Maddy summaryHB 4211 creates new rules for residential arrangements where buyers purchase an interest in a business entity (like a company or LLC) that owns homes, rather than buying the homes directly. It requires sellers to clearly disclose that buyers are purchasing an entity interest - not the property itself - and prohibits entities from charging transfer fees or restricting transfers of these interests. The law also bans discrimination in these arrangements (e.g., refusing to sell to qualified buyers) and ensures disputes must be resolved in state or federal courts, not private tribunals. This applies to single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and quadruplexes owned by such entities, protecting buyers in these specific ownership structures.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 6 establishes new requirements for large electricity users in Texas, specifically those with a single-site demand exceeding 75 megawatts (or a lower threshold set by the commission). It requires these large users to disclose if they’re pursuing similar electricity service requests elsewhere, while protecting their submitted information from unauthorized sharing. The bill also mandates that utilities (including cooperatives and municipal systems) must pass through reasonable interconnection costs to these large users. This affects major commercial and industrial electricity consumers and their utility providers across Texas’s ERCOT power region.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas to collect de-identified data on veteran deaths from death certificates and submit it to the Texas Veterans Commission. Specifically, it mandates that the state registrar provide details like age, race, cause of death (if suicide or homicide), and occupation, but not medical history unless available. The commission must then produce annual reports by December 1 each year, containing aggregated data, analysis, and policy recommendations for veterans' affairs committees. The first report is due December 1, 2027, with annual reports starting in 2026. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryTexas House Bill 706 requires Texas to recognize valid handgun licenses issued by other states, directly affecting out-of-state license holders who travel or reside in Texas. The bill mandates that Texas will recognize such licenses only if the other state either has a mutual agreement with Texas or conducts background checks through the FBI's National Crime Information Center before issuing licenses. Texas must publish and update an annual list of states that recognize Texas-issued licenses. The law took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 1300 defines "organized retail theft" as stealing from a merchant through coordinated actions (e.g., acting in concert with others), multiple incidents within 180 days, or benefiting from such theft. It changes how stolen item value is calculated for sentencing by using the merchant's posted sales price (including tax) instead of market value, and makes it easier for prosecutors to prove cases by allowing indictments to reference merchants and aggregate value ranges rather than listing each item. The bill also establishes price tags as evidence of both value and merchant ownership, streamlining prosecutions. This law directly affects Texas retailers and individuals convicted of organized retail theft, with increased penalties for the offense.
Maddy summaryHB 5679 creates the Hills of Walnut Creek Municipal Utility District in Parker County, directly affecting residents and property owners within its boundaries. The bill grants the district limited eminent domain authority to acquire land for public infrastructure, the power to issue bonds for capital projects, and the authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes to fund services. It requires municipal consent before the district can be confirmed and establishes that the district serves public purposes including water, sewer, road maintenance, and storm drainage improvements under Texas law. The district must follow specific constitutional provisions for its organization and operations, with the bill effective September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 3441 creates legal liability for vaccine manufacturers who advertise a harmful vaccine within Texas. It defines "advertise" broadly to include paid promotions across media (TV, internet, influencers), but excludes doctor-patient discussions or clinic materials. If a manufacturer's advertised vaccine causes injury, victims can sue within three years for actual damages, attorney fees, and court costs. The law applies only to cases where harm occurs on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 34 prohibits Texas state investments in countries designated as "countries of concern" (including China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and any country the governor designates) and in private companies operating in those countries that meet specific criteria. It defines "scrutinized companies" as those engaged in certain business activities (like those linked to the Darfur genocide) or meeting other conditions outlined in the bill. The law applies to all state investment entities, requiring them to divest from or avoid purchasing securities in these entities. An exception allows investments in companies excluded by U.S. federal sanctions regimes.
Maddy summarySB 568 amends Texas Education Code sections 8.051 and 29.001 to strengthen special education support in public schools. It requires regional education service centers to provide specific core services, including teacher training on state-mandated subjects and financial literacy, assistance for districts with special education compliance issues, and support for students needing specialized services. The bill also mandates the state education agency to develop a comprehensive system ensuring statewide compliance with federal and state special education laws, focusing on student outcomes and coordinated services. These changes directly affect Texas school districts, regional centers, and students with disabilities by standardizing support and accountability. The bill does not create new funding but reorganizes how existing Foundation School Program funds are administered for special education.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands criminal penalties for cruelty to nonlivestock animals (such as pets and wildlife) by defining specific prohibited acts, including torture, abandonment, failure to provide care, cruel transport, and causing injury without consent. It creates a legal defense for veterinarians and their assistants acting within their professional duties, shielding them from prosecution for negligence during routine care. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect existing penalties for cruelty involving livestock animals. This amendment clarifies prosecutable conduct while providing professional protection for veterinary staff.