Maddy summarySB 2117 establishes the Texas Committee on Foreign Investment to review certain transactions involving foreign entities that affect Texas critical infrastructure, such as energy, water systems, or communications networks. It directly affects foreign entities (including non-U.S. citizens, foreign governments, or businesses from countries without U.S. trade agreements) seeking to acquire or control assets in these sectors. The bill requires these entities to submit transactions for review by the committee, with a civil penalty for non-compliance. Key provisions include defining "critical infrastructure" across 16 categories and mandating the committee’s review process for covered transactions. The bill does not block transactions but creates a regulatory framework for oversight.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.
Maddy summarySB 1035 allows agricultural operations (like farms and ranches) to sue local governments if those governments enforce rules that violate Texas agriculture laws. It creates a new legal right for affected businesses to seek court orders blocking enforcement of such rules and to recover legal fees if they win their case. The bill applies only to disputes arising after its effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote). This changes the process for resolving conflicts between local regulations and state agricultural law, giving farmers a direct legal remedy.
Maddy summaryHB 4505 establishes a special state fund to finance workforce housing development for households earning 30-80% of the area median income. The fund will be financed through gifts, grants, legislative appropriations, fees, and loan repayments, and will be administered by a contracted nonprofit housing organization. This program aims to increase housing options for working households, stabilize local economies, and reduce demand for other state services. The bill passed the Texas legislature in May 2025, creating a dedicated funding mechanism for workforce housing projects.
Maddy summaryHB 3453 limits the liability of nonprofit organizations contracted by Texas' Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or a single source continuum contractor to provide foster care or adoption services. To qualify for this protection, nonprofits must meet five specific requirements: conduct background checks on staff, confirm they are not barred from child care, report misconduct, take action on misconduct, and provide required training in child abuse prevention and reporting. The bill does not shield nonprofits from liability for gross negligence. This change modifies how civil lawsuits against these organizations are handled, focusing on ensuring safety standards are met before holding nonprofits accountable.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.
Maddy summaryHB 1142 clarifies which Texas government health benefit plans must cover mental health conditions and substance use disorders. It amends the Insurance Code to specify that the coverage requirements apply to "basic coverage plans" under Chapters 1551, 1575, 1579, and 1601 - such as state employee or public employee health plans. The bill excludes certain policy types (like accident-only or limited disease coverage) from these requirements. It also establishes enforcement mechanisms for evaluating treatment limitations in key categories like inpatient care and prescription drugs. The bill was enacted on May 14, 2025, after passing the Texas Legislature.
Maddy summaryHB 3920 requires the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to create rules recognizing career and technology education (CTE) programs. These programs include high school CTE courses and similar offerings from colleges or private schools. The rules must specify how program completion credits toward licensing, define who can teach these programs, and set standards for classroom hours, practical training (including on-the-job credit), and ensure college programs don’t impose stricter requirements than high school programs. The bill affects CTE students seeking licenses in regulated fields and aims to standardize recognition across educational settings.
Maddy summaryHB 3695 limits copayments for physical therapy visits under certain health plans. It prohibits health maintenance organizations and preferred provider plans from charging enrollees a higher copayment for a physical therapist visit (without a referral) than for a primary care physician visit. The law applies to plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects Texas enrollees who use physical therapy services without needing a physician referral.
Maddy summaryHJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment that would prohibit Texas from imposing state taxes on property transferred after someone's death, including estate, inheritance, or gift taxes. It specifically prevents new taxes on these transfers or increases to existing taxes that were in place before January 1, 2025. Exceptions include taxes on motor vehicle gifts, certain property taxes (ad valorem), and taxes already authorized under existing law. This amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election and would affect anyone transferring property through wills, inheritances, or gifts after the amendment takes effect.