Maddy summarySB 401 allows Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt policies denying participation in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities to non-enrolled students (e.g., homeschoolers or students attending private schools) who meet eligibility standards. Currently, schools must offer such students the same participation opportunities as enrolled students, but this bill adds that school boards may now choose to decline this participation. It also clarifies that non-enrolled students must prove residency matching their district address for eligibility, and if their eligible district has a "no participation" policy, they may instead join the nearest district without such a policy. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 1352 adjusts deadlines and penalties for property tax exemptions related to "freeport goods" (imported goods intended for re-export). It requires chief appraisers to extend exemption application deadlines to May 15 if property filing deadlines are extended to that date, with possible additional 60-day extensions for good cause. For approved applications, penalties are capped at 10% of either the tax difference or the actual tax amount owed. This bill directly affects property owners seeking tax exemptions for freeport goods under Texas Tax Code Section 11.251, applying only to applications filed on or after September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 4157 creates legal protections for commercial space flight companies by establishing requirements for liability waivers. It defines "space flight participant" as non-crew individuals aboard spacecraft and mandates that waivers must be in writing, printed in 10-point bold type, and signed by participants (including heirs and representatives). The bill also recognizes federal waivers under 14 C.F.R. § 440.17 as enforceable in Texas, covering contractors and customers. This law applies only to incidents occurring on or after its September 1, 2025 effective date.
Maddy summaryHB 754 requires Texas health care facilities to post bilingual signs (in English, Spanish, and other languages spoken by 10%+ of staff) displaying human trafficking indicators, reporting resources, and a statement that medical assistants must complete trafficking prevention training. It mandates training for medical assistants through the Health and Human Services Commission and prohibits facilities from disciplining employees who report suspected trafficking in good faith. The law also requires facilities to disclose trafficking information to authorities as specified. This bill affects all Texas health care facilities and their medical assistant staff, taking effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 2477 creates new rules for converting office buildings into housing in large Texas cities (those with over 150,000 residents in counties with over 300,000 residents). It defines "mixed-use residential" as requiring at least 65% of a building's square footage to be residential and "multifamily residential" as three or more dwelling units. The law sets requirements for municipal regulations on such conversions but does not override historic preservation rules or short-term rental restrictions. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 3161 expands the required contribution rate options for employees in Texas municipal retirement systems, changing the permitted rates from "five, six, or seven percent" to "five, six, seven, or eight percent" of employee compensation. It directly affects Texas municipalities that participate in the Texas Municipal Retirement System, requiring all departments within a municipality to use the same contribution rate unless they had pre-1991 ordinances allowing different rates for different departments. Municipalities with existing multi-rate systems can continue those arrangements until they choose to standardize rates. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 2778 raises the spending threshold for emergency services district employees from $2,000 to $50,000 without requiring board approval for purchases. This change directly affects employees in Texas emergency services districts who handle district funds. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code to allow these employees to approve expenditures up to $50,000 without prior board review, streamlining routine spending. The new rule applies only to purchases made on or after September 1, 2025, with pre-existing purchases governed by the previous $2,000 limit.
Maddy summaryHB 2128 directs the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service to study disparities between rural and urban firefighting and technical rescue capabilities. The study will examine funding gaps, staffing shortages, access to affordable training, and other relevant factors. The service must submit findings and recommendations to state leaders by December 1, 2026, with the bill expiring September 1, 2027. This procedural bill does not change existing services but aims to inform future policy based on identified gaps.
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 summarySB 1353 creates a new regulatory framework specifically for pilots serving in Cameron County's navigation district, replacing standard statewide pilot licensing rules. The bill establishes a local pilot board (composed of Cameron County navigation commissioners) with exclusive authority over pilotage in the county's ports and waterways, including setting pilotage rates. It sets detailed qualifications for branch pilots, requiring U.S. citizenship, 30 months of relevant experience, local residency, and specific navigational skills. The law directly affects pilots seeking licenses, vessel operators using Cameron County ports, and the pilot board itself, governing how pilots are licensed, regulated, and compensated within this single county's jurisdiction.