Rep. Rafael Anchía

Maddy summaryHB 256 requires 13 specific Texas state agencies - including the Department of Agriculture, Public Safety, Health and Human Services, and the Public Utility Commission - to develop and publish severe weather adaptation plans every even-numbered year by September 1. Each plan must include a vulnerability assessment, analysis of budget impacts over 2/5/10 years, funding sources, and a strategy for monitoring weather effects. Agencies must post these plans on public websites and submit copies to the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislative leaders. The bill directly affects state agencies responsible for emergency management, infrastructure, and public safety, mandating science-based planning to prepare for severe weather events.

Maddy summaryHCR 12 is a concurrent resolution (not a law) that requests the U.S. Department of Justice release all available documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's case. It directly addresses the federal government, specifically asking the DOJ to make these files publicly accessible. The resolution does not create new legal requirements or affect any specific individuals or groups. As a non-binding request, it has no legal force but aims to increase transparency around the Epstein investigation. This is a procedural measure focused on document disclosure, not policy change.

Maddy summarySB 648 updates Texas Property Code requirements for recording real property transfers and heirship affidavits. It requires property transfer documents filed by individuals (not professionals like title companies) to be signed by the owner, acknowledged before two witnesses, and certified by an authorized officer. For heirship affidavits filed by individuals, the bill adds that all named heirs (not under legal disability) and witnesses must personally appear before an officer for certification. These changes apply to all property records filed after September 1, 2025, if not vetoed (though the bill was ultimately vetoed by the Governor). The law aims to reduce fraud by strengthening verification steps for property ownership documents.

Maddy summarySB 646 creates a program to repay education loans for mental health professionals working in underserved areas of Texas. It defines eligible professionals as psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, and other licensed providers who complete 1-3 consecutive years of practice in a state-designated mental health shortage area and provide services to Medicaid recipients. The bill requires applicants to apply through the Texas State Board of Examiners and specifies that repayment assistance is tied to service in designated shortage regions. This policy, effective September 1, 2025, aims to address workforce shortages by reducing education debt for providers serving Medicaid patients in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryHB 27 requires all Texas public high school students to complete at least one-half credit in personal financial literacy as part of their social studies graduation requirements under Education Code Section 28.025(b-1)(4). The bill directs the State Board of Education to develop a list of free, open-source curricula for these courses and allows Advanced Placement courses meeting specific standards to count toward the requirement. This policy change affects all public high school students in Texas, mandating practical financial education alongside traditional subjects like history and government. The law, signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025, is now effective immediately for all public school districts.

Maddy summarySB 2037 creates a faster review process for environmental permits needed to build or modify liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals in Texas. It requires the state commission to respond to permit applications within 120 days after public comments end and establishes a new expedited review track. Applicants who choose this faster process must pay an additional fee, which covers administrative costs and is deposited into a special account. The bill also sets specific rules for resolving disputes about permit approvals, including requiring applicants to respond to concerns within 20 days if a hearing is requested. This law applies only to LNG terminal projects and took effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3546 allows independent school districts in Texas to change their general election dates for school board officers to the statewide November uniform election date. School districts must adopt a board resolution by December 31, 2030, specifying staggered terms (three or four years) and transition rules for current terms. The change applies only to districts holding elections on non-November dates, with the transition beginning at the next regular election after the resolution. This bill expires January 1, 2036, and repeals prior conflicting provisions in education and election codes. It directly affects school districts seeking to align their election schedules with the state's uniform election cycle.

Maddy summaryHB 2697 modifies Texas criminal procedure to require bail bond companies (sureties) to notify the state prosecutor *before* filing paperwork to surrender a defendant, but only when the defendant faces felony charges. Specifically, the bill adds a new requirement (Section 1(a-1)) that sureties must inform the state attorney handling the case of their intent to surrender the defendant, in addition to existing notification rules. This change directly affects bail bond companies and state prosecutors in felony cases, streamlining communication during bond surrender processes. The policy change takes effect September 1, 2025, with no impact on misdemeanor cases.

Maddy summaryHB 2854 requires parole officers to approve non-medical hospital visits for certain parolees convicted of specific offenses (listed in Texas law). Releasees must submit advance requests specifying visit details, and parole officers must notify hospitals of approved visits. The bill shields hospitals from liability for damages related to these visits, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. It applies only to parolees released on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect those released earlier.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts massage therapy licensing by barring individuals convicted of specific sexual offenses (including certain assault crimes under Texas Penal Code) from obtaining new licenses. It also requires license revocation for current massage therapists or instructors convicted of those offenses or who practice at sexually oriented businesses. The law directly affects massage therapists, schools, and establishments seeking or holding Texas licenses. The policy change takes effect September 1, 2025.