Sen. Brent Hagenbuch

Maddy summarySB 28 prohibits purchasing or facilitating the purchase of state lottery tickets via telephone, internet, or mobile applications. It specifically bans individuals from buying tickets online or through apps (a Class C misdemeanor) and bans selling or arranging such purchases for compensation (a Class A misdemeanor). The bill directly affects residents attempting to access lottery games digitally and businesses or individuals offering such services. It creates new criminal penalties under Section 466.318 of the Government Code, effective September 1, 2025. The law aims to enforce existing age and location restrictions for lottery play by closing digital loopholes.

Maddy summarySB 2430 would protect Texas public institutions of higher education by defining "foreign adversaries" (including Qatar and U.S.-designated countries) and "foreign sources" (like foreign governments or entities), requiring these institutions to monitor and report foreign connections. The bill establishes civil and administrative penalties for violations related to foreign influence on research or operations. It also increases criminal penalties for theft of trade secrets, a separate provision included in the bill. The law aims to safeguard academic research integrity and prevent undue foreign influence on public universities and colleges.

Maddy summarySB 2805 modifies how billing disputes for out-of-network health services are resolved through arbitration. It requires the losing party in an arbitration case (not split evenly) to pay the arbitrator’s fees and expenses within 30 days of the decision. The bill specifically applies to diagnostic imaging, emergency care, facility-based, and laboratory services provided by out-of-network providers - defined as those not contracted with a health plan. These changes take effect for services on or after January 1, 2026, with prior services governed by existing law. The bill does not alter health plan coverage but changes the financial responsibility for dispute resolution.

Maddy summarySB 1716 helps students who completed nontraditional secondary education (like homeschooling or alternative programs without standard high school rankings) enroll at Texas public colleges. It requires institutions to assign class ranks using median standardized test scores from applicants with similar scores, rather than traditional rankings. The bill also updates eligibility for TEXAS grants to include these students if they meet other academic requirements. Public colleges must post the median test scores used for ranking online. This affects students seeking admission and financial aid at Texas public universities and colleges.

Maddy summarySB 750 exempts employed paramedics working for Texas local governments (like cities or counties) from paying tuition and laboratory fees at public colleges when taking emergency medical services courses. This applies to paramedics currently employed by a political subdivision, but requires them to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate. The exemption does not cover security deposits, additional tuition charges for residents, or graduate-level fees exceeding standard rates. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board must create rules defining qualifying paramedic certifications and a uniform list of eligible degree programs.

Maddy summarySB 82 protects businesses that post required signs prohibiting concealed handguns on their premises from civil liability if a criminal act occurs there. Specifically, it adds a new immunity provision to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, stating that businesses complying with Section 30.06 of the Penal Code (by posting proper signs) cannot be sued for damages related to crimes committed on their property. This directly affects Texas businesses that choose to enforce handgun prohibitions through signage. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, applying only to claims arising after that date.

Maddy summarySB 1602 would create a new criminal offense for trespassing on or near school or day-care center property in Texas. It prohibits entering or remaining on school property or within 500 feet of it if a person poses a substantial risk of harm, disrupts the learning environment, or repeatedly behaves inappropriately for a school setting - after being asked to leave by school staff. Violating this law would be a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail. The bill directly affects individuals who enter school grounds under these specific conditions, including protesters, loiterers, or others who ignore staff requests to depart.

Maddy summarySB 1375 extends the expiration date for health care provider participation programs in specific Texas counties. It changes the default program deadline from two years after adoption to September 1, 2030, for counties meeting three criteria: having a population of 1 million or more, containing part of a 1 million+ city, or bordering a county with 2.5 million+ residents. This applies only to qualifying counties in the state’s most populous areas. The bill ensures these counties can continue administering health care programs under the existing framework until 2030.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a process for Texas municipalities with fewer than 70,000 residents to hold voter elections on ending special hiring and promotion systems for firefighters and police officers. If 10% of registered voters sign a petition, the city must hold an election where a majority vote decides whether to repeal the system. Municipalities that already have an election scheduled before this law passes will follow existing rules. The bill would take effect immediately if approved by two-thirds of lawmakers, or September 1, 2025, if not.

Maddy summarySB 1578 creates a program allowing specific Texas counties to collect mandatory payments from nonpublic hospitals located within their borders. It applies only to counties meeting three criteria: not served by a hospital district, with a population over 900,000, and bordering two counties each with over 2 million people. The funds collected would go into a local county fund, which could be used for healthcare purposes as specified in the law. Counties must approve the program through a majority vote of their commissioners court, and hospitals must submit financial data to the county. The bill does not require counties to adopt the program, but provides a framework for those that choose to do so.