Rep. John Lujan

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 summaryHB 2488 allows Texas workers' compensation divisions to conduct certain contested case hearings (disputes over claims) via videoconference under two conditions: if the division determines "good cause" exists, or if all parties agree. It directly affects workers, employers, and their attorneys involved in workers' compensation disputes. The bill requires the workers' compensation commissioner to adopt implementing rules and applies only to hearings requested on or after its effective date (June 20, 2025). It does not change compensation amounts or eligibility but modifies hearing procedures to permit remote participation.

Maddy summaryHB 14 creates the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office within the Governor's office to support the state's nuclear energy industry. The bill defines "advanced nuclear projects" to include facilities using next-generation reactors (like small modular reactors), fuel cycle operations, and associated technologies. The office will provide strategic leadership, develop public outreach programs, and promote job creation in advanced manufacturing while advancing nuclear energy for reliable power generation. This law directly affects Texas nuclear developers, utilities, and communities involved in nuclear facility projects. The office is authorized until September 1, 2040.

Maddy summaryHB 100 prohibits Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools from using state funds to purchase or adopt instructional materials that contain obscene or harmful content or appear on the State Board of Education's rejected materials list. The bill requires the State Board to issue a 45-day notice before adding materials to the rejected list, allowing time for revisions. It also bans the use of any instructional materials - whether traditional or open education resources - listed as rejected, while permitting local funds for non-rejected materials. This law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year and became effective immediately after the governor signed it on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires vision insurance companies to create online applications for optometrists and therapeutic optometrists to join their plans. It mandates that insurers provide contracts within 10 business days of receiving a complete application and make credentialing decisions within 30 days. The bill ensures all applicants face identical application requirements and processing timelines, prohibiting insurers from considering extra information beyond the submitted application. It also requires insurers to include approved providers in their plans within 20 business days of contract acceptance. The law applies to all vision care plans serving Texas residents.

Maddy summarySB 777 modifies Texas law governing collective bargaining between municipalities and employee unions. It requires arbitration boards to consider specific factors like job hazards, qualifications, and training when resolving disputes over compensation and working conditions. The bill establishes procedures for handling impasses in negotiations, including mandatory mediation efforts before arbitration. It directly affects city governments and their unionized employees across Texas by standardizing dispute resolution processes for employment terms.

Maddy summaryHB 33, titled the "Uvalde Strong Act," requires Texas public and charter schools to comply with additional safety and operational requirements related to active shooter incidents and emergencies. It amends the Education Code to mandate adherence to existing rules covering student data systems, criminal background checks, discipline practices, health/safety protocols, bullying prevention, and staff reporting obligations. The bill directly affects all public and charter schools by expanding their compliance obligations under current safety frameworks. It does not create new rules but requires schools to follow more existing provisions related to emergency preparedness and student safety. The law took effect on September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 3005 clarifies that delays in public construction project payments cannot be justified by audits lasting more than 60 days after a project's substantial completion. It directly affects contractors working on state or local government construction projects by preventing prolonged audits from delaying final payments. The bill amends Texas Government Code to define such extended audits as not constituting a "bona fide dispute" that would legally delay payment. This change applies only to contracts signed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3479 creates a state program to manage harmful vegetation, primarily Carrizo cane, along the Rio Grande River. The bill requires the state board to develop and implement this program specifically to address vegetation that impedes border security operations. It directly affects border security efforts by establishing a formal process for managing these plants in the Rio Grande corridor. The key provision mandates the state board to oversee this vegetation management, focusing on removing or controlling plants that obstruct border security.

Maddy summaryHB 4996 increases criminal penalties for refusing to release a fraudulent lien or claim against property owned by a public servant. It amends Texas law to make this offense a third-degree felony (instead of a Class A misdemeanor) when the lien holder knowingly targets a public servant. The bill directly affects individuals or entities filing fraudulent liens who deliberately withhold release of those liens against public servants. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed after that date.