Rep. Rafael Anchía

Maddy summarySB 1494 allows certain local governments - specifically non-county political subdivisions and non-municipal utility districts - to switch their general election dates to the statewide November election date by December 31, 2026. It amends the Election Code to grant these entities the authority to align their election schedules with the uniform statewide election cycle. The bill does not apply to counties or municipal utility districts, which already follow the November election date. This change takes effect immediately after receiving the required two-thirds legislative vote, as confirmed by the bill's passage and gubernatorial signing on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 300 increases the maximum Texas Armed Services Scholarship to $30,000 per academic year (up from $15,000), capping at the average cost of attendance at Texas colleges. It expands appointment authority, allowing the governor and lieutenant governor to each appoint two students annually, and each state senator or representative to appoint one student, with deadlines set for September 30. The bill directly affects Texas students enrolled in ROTC or similar military commissioning programs at Texas colleges, requiring proof of program enrollment or acceptance into the Texas State Guard. These changes are effective immediately after the bill was signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2001 increases criminal penalties for public officials who misuse official information to gain personal financial benefit. It creates tiered felony charges based on the amount of net gain: third-degree felony for gains under $150,000; second-degree for $150,000-$300,000; and first-degree for $300,000 or more. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect cases that occurred before that date. This bill directly affects government employees or officials who improperly use confidential information for financial gain.

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 1833 increases criminal penalties for individuals who use social media platforms to arrange or facilitate the delivery of controlled substances. It applies to specific drug delivery offenses (like those under Texas Health and Safety Code Sections 481.112-481.122) when a defendant uses social media to further the crime. If proven, the offense's punishment level is raised to the next higher category, with first-degree felony penalties increased by five years and maximum fines doubled. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 647 requires county clerks and other filing officers to send written notices to affected parties if they reasonably suspect a document about property ownership or claims (like fake court judgments or unauthorized liens) is fraudulent. It specifies that notices must go to the person named as the grantor/debtor, anyone claiming an interest in the property, and the last known property owner if different. The bill creates a presumption of fraud for documents from unrecognized courts or those not authorized by Texas or federal law. This law, effective September 1, 2025, directly affects property owners and individuals involved in real or personal property transactions by adding a verification step for questionable filings.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific segment of U.S. Highway 67 in Dallas and Ellis Counties - between U.S. Highway 287 and Interstate 20 - as the "Eddie Bernice Johnson Memorial Highway." It requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at each end of the highway and at intermediate sites along the route, in addition to any existing designations. The bill has no policy or operational changes beyond this ceremonial naming, which honors the late Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. It became law on June 20, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2492 modifies Texas law governing detention after bond for individuals arrested in family violence cases. It allows authorities to detain someone for up to 4 hours after bond is posted, with a potential 48-hour extension if a judge determines the violence would continue and the person has prior family violence arrests or used a deadly weapon in past offenses. The bill applies only to arrests occurring on or after September 1, 2025, leaving pre-existing cases under prior law. This creates a specific, time-bound process to prevent immediate release in high-risk family violence situations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas law to define "telephone call" for telemarketing regulations, specifically directing readers to Section 304.002 of the Business & Commerce Code for the official definition. It does not create new rules but clarifies terminology used in existing laws governing solicitation calls and related private lawsuits. The definition affects businesses making phone solicitations and consumers who may pursue legal action under current telemarketing laws. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 107 establishes a statewide sickle cell disease registry under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 52B. It requires hospitals and other treatment facilities to submit patient data to the state health department, creating a centralized database of all sickle cell disease cases in Texas. The registry must include case records and additional relevant information to aid in treatment and research, with strict confidentiality protections for patients under federal privacy laws. The department will analyze the data, publish findings for medical professionals and the public, and submit annual reports to the legislature. This affects all Texas healthcare facilities treating sickle cell disease patients and ensures patient data is securely managed for medical advancement.