Sen. José Menéndez

Maddy summaryHB 3073 amends Texas law to clarify when sexual assault occurs without consent, directly affecting all individuals involved in sexual assault prosecutions across the state. The bill adds 12 specific scenarios where consent is legally absent, including when a victim is unconscious, mentally incapacitated, or intentionally drugged by the perpetrator (new point 6), and expands protections for vulnerable groups like patients of healthcare providers, facility residents, and clergy members' spiritual dependents. Key provisions define consent more precisely by listing circumstances where force, coercion, or exploitation negate consent, replacing ambiguous language in the existing Penal Code. This change standardizes how prosecutors must prove lack of consent in court, making it clearer for judges and juries. The law, effective September 1, 2025, is named the Summer Willis Act but focuses solely on legal definitions, not new penalties or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 3250 establishes a stipend program to support real estate appraiser trainees, license seekers, and certified appraisers serving public purposes like increasing trained professionals and boosting economic development in Texas. It requires appraisers to notify the board of address changes within 10 days and updates rules for controlling persons of appraisal management companies, mandating active licensing or specific training and barring those with revoked licenses (unless reinstated). The stipend program can only be funded by gifts, grants, or donations under existing law. This bill directly affects appraiser trainees, licensed appraisers, and appraisal management companies operating in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 1677 requires Texas' Higher Education Coordinating Board to select a top-tier research university to study ways to prevent and reduce diabetes-related amputations. The designated institution must collaborate with the state health department and medical experts to analyze amputation data, develop prevention strategies, and recommend policies - such as improving insurance coverage for diabetic foot ulcer treatments and increasing public awareness. The study will focus on best practices for avoiding amputations, expanding access to care, and enhancing coordination among healthcare providers. This bill directly affects the selected university and aims to inform future health policies impacting diabetes patients in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 2193 requires the Texas Veterans Commission to study how veterans access state and federal benefits currently managed by the commission. The study must count eligible veterans by county, assess current claims benefit advisor staffing levels, identify optimal staffing locations to minimize veteran travel, and calculate implementation costs for service improvements. The commission must submit a report with findings and recommendations to state leaders by June 1, 2026. This bill does not change benefit eligibility or amounts but focuses on analyzing and potentially improving service delivery efficiency for veterans across Texas.

Maddy summarySB 20 creates a new criminal offense for possessing, accessing with intent to view, or promoting obscene visual material that appears to depict a child under 18, including AI-generated images, animations, or digital representations. The law applies to any material seeming to show a child in sexual activity (per Section 43.21(a)(1)(B)), regardless of whether the depiction is real or computer-created. A first offense is classified as a state jail felony, with repeat offenses potentially increasing penalties to third-degree (for one prior conviction) or second-degree (for two or more prior convictions) felonies. This bill directly affects individuals who share or view such material, with no exceptions for digital or AI-generated content.

Maddy summaryHB 1393 would amend Texas law to require the state to observe daylight saving time year-round, creating a new time zone called "Texas Time" for all areas currently using Central or Mountain Standard Time. This bill directly affects all Texans by changing the state's standard time practice, eliminating seasonal clock changes. The key provision states that Texas would permanently adopt daylight saving time, but the law's implementation is conditional: it only takes effect if the U.S. Congress passes federal legislation authorizing states to do so. The bill passed both chambers and was signed by the governor in June 2025, pending federal action.

Maddy summarySB 226 allows parents or guardians of children in parental child safety placement agreements (where parents temporarily place children with others under Texas Family Code) to establish school residency using a Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) letter. This letter must confirm the child's residence address within a school district and include specific language stating it serves as proof for public school enrollment. The bill amends the Education Code (Section 25.001(c-3)) to create this new residency verification method, replacing older processes. It applies to agreements executed on or after the bill’s effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed immediately), affecting school districts, children in these agreements, and their families.

Maddy summaryHB 46 modifies Texas' Compassionate-Use Program by requiring dispensing organizations to register certain personnel. The bill mandates that directors, owners, managers, and employees of these organizations must register with the state department, adding this as a requirement for licensing. It specifically amends the Health and Safety Code to include registration as a condition for operating a dispensing organization under the program. The law, signed by the governor on June 20, 2025, takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 527 requires health insurance plans in Texas to cover medically necessary general anesthesia for pediatric dental services for children under 13 years old who cannot undergo treatment without anesthesia due to documented physical, mental, or medical conditions. The law applies to all health benefit plans offered by insurance companies, HMOs, health maintenance organizations, and other covered entities under Texas insurance law. It prohibits plans from excluding this specific anesthesia coverage when the medical criteria are met, ensuring access to necessary dental care for vulnerable young patients. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, and 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.