Maddy summarySB 1235 requires healthcare providers in Texas to provide patients or their authorized representatives with electronic copies of health records within 15 business days of a written request, if the provider uses an electronic system capable of fulfilling the request. It prohibits "information blocking" (intentionally violating federal rules that prevent access to health records) and allows providers to charge fees for record copies, but caps total fees at $100 per request. The bill directly affects patients seeking their health data and healthcare providers managing electronic health records, aligning Texas law with federal regulations under 45 C.F.R. §171.103. Violations may result in civil penalties, though the bill does not specify penalty amounts.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 1340 requires the Legislative Budget Board to conduct a six-year study examining how Texas state agencies use buildings and facilities they own, lease, or occupy. The study must analyze costs of leased space, opportunities to move staff into existing state-owned buildings, potential cost savings from consolidating resources, and impacts on insurable assets. State agencies must provide detailed data - including building locations, square footage, utility costs, and occupancy changes - to the Legislative Budget Board for the study. The first report is due by September 1, 2026, and agencies must identify consolidation opportunities every six years.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 175) formally recognizes February 2025 as Black History Month in Texas. It does not create new laws or policies, but serves as a symbolic gesture by the Texas Senate to honor African American contributions to Texas history and culture. The resolution encourages all Texans to learn about the achievements and heritage of Black communities in the state, as detailed in the preamble. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct legal effect on citizens or government operations.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. Senate Resolution 152 formally recognizes February 26, 2025, as "Orange and Maroon Legislative Day" to honor the partnership between The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. It highlights both institutions' contributions to Texas through education, research, military support, and cultural engagement, citing their combined student enrollment, research funding, and alumni networks. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a symbolic recognition by the Texas Senate.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution designating February 25, 2025, as "Baylor Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It recognizes Baylor University's history as Texas' oldest continuously operating university (founded 1845) and its contributions to education, research, and student life. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is a symbolic gesture of recognition with no practical impact on legislation or constituents.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 142) is a symbolic recognition of Baylor University's Bob Bullock Scholars Program and its current participants during the 89th Texas Legislature. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors the program, which places Baylor students to work full-time with Texas legislators during sessions while earning academic credit. The resolution specifically commends the seven scholars working with specific legislators (e.g., Molly Brown with Rep. Jeff Leach) and the program's director, Dr. A. Patrick Flavin. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on constituents or policy.
Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution designates February 18, 2025, as Texas Music Advocacy Day to honor the Texas Chapter of the Recording Academy. It recognizes the state's musical heritage, including Texas-born artists and industry contributions that support over 210,000 jobs and generate billions in economic activity. The resolution specifically celebrates the Recording Academy's Texas Chapter and its role in advancing music education and the state's music industry. (SR 61)
Maddy summarySR 98 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing Senator Judith Zaffirini on her birthday. It honors her service as Dean of the Texas Senate - the longest-serving and highest-ranking member - and acknowledges her historic role as the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas Senate. The resolution celebrates her 38 years of legislative service, including over 72,000 consecutive votes since 1987, and her work on health care, education, and family support. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely a tribute with no legislative action required.
Maddy summarySB 923 requires the Texas legislature to prepare fiscal impact statements for bills that mandate health benefit plan issuers (like insurers and HMOs) to provide new benefits, increase payments to healthcare providers, or add administrative requirements. These statements must estimate how such mandates would affect health plan issuers' costs, premiums, and out-of-pocket expenses for enrollees. The bill applies only to legislation filed after its effective date (September 1, 2025), and the fiscal statement must be attached to the bill alongside existing fiscal notes. This policy change ensures lawmakers and the public can assess financial consequences before passing new healthcare mandates.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 45) designates February 10-11, 2025, as "Tarrant County Days" at the Texas State Capitol. It ceremonially recognizes Tarrant County’s history, cultural attractions (like the Stockyards and museums), economic contributions (e.g., American Airlines, Lockheed Martin), and educational institutions (e.g., UT Arlington, Tarrant County College). The resolution extends an invitation to Tarrant County’s delegation to visit the Capitol during these dates, expressing the Senate’s appreciation for the county’s achievements. It has no policy impact or funding provisions - solely serving as a symbolic gesture of recognition.