Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Maddy summaryHB 2516, the Chris Larkin ALS Act, requires Texas insurers to offer Medicare supplement plans (Medigap) to people under 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability, end-stage renal disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It mandates that these individuals receive the same coverage and premium rates as those 65 and older for standard plans (A, B, D), with non-standard plans capped at 200% of the 65+ rate. The bill creates a six-month enrollment window starting when a qualifying individual first enrolls in Medicare Part B, during which insurers cannot deny coverage, charge more for health conditions, or impose waiting periods. This law directly affects Texans under 65 with qualifying medical conditions who rely on Medicare, ensuring equitable access to supplemental insurance without medical underwriting. The bill became effective immediately on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4623 creates new liability standards for Texas public schools and their employees regarding student sexual misconduct. It holds schools financially responsible if they act with gross negligence or intentional misconduct in hiring or supervising employees who commit sexual misconduct against students or fail to report suspected abuse. The law caps damages at $500,000 per victim in successful claims and requires the employee who committed the act to be named as a defendant. This directly affects public school districts, charter schools, and all professional school employees covered by the definition, including teachers, administrators, and even student interns. The law became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 3104 requires judges of specific district courts in Webb County (30th, 70th, 71st, 78th, 89th, and 161st districts, plus Taylor County district and county courts) to appoint bailiffs. It repeals existing compensation provisions (Sections 53.001(i) and 53.009(d) of the Government Code) but preserves current pay arrangements for bailiffs already serving in the 341st and 406th district courts before the law’s effective date. These existing bailiffs will continue receiving Webb County compensation and eligibility for cost-of-living increases as before. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects Webb County court operations and bailiff staffing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 3623 updates how Texas state agencies and the comptroller must solicit bids for certain purchases. It replaces "telegraph" with "fax" and adds "online electronic transmission" as acceptable methods, while removing outdated options. The bill directly affects state agencies and the comptroller when requesting bids for eligible purchases. It takes effect September 1, 2025, modernizing procurement procedures to include digital methods.

Maddy summarySB 766 corrects the name of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality throughout the Texas Agriculture Code. It updates references in sections governing pesticide regulations, water quality protections, and agency responsibilities to reflect the new agency name. The bill makes no substantive changes to pesticide rules or environmental policies - only correcting the agency name in existing law. It became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 1839 requires courts transferring probate cases to deliver the original will or a copy (as permitted under existing law) to the receiving court using specific methods: registered/certified mail (with return receipt), common carrier (with proof of delivery), or a designated delivery service (like FedEx/UPS). The party requesting the case transfer must pay for this delivery. This rule applies to all probate cases pending or started on or after September 1, 2025, and directly affects probate court clerks and individuals involved in transferring cases. The bill streamlines the handling of wills during court transfers without changing probate procedures.

Maddy summarySB 1663 requires Texas water authorities to notify affected parties within 30 days of discovering groundwater contamination. It mandates written or electronic notice (via mail, email, or door notice) to private well owners potentially impacted, nearby groundwater conservation districts, and residents living within one mile of the contamination site. The bill updates Texas Water Code Section 26.408(b) to establish these specific notification procedures. This law takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting well owners, local water districts, and nearby residents in contamination cases.

Maddy summarySB 2601 creates a state program to compensate agricultural landowners and lessees for property damage caused by border-related criminal activities. It defines "border crime" as specific offenses involving transnational criminal activity (like drug trafficking or illegal border crossings) under Texas law. The attorney general will administer compensation for physical damage, debris, pollutants, or soil contamination, including costs to restore agricultural use. Insurance companies cannot factor such claims into rate-setting for policies delivered or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3745 expands emergency compensation eligibility for crime victims in Texas. It allows the attorney general to issue immediate financial relief for victims or their families affected by crimes that caused a state of emergency under Government Code Section 433.001, specifically removing prior restrictions that blocked such awards for deceased victims' families during declared emergencies. The bill applies only to crimes occurring on or after its September 1, 2025 effective date. This change directly affects family members of homicide victims and others harmed during state emergencies who previously faced barriers to urgent financial assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 3376 requires guardians appointed for individuals aged 60 or older (or those with dementia-related conditions) to complete specific training. Guardians must finish a free, online course within six months of appointment and annually, covering Alzheimer's/dementia symptoms, communication strategies, aging aspects, and resources for supporting a person's rights. The training must address warning signs, effective communication, and available support services. This law amends Texas Government Code Sections 155.203 and 155.204 to mandate these requirements for guardians handling cases involving dementia or related disorders.