Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Maddy summaryHB 3479 creates a state program to manage harmful vegetation, primarily Carrizo cane, along the Rio Grande River. The bill requires the state board to develop and implement this program specifically to address vegetation that impedes border security operations. It directly affects border security efforts by establishing a formal process for managing these plants in the Rio Grande corridor. The key provision mandates the state board to oversee this vegetation management, focusing on removing or controlling plants that obstruct border security.

Maddy summaryHB 1094 defines "transportation protection agreements" as contracts covering body transportation over 75 miles to a licensed facility and exempts these agreements from Texas insurance regulations. This bill directly affects funeral service providers selling such agreements and consumers purchasing them, as it removes insurance licensing and oversight requirements. The key provision clarifies that these agreements do not constitute "insurance" under state law, allowing sellers to offer transportation services without meeting standard insurance compliance rules. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5342 creates a dedicated "988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Trust Fund" to support Texas' 988 crisis services. The fund, managed by the state commission, accepts federal grants, donations, and investment income to cover operational costs like personnel, technology upgrades, and infrastructure improvements for the 988 Lifeline network. It directly affects crisis centers participating in the 988 system and callers seeking mental health support. The bill establishes strict rules for fund use, prohibiting diversion to other state purposes, and requires annual financial forecasting. The law became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3425 amends Texas Penal Code to create a new criminal offense for unlawfully disclosing a public servant’s residence address or phone number online with intent to cause harm. It directly affects public servants (and their families/households) whose contact information is posted online in retaliation for their service. Key provisions require disclosure to be removed within 48 hours of a safety demand, and prohibit reposting for four years - even if the person is no longer a public servant. The bill establishes that failure to remove or reposting within these timeframes creates legal presumption of harmful intent. It became law on June 20, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 272 modifies where credit card fraud cases can be prosecuted under Texas law. It allows cases involving fraudulent use or possession of credit/debit card information (covered under Penal Code Section 32.315) to be filed in either the county where the crime occurred or the county where the victim resides. This change directly affects victims of card fraud, prosecutors, and courts by expanding jurisdiction options for these cases. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to cases filed after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 5320 changes the name of the Starr County Drainage District to the Starr County Drainage and Groundwater Conservation District, dissolves the separate Starr County Groundwater Conservation District, and transfers all of its assets and liabilities to the renamed entity. The bill establishes a five-member board with specific representation requirements (agricultural producers, rural water employees, municipal interests, industrial interests, and county-wide representation) to govern the new district. It also authorizes the district to impose a tax to fund its operations. This bill directly affects Starr County residents and landowners by consolidating two water management entities into one under a single governance structure.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 748 repeals specific sections (401.516(b) and (c)) of the Health and Safety Code that previously regulated laser hair removal procedures. This change removes existing requirements for practitioners and facilities offering laser hair removal services in Texas. The bill directly affects licensed estheticians, medical spas, and clinics providing laser hair removal treatments. It takes effect on September 1, 2025, eliminating the repealed regulatory provisions without introducing new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4904 limits civil liability for property owners who host motorcycle instruction or training courses on their premises. It protects property owners from lawsuits related to accidents or injuries during these courses, unless the injury resulted from gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. The law applies only to incidents occurring on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. This change directly affects property owners, training schools, and motorcycle instructors operating in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 114 transfers responsibility for certain veteran mental health programs from the Texas Health and Safety Code to the Texas Veterans Commission under the Government Code. The bill requires the Commission to administer a program including peer-to-peer counseling, suicide prevention training, veteran jail diversion services, and specialized initiatives for women veterans and rural veterans. Key provisions mandate training for peer service coordinators, coordination of mental health first aid, and access to licensed mental health professionals. This law directly affects Texas veterans seeking mental health support and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4202 updates Texas law requiring proof of identity for people acknowledging legal documents, such as property deeds. It specifies three acceptable forms of identification: (1) a witness's sworn statement if the witness is personally known to the notary or shows government ID with photo/signature; (2) the person's own government-issued ID with photo/signature; or (3) a foreign passport for residential real estate transactions. This affects notaries, attorneys, and individuals signing legal documents, ensuring clearer verification standards. The bill took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on June 20, 2025.