Sen. Charles Schwertner

Maddy summaryHB 4668 allows the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) to hire outside experts - such as consultants, accountants, or attorneys - to represent the commission in regional electricity proceedings involving specific utilities. It directly affects Texas electric utilities, which must pay the PUC-approved costs of these services (capped at $1.5 million per utility annually), and ultimately passes these costs to retail customers through a rate adjustment rider. The bill establishes a process where utilities recover both the costs and carrying charges via an annual rider, subject to PUC approval, and requires PUC to consult the attorney general before hiring certain experts. The law took effect immediately after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Texas Medicaid payment rules for nursing facilities. It requires Medicaid to pay facilities within 10 days of a clean claim submission, enforces a patient care expense ratio, and mandates reductions in preventable events and unnecessary institutionalizations. Nursing facilities must comply with these standards to maintain Medicaid participation, while Medicaid managed care organizations must provide discharge planning, assist with income collection, and offer payment incentives for cost-reducing initiatives. A new claims portal system is also established for submitting claims to Medicaid managed care organizations. The bill directly affects nursing facilities receiving Medicaid payments and the managed care organizations administering those programs.

Maddy summaryHB 6 amends Texas Education Code Section 12.111 to update requirements for charter schools. The bill specifically adds new criteria allowing charter schools to exclude students who were expelled under Section 37.007, placed in disciplinary alternative education programs under Section 37.006, or have documented criminal histories or discipline problems. While the bill title mentions telehealth mental health services in public schools, the provided text does not detail provisions for telehealth access. The legislation primarily affects charter schools by modifying their student admission policies and discipline management standards. HB 6 was signed into law by the governor on June 20, 2025, and is now effective.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas electric utilities to provide clear, plain-language summaries of proposed rate changes to the public. For each rate filing, utilities must include specific details like per-class rate changes, effective time periods, anticipated revenue over four years (for base increases), and current vs. proposed delivery charges for average residential customers. The Public Utility Commission must post updated rate information monthly on its website in an accessible format. The law applies to all rate change proceedings starting September 1, 2025.

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 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 summaryHB 4751 establishes the Texas Quantum Initiative to position Texas as a national leader in quantum technology. The initiative, administered by the Governor's office with a 7-member executive committee appointed by the Governor, focuses on accelerating quantum computing, networking, and sensing technologies into the state's economy. Key provisions include developing a strategic plan for quantum leadership, identifying workforce training needs, supporting existing quantum industries, and building a quantum manufacturing supply chain. The bill directly affects Texas' economic development strategy, regulatory stakeholders, higher education institutions, and quantum technology industries within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 3824 establishes fire safety standards and emergency plans for battery energy storage facilities in Texas, directly affecting companies operating these facilities with a capacity of 1 megawatt-hour or greater that begin operations on or after January 1, 2027. The bill requires the Insurance Commissioner to adopt fire safety rules based on nationally recognized standards like UL 9540A and NFPA 855, with periodic updates to reflect changes in those standards. Facilities must comply with these rules, and the bill includes administrative penalties for non-compliance. The law became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 5534 requires Texas counties to post notices and agendas for commissioners court meetings both physically (on a courthouse bulletin board) and electronically. County clerks may now use electronic displays on public county websites instead of physical postings, provided they meet specific location, timing, and accessibility standards. The law applies only to notices required after its effective date (September 1, 2025), leaving pre-existing posting requirements unchanged. This bill directly affects county clerks and commissioners courts by expanding their posting options while maintaining public access requirements. It updates existing local government code provisions to formalize electronic posting as a valid method.

Maddy summaryHB 20 establishes Texas' Applied Sciences Pathway program, allowing high school students to earn both diplomas and industry certificates through school-college partnerships. It requires courses in 20 specific high-wage, high-growth fields like plumbing, welding, IT, and oil/gas exploration, with a focus on successful job placement rates. Partnerships must offer non-duplicative, progressive coursework leading to both diplomas and certificates in these sectors. The program begins for the 2027-2028 school year, with industries reviewed every five years to match labor market needs.