Maddy summarySB 1403 amends Texas Family Code provisions governing the Title IV-D child support agency, directly affecting child support enforcement processes for obligors (paying parents) and obligees (receiving parents). Key provisions include: (1) exempting the agency from mediation/arbitration requirements in child support cases (Section 2(j)), (2) allowing the agency to halt enforcement if the custodial parent is jailed for family violence against the child (Section 2(k)), and (3) permitting administrative adjustments to support amounts when an obligor is incarcerated for 180+ days (Section 4). The bill also establishes procedures for dismissing frivolous lawsuits against the agency or its contractors (Section 3). It became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 19, 2025.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary sales tax exemption for clothing and footwear priced under $100 during a specific three-day window each year. The exemption applies only to purchases made from 12:01 a.m. Friday before the first Saturday following July 30 until 12 midnight Sunday. It directly affects Texas residents buying qualifying items for school during this period, as the timing aligns with the start of the school year. The exemption is not permanent and takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires most Texas hospitals with emergency rooms near traffic areas to install and maintain crash-rated barriers (like bollards) to prevent vehicle collisions. It applies to hospitals licensed under Chapter 241, excluding those in counties with under 68,750 residents or specific Medicare-designated rural hospitals (critical access, rural referral center, or sole community hospital) that are outside metro areas or have 100 or fewer beds in metro areas. Hospitals must comply by January 1, 2026, though existing barriers installed before the bill’s effective date (September 1, 2025) do not need replacement. The Health and Human Services Commission must adopt implementing rules by December 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 1437 modifies Texas law to clarify eligibility for certification as juvenile officers or employees at juvenile facilities. It applies to current or former staff/volunteers of juvenile departments, probation departments, or registered juvenile facilities. The bill allows the state department to permanently deny certification if someone: (1) violated rules while working in these roles, or (2) a three-member panel determines their certification would threaten juveniles in the system. Individuals denied certification are entitled to an administrative hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings. The law took effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 65 requires counties with populations of 265,000 or more to establish uniform work hour rules for specific employees, including department heads, assistants, deputies, and other staff whose pay is set by the commissioners court. The bill amends the Local Government Code to mandate that commissioners courts adopt and enforce these consistent scheduling standards. It directly affects county employees in larger jurisdictions (over 265,000 residents) whose compensation is approved by the court. The law took effect immediately after Governor's signature on May 19, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 1366 requires all Texas driver education and driving safety courses to include specific information about construction and maintenance work zones starting September 1, 2026. The curriculum must cover the dangers of violating traffic rules in these zones and the penalties for such violations under Texas law. This affects all licensed driver education providers and courses offered in Texas. The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation must adopt the required rules by May 1, 2026, to implement the changes. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, but the new curriculum requirement applies to courses held on or after September 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 1062 allows local governments in Texas to publish public notices in digital newspapers instead of traditional print newspapers, provided the digital option meets specific requirements. To qualify, a digital newspaper must have an audited paid-subscriber base, operate for at least three years, employ local staff, cover local events, provide general interest news, and update weekly. This change directly affects county and municipal governments that publish public notices, expanding their options beyond traditional print requirements. The bill amends existing law to include these digital standards and took effect immediately after being signed by the governor on May 19, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas municipalities and counties to post public improvement district service plans and assessment documents online within seven days of approval or updates. It directly affects local governments (which must post the information) and property owners in improvement districts (who can access these documents online). Key provisions mandate that service plans and assessment rolls be published on the government's official website, with specific formatting requirements for electronic submission to appraisal districts. The law aims to increase transparency by making this financial information publicly accessible without requiring physical mailings.
Maddy summarySB 2751 requires inspections of residential and day placement facilities that provide services to students with disabilities under school district contracts. It mandates that inspections verify whether educational services align with medical standards and best practices for each student's disability, and whether facility staff have completed crisis prevention training. The law applies to all such facilities starting with the 2025-2026 school year. This directly affects students with disabilities in these facilities, the school districts contracting with them, and the agencies conducting inspections.
Maddy summarySB 1778 requires Texas juvenile justice facilities to contract for telemedicine services when physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants are not physically present onsite. This law directly affects juveniles in state custody and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, which must provide this medical care access. The key provision mandates that facilities secure telemedicine options as a standard backup for medical treatment, ensuring continuity when in-person providers are unavailable. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025, and applies to all facilities under the department's management. It does not specify funding mechanisms or implementation details beyond the telemedicine requirement.