Maddy summaryHB 2516, the Chris Larkin ALS Act, requires Texas insurers to offer Medicare supplement plans (Medigap) to people under 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability, end-stage renal disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It mandates that these individuals receive the same coverage and premium rates as those 65 and older for standard plans (A, B, D), with non-standard plans capped at 200% of the 65+ rate. The bill creates a six-month enrollment window starting when a qualifying individual first enrolls in Medicare Part B, during which insurers cannot deny coverage, charge more for health conditions, or impose waiting periods. This law directly affects Texans under 65 with qualifying medical conditions who rely on Medicare, ensuring equitable access to supplemental insurance without medical underwriting. The bill became effective immediately on June 20, 2025.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 26 allows Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) in Texas to offer nutrition counseling and instruction services instead of certain mental health or substance use disorder services covered under the state Medicaid plan. The bill requires contracts between the state and MCOs to include this option, with the state Medicaid advisory committee approving which nutrition services may be substituted (excluding home-delivered meals, food prescriptions, or grocery support). MCOs must provide these nutrition services as an alternative, and the state must annually report on their usage and consider their costs when setting MCO payment rates. This policy directly affects Texas Medicaid beneficiaries who may receive nutrition services in place of other covered services and the MCOs managing their care.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 34) requires the Texas A&M Forest Service and West Texas A&M University to jointly study wildfire risks across the state, focusing on combustible material buildup ("fuel loading") in different zones and assessing economic impacts like property loss and mitigation costs. It authorizes an increase in insurance assessments on certain insurers to fund the Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Fund, directly supporting volunteer fire departments. The study will identify high-risk areas and evaluate whether wildfire mitigation investments protect property value. The law, signed by the governor in June 2025, becomes effective September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 1639 directs the Texas Department of State Health Services, in collaboration with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, to study whether female firefighters in Texas have higher rates of certain cancers (like breast and ovarian cancer) compared to other women in the state. The study will use existing cancer registry data and readily available sources, requiring a report with findings and recommendations to be submitted to the legislature by September 1, 2026. The bill does not create new laws or funding but mandates this specific analysis to assess potential health risks. The study is required to be made publicly available online by the agencies involved.
Maddy summaryHB 713 exempts healthcare providers (including nurses) from certain mandatory reporting requirements when they review cases for the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee. The bill adds Section 34.0085 to the Health and Safety Code, stating that providers do not need to report profession-related conduct they learn about during these committee case reviews. This applies only to information gathered specifically for the committee's review process, not to other situations. The law took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on June 20, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 2601 creates a state program to compensate agricultural landowners and lessees for property damage caused by border-related criminal activities. It defines "border crime" as specific offenses involving transnational criminal activity (like drug trafficking or illegal border crossings) under Texas law. The attorney general will administer compensation for physical damage, debris, pollutants, or soil contamination, including costs to restore agricultural use. Insurance companies cannot factor such claims into rate-setting for policies delivered or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 1266 requires Texas' Health and Human Services Commission to provide a dedicated support team to assist Medicaid providers with enrollment and credentialing through an online portal, aiming to reduce administrative burdens. The bill mandates annual evaluation of this support team's performance, with public reporting of results by September 1 each year. It also creates an electronic process for providers to submit complaints about enrollment processes and requires the Commission to give providers 30 days' notice and an opportunity to fix issues before disenrolling them for incomplete revalidation. These changes, effective September 1, 2025, directly impact Medicaid providers and the Commission's operational procedures.
Maddy summarySB 912 requires Texas health care licensing entities (such as those for doctors, nurses, and other licensed practitioners) to establish electronic continuing education (CE) tracking systems. These systems must verify that practitioners complete required CE courses before license renewal and be accessible to practitioners, licensing staff, and CE providers. The bill mandates that license renewal cannot proceed without verification through this system, which also becomes the standard for agency audits. This applies to practitioners licensed under specific Occupations Code chapters (401, 453, 454, and related subchapters), effective September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 955 increases penalties for human trafficking in Texas by elevating certain offenses to first-degree felony status. It specifically enhances punishments when trafficking occurs near schools, colleges, shelters for vulnerable populations (like runaway youth or trafficking survivors), or during school events, within 1,000 feet of these locations. The bill also raises penalties if the victim is a child or disabled person, if serious injury or death occurs, or if traffickers use deadly weapons or obstruct breathing. These changes apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. The law directly affects traffickers who commit offenses in these specified circumstances.
Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 546 requires school buses transporting children to be equipped with three-point seat belts for all passengers, including the driver. School districts may request an exception if they determine it is not feasible due to budget constraints (after a public vote), or if using buses purchased before 2017 or newer buses where budget limitations prevent compliance. The bill also allows school districts to accept gifts, grants, or donations to cover the costs of implementing these seat belt requirements. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting school districts and bus operators in Texas.