Maddy summaryHB 4535 requires healthcare providers to obtain written informed consent before administering any COVID-19 vaccine to patients, including parental or guardian consent for minors or individuals lacking decision-making capacity. The law mandates that consent forms include acknowledgment of receiving a standardized information sheet developed by the state health department. This sheet must detail vaccine benefits/risks, accelerated development timeline, availability of long-term studies, manufacturer liability status, and instructions for reporting adverse reactions through the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The law, effective September 1, 2025, applies directly to healthcare providers and patients receiving COVID-19 vaccinations in Texas.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 2674 prohibits the Texas Education Agency, State Board of Education, and other educational institutions from adopting rules or policies that regulate homeschool educational programs. It directly affects homeschooling families in Texas by preventing state oversight of their curriculum, teaching methods, or operational standards. The bill adds Section 1.010 to the Education Code, explicitly banning such regulations, and takes effect September 1, 2025, for the 2025-2026 school year. This is a substantive policy change that removes potential state regulatory requirements for homeschools.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas law to include the National Rifle Association's (NRA) annual meetings and exhibits as eligible events for state funding under the major events reimbursement program. Previously, the program funded events like sports championships (e.g., NCAA Final Four, NASCAR races) and music awards, but excluded NRA gatherings. The bill adds the NRA specifically to the definition of "Event" in the Government Code, expanding the list of qualifying activities. This change directly affects the NRA by allowing it to seek state reimbursement for these events starting September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits public school districts in Texas from assigning or requiring staff to engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. It specifically bans schools from mandating DEI statements, giving preferential treatment based on such statements, or implementing policies that reference race, gender identity, or sexual orientation - except where required by law. School employees who violate these restrictions may face discipline, including termination. The bill directly affects public school districts, their employees, and students by restricting certain curriculum and staff training practices related to DEI. It does not impact schools' ability to teach about historical holidays or events.
Maddy summaryHB 5698 updates the legal name of the Southeast Regional Management District to "Harris-Montgomery Counties Management District" and modifies how its board directors are appointed. The bill changes the process so that the current board recommends candidates to the Harris County Commissioners Court instead of petitioning the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for appointments. This is a procedural bill affecting the district's administrative structure, not a new policy. It became effective immediately upon the governor's filing on June 20, 2025. The bill primarily ensures the district's name and governance align with its geographic scope.
Maddy summarySB 31, titled the "Life of the Mother Act," amends Texas Health and Safety Code to create a specific exception allowing abortions when a physician determines in "reasonable medical judgment" that a pregnancy poses a life-threatening risk of death or serious risk of substantial impairment to a major bodily function. It directly affects pregnant individuals with pregnancy-related conditions that threaten life or major bodily function, removing prior requirements that risks be imminent or that physical damage already occur. The law permits physicians to act proactively to address such risks before symptoms manifest, without needing to wait for documented harm. Signed by the governor on June 20, 2025, it became effective immediately.
Maddy summaryHB 2594 changes where prosecutors can file cases involving theft of digital or financial assets (like cyber theft or financial fraud). It allows prosecutions to occur in the county where the victim resides, where the suspect was arrested, or where they were extradited. This applies specifically to theft of "intangible personal property" and only for offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. The bill does not change what constitutes theft but clarifies jurisdiction for these specific cases.
Maddy summaryHB 668 amends Texas law to change how handgun license holders renew their permits. It requires license holders to submit a renewal application form, pay a $40 nonrefundable fee, and sign an informational form on or before their license's expiration anniversary. This applies to all license holders renewing permits expiring before, on, or after the law's effective date. The bill, signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025, took effect immediately and directly affects Texas residents holding active handgun carry licenses seeking renewal.
Maddy summarySB 965 protects public school employees in Texas (including teachers and staff) from being restricted from engaging in religious speech or prayer during work hours. It prohibits school districts or charter schools from infringing on this right unless they have a compelling state interest that cannot be achieved through less restrictive means. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies directly to all public school employees in Texas. This is a policy change that defines when schools may limit religious expression, not a requirement for employees to engage in it.
Maddy summaryHB 2 amends Texas education law to change how public school districts and charter schools compensate teachers. It requires schools to implement performance-based pay systems where teacher salaries differentiate based on appraisals, prohibits routine across-the-board raises, and mandates that all teachers be eligible for designations like "master" or "exemplary" based on evaluations. The bill also establishes criteria for districts to qualify for enhanced teacher incentive funding, including strategic evaluation systems for principals and placing highly effective teachers at high-need campuses. This directly affects school districts, charter schools, and classroom teachers by restructuring compensation and evaluation practices.