Rep. Stan Lambert

Maddy summaryHB 1887 allows adopted Texans and specific relatives (adult descendants, adult siblings, surviving spouses, or adoptive parents) to request noncertified copies of original birth certificates without a court order. To qualify, the person must have been born in Texas, make the request after turning 18, have a supplementary birth certificate issued, and provide identity proof. The state registrar will charge the same fee as for standard noncertified birth certificates. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, but the new access provisions won't apply until July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 503 requires Texas livestock owners (cattle, hogs, sheep, goats) to register their animal identification marks - such as brands, tattoos, or electronic tags - electronically with county clerks. County clerks must maintain these records electronically and send copies to the Texas Animal Health Commission within 30 days of receipt. The bill updates existing law to mandate electronic record-keeping instead of paper, specifying details like the date of registration and placement location on animals. This law takes effect September 1, 2025, directly impacting all livestock owners who must comply with the new registration system.

Maddy summaryHB 1760 increases the minimum prison sentence for intoxication manslaughter convictions from 120 days to 5 years under Section 49.08 of the Penal Code. It requires a minimum 5-year prison term before parole eligibility (Section 49.08(b)) and prohibits release to mandatory supervision until 5 years of actual calendar time is served, without counting good conduct time (Sections 49.08, 508.145, 508.147). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of causing death while driving under the influence. Key provisions include mandatory jail time before community supervision and strict parole restrictions for these offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 4479 establishes the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program under Texas Labor Code. The program provides grants to nonprofit organizations that help rural schools and colleges align workforce training with local job demands to address skills gaps. Nonprofits must demonstrate experience working in rural areas and partner with institutions to deliver technical assistance. The Texas Workforce Commission administers the program, with funding potentially supplemented by private gifts or donations. This directly affects rural educational institutions, local employers, and nonprofit service providers in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 2043 creates new regulations for businesses providing "earned wage access services," which allow workers to access a portion of their earned but unpaid wages before their regular payday. The bill requires these providers to obtain occupational registration and imposes administrative penalties for violations, including fines and orders to compensate affected consumers. It defines key terms like "earned but unpaid income" and specifies that the regulation applies specifically to businesses offering these services, excluding payroll providers or employers who directly offer early payments. The law aims to establish clear oversight for this growing financial service while protecting consumers from potential abuses.

Maddy summaryHB 125 creates the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine as a new academic unit within Tarleton State University. The bill establishes that the college will operate under the oversight of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, offer osteopathic medicine degrees under Tarleton's authority, and partner with public or private teaching hospitals. This legislation directly affects Tarleton State University students seeking osteopathic medicine degrees and expands Texas' network of medical education institutions. The bill amends Texas Education Code to formally include the new college in the state's list of authorized medical and dental programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2798 requires virtual currency kiosk operators in Texas to provide clear, plain-language disclosures about key risks before any transaction. These disclosures must cover five specific risks: virtual currency isn't government-backed or insured, transactions may not be recorded immediately on public ledgers, value depends on market demand (risking total loss), and customers aren't obligated to accept virtual currency as payment. The bill also authorizes a fee for these kiosk operations, though the exact amount isn't specified in the provided text. This law directly affects businesses operating physical kiosks that exchange virtual currency for cash or other assets.

Maddy summaryHB 1964 creates a legal right for farmers and agricultural operations to sue local governments (like counties or cities) if those governments enforce rules that violate Texas Agriculture Code provisions. The bill allows affected individuals to seek court orders to stop enforcement of such rules and recover legal fees and costs if they win their case. It applies only to lawsuits filed after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote earlier). This directly affects farmers facing local enforcement actions and local governments that may be sued under this new provision. The law does not change existing agricultural regulations but provides a new remedy for disputes.

Maddy summaryHB 1093 modifies Texas Property Code requirements for self-service storage facilities seeking to sell tenant property to recover unpaid fees. It specifies that facilities must advertise sales through one of three methods: publishing in a local newspaper (with a 15-day wait), posting notices at the facility and five other visible locations (10-day wait), or using a public auction website (10-day wait). The bill defines "commercially reasonable notice" as requiring at least three registered bidders for the sale, regardless of location. This law applies only to new or renewed storage rental agreements entered into on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2290 establishes new rules for health benefits offered by Texas colleges and universities to enrolled students and their family members. It creates Chapter 1683 in the Insurance Code, defining "higher education health benefits" as non-insurance programs sponsored by institutions (public or private) exclusively for students and their families. The bill prohibits institutions from imposing waiting periods longer than six months for preexisting conditions covered under these benefits. This applies specifically to benefits not regulated as traditional insurance policies, ensuring students and families face shorter delays for essential care.