Sen. Brent Hagenbuch

Maddy summarySB 2804 amends Texas law to define "sexually oriented business" and impose a fee on such businesses. It specifically targets venues that provide live nude entertainment (including those serving alcohol) or host performances classified as "sexually oriented" under the Penal Code. The bill defines "nude" as clothing leaving certain body parts visible through thin or non-opaque fabric. The fee provision is included in the bill, though the exact amount isn't specified in the text. The bill would take effect September 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summarySB 2987 (Texas) limits when rental companies can void damage waivers for rental vehicles. It prohibits voiding waivers unless damage resulted from intentional harm, reckless driving (like DUI), unauthorized use (e.g., for hire, towing, speed contests, or international travel without permission), fraudulent renter information, or failure to report a stolen vehicle properly. The law directly affects renters (by protecting them from arbitrary waiver cancellations) and rental companies (by restricting their grounds for voiding waivers). It applies only to new rental agreements entered on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits victims from claiming pain and suffering damages (like emotional distress) when the driver who caused a collision was not insured, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, operating an unregistered vehicle, or injured during a felony. However, victims can still claim these damages if the driver was driving under the influence or acted recklessly/intentionally. The law applies only to collisions occurring on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect claims for economic damages like medical bills. It directly affects injured parties seeking compensation in specific collision cases involving driver negligence or violations.

Maddy summarySB 2946 prohibits Texas public universities from offering degree programs, certificates, or courses related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), including any content promoting differential treatment based on race, color, or ethnicity. The bill requires annual audits by the state auditor to ensure compliance, with non-compliant institutions losing state funding until they rectify violations. It also allows students to sue universities for forcing participation in prohibited programs and mandates disciplinary actions against employees (unpaid leave for first violation, termination for repeat offenses), with a state-maintained blacklist restricting future hiring for violators. The law takes effect for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Maddy summarySB 2802 requires all Texas public high schools to offer a half-credit elective course on the U.S. and Texas Constitutions, using materials approved by the State Board of Education. This bill directly affects high school students in Texas public schools by mandating this specific course as part of their social studies curriculum. The key provision amends education code to require schools to provide this course to fulfill social studies credit requirements, emphasizing the U.S. and Texas Constitutions alongside government and history. The bill specifies that schools may use existing approved programs for this instruction without additional cost. It does not change other curriculum requirements but adds this specific constitutional education component.

Maddy summarySB 3025 requires mandatory disclosure of third-party litigation financing agreements to all parties in civil lawsuits. It defines "third-party litigation financing" as funding where repayment depends on case outcomes (e.g., settlements or judgments), excluding standard attorney contingency fees or loans. The Texas Supreme Court must create rules for this disclosure by December 2019, applying to civil cases starting after the rules take effect. The bill directly affects plaintiffs, defendants, and courts by increasing transparency about outside financial support in civil litigation. It does not apply to standard attorney-client fee arrangements.

Maddy summarySB 2809 would adjust expiration timelines for Texas driver's licenses. For citizens, legal residents, refugees, and asylees, original licenses would expire after 8 years (reducing the prior 10-year term) from the application date. For non-citizens without legal permanent resident status, licenses would expire after 6 years (instead of 10) or when their U.S. immigration status expires, whichever comes first. This change primarily affects non-citizens by requiring more frequent renewal tied to immigration status, while standardizing expiration periods for other license holders.

Maddy summarySB 2808 requires insurance companies and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to obtain approval from Texas’ insurance commissioner before implementing any premium increase exceeding the rate used in the previous 12 months. Insurers must submit proposed rates, supporting materials, and additional documentation for commissioner review before collecting the new rate. The law applies only to new insurance policies or renewals issued on or after January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025. This bill directly affects insurers by adding a pre-approval step for rate hikes, with no changes to existing rate approval requirements.

Maddy summarySB 2954 amends Texas law to require plaintiffs in civil cases seeking attorney's fees to disclose whether their attorney received compensation from another party involved in the same lawsuit. This change applies directly to individuals or entities filing civil lawsuits who request fee awards. The bill adds a new requirement to Section 38.002 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, mandating this disclosure as a condition for fee awards. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2924 establishes a state grant program to help homeowners retrofit single-family residential properties (including HUD-code manufactured homes) to better withstand hurricanes and windstorms. Eligible homeowners with properties designated as their homestead may apply for grants to meet specific safety standards, such as the Fortified Home hurricane standard developed by the Institute for Business and Home Safety. The Insurance Commissioner will administer the program, but the bill clarifies it does not create a legal entitlement to grants or guarantee state funding. Grants must be used exclusively for approved retrofitting work, and recipients must comply with local building codes and inspections. The program aims to reduce property damage during severe weather events.