Maddy summaryHB 130, the Texas Genomic Act of 2025, prohibits medical facilities, research organizations, companies, and nonprofits conducting genome sequencing in Texas from providing residents' genetic data to foreign adversaries. It creates a private right for individuals to sue entities that violate this rule and imposes civil penalties for noncompliance. The law applies to any entity handling human genome sequencing or testing within the state, defining "foreign adversary" per federal regulations. This policy directly affects organizations processing genetic data in Texas, requiring them to safeguard residents' information from unauthorized foreign access. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 2254 allows health insurance companies to contract with primary care physicians or primary care physician groups using value-based payment models (like fixed payments for defined services) or traditional fee-for-service arrangements, without classifying these contracts as insurance. It directly affects insurers and primary care providers (family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics physicians/groups), clarifying that such contracts do not make providers "engaged in the business of insurance." The bill prohibits insurers from reducing fees or forcing participation in these arrangements, requiring equal treatment for providers who choose not to join value-based or capitated payment programs. This changes how insurers and primary care providers structure financial agreements for routine patient care.
Maddy summaryHB 4395 requires issuers of public financial instruments (like bonds) to submit documents such as securities, records of proceedings, or credit agreements to Texas' Attorney General in electronic format with a digital signature, starting January 1, 2026. The Attorney General must then deliver these documents electronically to the Comptroller. This applies only to submissions made on or after the effective date, leaving prior submissions under existing rules. The bill streamlines the submission process but does not change the approval requirements for these financial instruments.
Maddy summaryHB 1481 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt written policies prohibiting student use of personal communication devices (such as cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day on school property or at school events. Exceptions allow device use for students with documented medical needs, individualized education plans (IEPs), or health/safety protocols. Schools may implement either a full device ban or a secure storage system for devices during school hours, and must return confiscated devices or dispose of them after providing parents 90 days' written notice. The law takes effect immediately upon the governor's signature.
Maddy summaryHB 2011 allows property owners (or their heirs) to repurchase land taken through eminent domain if the government entity that acquired it fails to pay property taxes or abandons the intended public use. The bill specifies four conditions triggering this right: the public use is canceled, no progress was made toward the use within 10 years, the property becomes unnecessary for the use, or the entity fails to pay delinquent property taxes after the second anniversary of their due date. It requires the government entity to send certified notice to the former owner within 180 days of determining eligibility, detailing the property, the reason for the repurchase right, and how to exercise it. This law directly affects property owners whose land was acquired via eminent domain but remains unused or tax-delinquent. The bill amends Texas Property Code sections 21.101 and 21.102 to establish these procedures.
Maddy summaryHB 140 abolishes the Family and Protective Services Council and creates a new Child Protective Investigations Advisory Committee to advise the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill amends multiple state codes to remove references to the abolished council and add the new committee, including updating reporting requirements for the DFPS commissioner. This change directly affects DFPS's advisory structure and reporting processes, effective September 1, 2026. The bill does not alter DFPS's core functions but modifies its advisory body composition.
Maddy summarySB 955 increases penalties for human trafficking in Texas by elevating certain offenses to first-degree felony status. It specifically enhances punishments when trafficking occurs near schools, colleges, shelters for vulnerable populations (like runaway youth or trafficking survivors), or during school events, within 1,000 feet of these locations. The bill also raises penalties if the victim is a child or disabled person, if serious injury or death occurs, or if traffickers use deadly weapons or obstruct breathing. These changes apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. The law directly affects traffickers who commit offenses in these specified circumstances.
Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 546 requires school buses transporting children to be equipped with three-point seat belts for all passengers, including the driver. School districts may request an exception if they determine it is not feasible due to budget constraints (after a public vote), or if using buses purchased before 2017 or newer buses where budget limitations prevent compliance. The bill also allows school districts to accept gifts, grants, or donations to cover the costs of implementing these seat belt requirements. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting school districts and bus operators in Texas.
Maddy summarySB 1401 creates the Texas Mental Health Profession Pipeline Program, managed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, to help students transfer from public junior colleges to four-year institutions for mental health careers. It directly affects public junior college students and participating universities by guaranteeing they won’t lose credits when transferring, can earn a bachelor’s degree in under two years, and get automatic admission to advanced programs if they meet academic requirements. The program covers pathways to licensure for psychologists, counselors, social workers, and other mental health professionals. It requires universities to partner with junior colleges to design clear transfer pathways, ensuring seamless credit transfers and faster degree completion.
Maddy summaryHB 2854 requires parole officers to approve non-medical hospital visits for certain parolees convicted of specific offenses (listed in Texas law). Releasees must submit advance requests specifying visit details, and parole officers must notify hospitals of approved visits. The bill shields hospitals from liability for damages related to these visits, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. It applies only to parolees released on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect those released earlier.