Sen. Kelly Hancock

Maddy summaryHB 102 requires Texas public universities to offer early registration for courses and programs to students in military-related programs who are in good standing. Specifically, it mandates this for students enrolled in ROTC programs, cadet corps (including at senior military colleges), or maritime academies. The law, effective for the 2026 spring semester, obligates institutions to provide this early registration opportunity on the same basis as other designated student groups. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will develop rules to implement this requirement.

Maddy summarySB 2580 clarifies which law enforcement entities qualify as "designated" under Texas laws governing tracking equipment and communications access. It defines this term to include: (1) county sheriff's departments in counties with 500,000+ residents, (2) municipal police departments in cities with 200,000+ residents, (3) the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's inspector general office, and (4) the Texas Juvenile Justice Department's inspector general office. This definition directly affects those specific agencies by determining their eligibility to use certain surveillance tools under existing legal frameworks. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, without creating new powers but refining existing legal parameters.

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 2610 creates Chapter 542 in Texas law requiring businesses that handle sensitive personal information to implement reasonable cybersecurity programs. It makes businesses liable to individuals who suffer economic harm after a data breach caused by failure to follow these standards. Businesses meet the "reasonable" standard by adopting recognized frameworks like NIST, ISO 27000, or industry-specific standards (e.g., HIPAA for healthcare). The law applies specifically to breaches involving sensitive personal data and does not affect existing legal remedies available to the Attorney General.

Maddy summaryHCR 146 is a ceremonial resolution directing the Texas governor to award the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to U.S. Army veteran Rickey Dudley Wittner. It recognizes Wittner's heroic actions during the Vietnam War on July 10, 1970, when he rescued 12 people from a burning helicopter under enemy fire despite sustaining severe burns. The resolution cites Wittner's prior Soldier's Medal, Purple Heart, and Air Medal for his bravery. As a concurrent resolution, it has no policy impact but formally honors Wittner's military service. The resolution was signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3088 allows Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to purchase goods and services needed for items it resells (like licenses or merchandise) using any procurement method approved by its commission, as long as the method provides the best value to the department. This change directly affects the department's ability to manage its resale operations more flexibly. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not alter existing resale policies or require new funding.

Maddy summaryHB 3812 modifies Texas insurance rules for health care preauthorization. It allows physicians and providers to bypass preauthorization requirements for specific services if, over a six-month period, their requests for that service were approved at least 90% of the time and they provided it at least five times. Insurance companies must automatically exempt qualifying providers from preauthorization for those services. The law applies directly to health insurers and health maintenance organizations, reducing administrative burdens for providers who consistently demonstrate medical necessity for certain treatments.

Maddy summaryHCR 142 is a symbolic resolution designating Fort Worth as Texas' official "Aviation and Defense Capital" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It recognizes the city's historical and current role in aerospace manufacturing (including F-35 production by Lockheed Martin) and defense infrastructure (like Bell Helicopter's legacy and Carswell Air Force Base). The resolution has no funding or regulatory impact - it simply grants Fort Worth this official title under Texas law, to be reviewed after the 10-year term. This designation does not alter existing laws or provide new resources.

Maddy summarySB 20 creates a new criminal offense for possessing, accessing with intent to view, or promoting obscene visual material that appears to depict a child under 18, including AI-generated images, animations, or digital representations. The law applies to any material seeming to show a child in sexual activity (per Section 43.21(a)(1)(B)), regardless of whether the depiction is real or computer-created. A first offense is classified as a state jail felony, with repeat offenses potentially increasing penalties to third-degree (for one prior conviction) or second-degree (for two or more prior convictions) felonies. This bill directly affects individuals who share or view such material, with no exceptions for digital or AI-generated content.

Maddy summarySB 11 would allow Texas public school districts or charter schools (not affiliated with religious organizations) to adopt a policy requiring daily voluntary prayer and Bible/religious text reading periods on school campuses. To participate, students or employees must provide written consent from a parent/guardian or the employee themselves, acknowledging the choice to participate and waiving legal claims related to the policy. The bill prohibits mandatory participation, using public address systems for these activities, or substituting this time for instruction, and requires physical separation for those who opt out. School districts must also follow specific guidelines to accommodate non-participants, and the Texas Attorney General would provide legal guidance and defend districts in related lawsuits.