Rep. Caroline Fairly

Maddy summarySB 2420 requires app stores (like Apple App Store or Google Play) operating in Texas to verify users' ages using reasonable methods and assign them to specific categories: child (<13), younger teenager (13-15), older teenager (16-17), or adult (18+). It mandates parental consent for minors' accounts and defines key terms like "personal data" and "mobile device." The law directly affects app store operators serving Texas residents, with requirements taking effect January 1, 2026. This bill creates the "App Store Accountability Act" within Texas law to regulate age-based access to mobile applications.

Maddy summarySB 442 makes it a crime to create or share computer-generated videos (deepfakes) that falsely depict real people engaging in sexual acts they did not perform. It requires creators to obtain written consent in plain language from the person depicted, describing the content and how it will be used. Violations are now a Class A misdemeanor (up to a year in jail), or a third-degree felony for repeat offenses. The law directly affects individuals who produce or distribute such deepfakes without valid consent, targeting non-consensual sexual deepfakes specifically. It does not apply to content with disclaimers or labels indicating it is fictional.

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3513 amends Texas law to change the composition and terms of Moore County's Juvenile Board. The board will now include the county judge, the County Court at Law judge, and 3-5 members appointed by the Commissioners Court (previously fixed at six members), with appointed members serving two-year terms expiring December 31 of even-numbered years. The bill also explicitly removes Moore County's Juvenile Board from certain other state code provisions (Sections 152.0002-152.0008) that apply to other counties. This bill took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

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 summaryThis bill exempts specific Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) programs from statewide grant and contract management rules under Government Code Chapter 783. It amends Water Code Section 15.008 to exclude contracts related to certain water programs (subchapters B, C, F, H, I, K, P, or R) from Chapter 783 requirements. The change applies only to contracts entered into on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing contracts governed by prior law. This clarifies regulatory scope for TWDB programs without altering their core operations.

Maddy summarySB 922 requires healthcare providers to wait until the third business day after a sensitive medical test result is finalized before disclosing it electronically to patients or their representatives. Sensitive results include pathology/radiology reports indicating possible cancer or genetic test results. The law, effective September 1, 2025, applies to electronic disclosures via patient portals or email but does not impose penalties for non-compliance. This directly affects doctors, hospitals, and health systems using electronic health records to share patient information.