The bill also establishes a two-year deadline for individuals to challenge rules not adopted per proper procedures. These changes apply only to rules proposed on or after September 1, 2025. The law aims to streamline regulatory processes for certain agency actions while maintaining procedural safeguards.

Maddy summarySB 103 prohibits certain foreign entities from purchasing or acquiring title to real property (land) in Texas. It specifically bans governments, companies, or individuals from China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia, including entities controlled by those countries' governments or citizens. The bill also prohibits Texas state agencies or local governments from entering contracts using public funds with these "adverse foreign entities." These restrictions apply to both property ownership and government contracts, with limited exceptions for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The law directly affects foreign entities tied to the listed countries and Texas public entities managing public funds.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 134 requires all Texas municipalities and counties to enter into written agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under federal Section 287(g) to authorize local officers to enforce federal immigration law. The bill mandates that agreements specify scope, duration, and limitations, and imposes penalties for non-compliance, including potential lawsuits by the attorney general and denial of state grant funds for the following fiscal year. Local governments failing to secure such agreements could face court-ordered injunctions and lose access to state funding. This legislation directly affects every Texas city and county, making federal immigration enforcement partnerships a mandatory condition for receiving state grants.