Rep. Don McLaughlin

Maddy summaryHB 217 creates legal immunity for groundwater conservation districts in Texas when they restrict well production. The bill states that districts cannot be held liable for damages resulting from actions like enforcing water rules, issuing permits, or limiting well output. This applies specifically to cases where the legal claim arises after the bill becomes effective. The law directly affects groundwater districts (which manage local water resources) and well owners who might otherwise sue over production restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 216 would require Texas groundwater conservation districts to limit new permits so that no single applicant can produce and transfer out more than 5% of the district's modeled available groundwater across all permits issued to them. This directly affects groundwater conservation districts when reviewing permit applications and applicants seeking new groundwater rights for production and transfer. The key provision mandates districts to calculate this 5% cap based on the district's modeled available groundwater, as determined by the executive administrator. The bill applies only to permits issued on or after its effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryHB 182 creates the Texas Flash Flood Alley Interoperability Council to improve emergency communication systems in the Balcones Fault Zone, a region prone to flash flooding. The council will develop strategic plans for compatible communication equipment among first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs), coordinate emergency management for flood events, and administer grants to help local governments (cities, counties, special districts) purchase interoperable equipment. The bill specifically targets communities within the Balcones Fault Zone to ensure first responders can communicate effectively during emergencies. It establishes a six-member council appointed by state leadership and requires a strategic plan for emergency communication infrastructure. The grant program provides direct funding assistance for local governments to upgrade their communication systems to work together seamlessly.

Maddy summaryHB 124 requires youth camps located within or within five feet of a 100-year floodplain to meet new minimum building standards designed to minimize flood damage to structures. The bill directly affects youth camps in high-risk flood areas by mandating specific construction and maintenance requirements for buildings and facilities. Key provisions include requiring the executive commissioner to establish these flood-resistant building standards through rulemaking. The law aims to prevent flooding of camp buildings and physical facilities in vulnerable floodplain locations, without altering existing camp safety rules for other areas.

Maddy summaryHB 108 requires the Texas Division of Emergency Management to develop a publicly available guide for community organizations on preparing for and responding to flooding disasters. The guide must cover community engagement, volunteer coordination, resource access (including trauma and recovery services), communication strategies, training, and rebuilding community cohesion after floods. It will be created in collaboration with the Department of Emergency Management and local stakeholders, and must be posted online by April 1, 2026. The bill directly affects community groups, volunteers, and local emergency management agencies by providing standardized resources for flood response.

Maddy summaryHB 93 modifies jurisdiction rules for Atascosa County's County Court at Law. It grants the court concurrent authority with district courts to handle Class A/B misdemeanor cases, family law, juvenile matters, probate, appeals from lower courts, and civil cases under $1 million (excluding certain damages). The bill also adds a new provision (c-1) allowing County Court judges to be assigned to district court matters in Atascosa County. This law applies only to cases filed after its effective date (91 days post-session), leaving pre-existing cases governed by prior law.

Maddy summaryHB 32, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires that certain facilities - such as restrooms, locker rooms, and family violence shelters - be designated and used based on biological sex, defined as the physical condition of being male or female at birth as determined by sex organs, chromosomes, and original birth records. The law applies to correctional facilities, family violence shelters, institutions of higher education, local governments (political subdivisions), and state agencies. It authorizes civil penalties for violations and creates a private right of action, allowing individuals to file lawsuits if they believe the law has been breached. The bill does not apply to state agencies as political subdivisions but covers them separately under the law's definition of "state agency."

Maddy summaryHB 84 authorizes Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin for human use without a doctor's prescription, directly affecting pharmacists and patients seeking this medication. The bill requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order with standardized protocols for pharmacists, including patient instructions and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. It also provides legal protection for pharmacists who follow the order, shielding them from liability or disciplinary action. The commissioner must issue this order within 91 days after the legislative session ends, implementing the policy changes outlined in the new Health and Safety Code section.

Maddy summarySB 1362 prohibits Texas state and local entities - including courts, law enforcement, and prosecutors - from recognizing, serving, or enforcing "extreme risk protective orders" (commonly called "red flag" orders). These orders typically restrict firearm access when a court deems someone a risk to themselves or others. The bill creates a criminal offense for violating this prohibition and blocks Texas entities from accepting federal grants meant to implement such orders. It directly affects all Texas government bodies and law enforcement agencies, preventing them from participating in programs that require enforcing these firearm restrictions. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 recognizes physical gold and silver coins meeting specific weight and purity standards as legal tender in Texas for debt payments, while prohibiting government markings except for identifying refiners. It authorizes the state comptroller to establish electronic payment systems backed by bullion held in depositories, allowing transactions using gold/silver-based currency. The bill explicitly states it does not replace U.S. dollars, restrict federal currency, or require businesses to accept gold/silver tender. It also permits the comptroller to set reasonable administrative fees for the system. This law applies to Texas residents and businesses using the state-administered electronic currency system, operating alongside existing federal currency.