Sen. Angela Paxton

Maddy summaryHB 3348 creates a program allowing specific Texas counties to collect mandatory payments from nonpublic hospitals (defined as institutions providing inpatient services) to fund local health care initiatives. It applies only to counties meeting strict population and geographic criteria, such as those adjacent to the state capital with 46,000-50,000 residents, or large bordering counties with populations exceeding 900,000. Funds collected through this program must be deposited into a county-established "local provider participation fund" and can be used for health care services within the county. The bill does not mandate participation - counties must adopt an order via commissioners court to implement the program.

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 summarySB 1313 prohibits tobacco retailers from using specific signs, logos, or designs in advertising or marketing cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or tobacco products. It bans elements like cartoon characters targeting minors, copied trademarks of youth-focused products, symbols marketed to children, celebrity images, and designs resembling candy or juice. Retailers violating this law face a Class B misdemeanor charge. The law applies directly to businesses selling tobacco products and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 571 updates Texas education law to restrict employment of contract employees who work in public schools and have direct student contact. It prohibits school districts and contractors from hiring individuals with certain criminal convictions (like felonies or misdemeanors listed under Section 22.085) or those identified in a misconduct registry for specific offenses. The bill also expands access to this registry - used to track ineligible employees - to include private schools, non-profit teacher organizations, and school contractors. These changes apply only to new contracts entered on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3963 establishes a new early childhood integrated data system to improve coordination among Texas state agencies serving young children. It requires four key agencies - the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Workforce Commission, and Children’s Learning Institute - to share aggregated, non-identifiable data across early childhood programs. The system aims to identify service gaps, align programs, and inform state-level policy decisions to improve outcomes for children and families. All data sharing must comply with privacy and cybersecurity laws, ensuring no personally identifiable information is used. This law, signed by the governor and effective September 1, 2025, directly affects state agencies responsible for early childhood services.

Maddy summarySB 890 modifies Texas law to exempt certain active and retired judicial officers from needing a standard handgun license. It defines "active judicial officer" to include state court judges (at all levels), resident federal judges, and associate judges, and "retired judicial officer" to include senior judges, designated judicial officers, and retired federal judges. The exemption applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with prior offenses governed by existing law. This policy change removes a licensing requirement specifically for these judicial roles under current Texas law.

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 summarySB 17 restricts certain foreign governments and entities from purchasing or acquiring title to specific types of real property in Texas if such ownership poses a risk to public health, safety, or welfare. It prohibits purchases of agricultural land, commercial, industrial, residential property, mines, minerals, or timber by organizations or governments from "designated countries" (identified by U.S. intelligence as national security risks). Exceptions include U.S. citizens/permanent residents, entities owned by them, homestead properties, and leaseholds under 100 years. The law creates a new Property Code Subchapter H (Sections 5.251-5.254) to implement these restrictions.

Maddy summarySB 33 prohibits Texas governmental entities from using taxpayer funds to pay for or facilitate abortion-related services. It bans transactions with "abortion assistance entities" (organizations providing financial help, travel, childcare, or abortion drugs) or abortion providers for abortion procurement. The law specifically prevents government spending on logistical support like travel, lodging, childcare, or food to help individuals access abortion services. This applies to all state and local government entities and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 510 requires Texas voter registrars (county election officials) to timely complete specific voter registration duties, such as processing registration changes or scheduling hearings. If a registrar fails to meet these deadlines, the Secretary of State may withhold state funds distributed under Chapters 19 or 31. Registrars can regain funds by completing the required duty within 30 days of the funds being withheld. The bill directly affects county election offices and aims to ensure timely voter registration processing. It takes effect September 1, 2025.