Sen. Charles Perry

Maddy summarySB 69 would allow Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a prescription from a healthcare provider, under a statewide order issued by the commissioner of state health services. The order would require pharmacists to follow standardized procedures, provide patients with usage instructions, and submit annual reports on the number of doses dispensed. Pharmacists acting in good faith under this order would be shielded from criminal, civil, or professional liability. This bill specifically applies to ivermectin and does not change prescription requirements for other medications.

Maddy summarySB 5 regulates hemp-derived consumable products (like edibles, oils, and topicals containing cannabinoids such as CBD) sold in Texas. It requires businesses to obtain occupational licenses, imposes fees, and prohibits sales to anyone under 21. The bill creates criminal penalties for violations and administrative fines, while exempting certain products (like hemp seed oil in food), research activities, low-THC cannabis, and medical prescriptions. These changes directly affect hemp product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors operating in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 3 regulates consumable hemp products (like edibles, topicals, or beverages containing hemp-derived cannabinoids) in Texas. It requires businesses to obtain licenses with $10,000 fees per location, bans manufacturing products with cannabinoids other than CBD or cannabigerol, and mandates product testing before sale. The bill also creates criminal penalties for violations and allows administrative fines. This primarily affects hemp product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors in Texas. The bill was vetoed by the governor on June 22, 2025, so it did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2842 allows certain land managers, such as political subdivisions, property associations, or institutions, to control white-tailed deer populations using lethal methods in specific situations. It requires these entities to submit written notice to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department demonstrating either (1) that deer are damaging habitats of endangered species or (2) that deer overpopulation exists on their property and recreational hunting isn’t feasible. The department must inspect the property before approving a permit for lethal control. The bill updates permit rules to include electronic issuance and reporting requirements, but does not authorize hunting for recreational purposes.

Maddy summarySB 650 requires retailers selling alcohol to verify customer age by scanning driver's licenses or ID cards with electronically readable information. It applies to all retail alcohol sales except on-premises sales at package stores. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, but businesses have until September 1, 2027, to comply, with no penalties for violations before that date. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission must adopt implementing rules by September 2027.

Maddy summarySB 268 requires licensing agencies to forward complaints about healthcare practitioners to the agency that issued the practitioner's license if the complaint involves a different licensing entity. It prevents the receiving agency from taking disciplinary action unless the other agency refers the complaint back for investigation. The law applies only to complaints filed on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote for immediate effect). This change clarifies jurisdiction between licensing agencies handling healthcare practitioner complaints.

Maddy summarySB 25 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to provide daily moderate or vigorous physical activity for students in prekindergarten through grade 8. Specifically, it mandates at least 30 minutes daily for grades K-5 and 30 minutes daily for at least four semesters in grades 6-8, with alternatives for scheduling challenges (e.g., 135 minutes weekly). The bill prohibits schools from restricting student participation in physical activity as punishment for academic or behavioral issues. It directly affects K-8 students and school employees responsible for implementing physical education curricula, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1253 allows cities and counties in Texas to offer credits against water and wastewater impact fees for developers who build qualifying water conservation or reuse projects. These credits apply to facilities that reduce per-unit water use, decrease wastewater infrastructure needs, or improve stormwater management beyond standard requirements. The bill requires local governments to establish fair procedures for calculating and approving these credits. It directly affects builders and developers constructing eligible water-saving infrastructure, while political subdivisions implement the credit system. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1728 expands Texas's Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program to include juvenile justice facilities. It allows the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, juvenile boards, and juvenile probation departments to apply for grants to develop career and technical education programs for youth in their care. These grants help cover start-up costs for new training programs focused on high-demand jobs or dual credit opportunities. The bill directly affects youth in juvenile justice settings by providing new educational pathways to support workforce readiness.

Maddy summaryHCR 135 designates Slaton, Texas as the official "Banana Pudding Capital of Texas" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This ceremonial resolution recognizes Slaton's annual Banana Pudding Festival, organized by the Slaton Bakery and local groups since 2023. It has no legal effect beyond symbolic recognition and does not create new policies or impact any specific group or budget. The designation expires on September 30, 2035, per the resolution's terms.