Sen. César Blanco

Maddy summarySB 1380 would require health insurers to skip prior approval (preauthorization) for certain urgent medical treatments. Specifically, it exempts "intervention-necessary care" - like treatment for acute injuries or illnesses that could cause irreversible harm or severe pain if delayed - from needing insurer approval before a doctor can provide it. This applies to health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and specific insurance plans, but excludes Medicaid programs and child health plans. The bill defines clear criteria for when preauthorization is waived, aiming to reduce delays for time-sensitive care.

Maddy summarySB 2607 establishes the Cross-Agency Employment Resource Initiative to coordinate employment services across three state agencies: the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and Texas Workforce Commission. It directly affects clients who use multiple programs, including those receiving workforce services, financial assistance under Chapter 31 of the Human Resources Code, or reentry services from the Department of Criminal Justice. The bill requires agencies to share client data, office space, and resources through interagency agreements, hold quarterly meetings to align goals like employment retention and recidivism reduction, and accept grants or donations to support the initiative. The first coordination meeting must occur by October 1, 2025, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 586 creates a program to recognize historic Texas cemeteries that are at least 50 years old (or exceptionally significant). It requires cemetery owners or applicants to submit applications proving the cemetery's existence, then notifies adjacent landowners and county historical commissions. If approved, the cemetery receives a declaration to file with the county clerk and may display an Official Texas Historical Marker, for which a fee is authorized. The program aims to alert the public and nearby landowners about historic cemeteries' existence without imposing new regulations on property use.

Maddy summarySB 2949 would require businesses transporting motor fuel across state lines to maintain detailed shipping records showing destination states, terminal locations, and operator details. It mandates that transporters carry these documents during transit and present them to officials upon request. The bill also restricts changing delivery destinations without prior approval from the state tax agency and destination states, with violations subject to criminal charges or civil fines. This applies directly to motor fuel transport companies, barge/vessel operators, and fuel depots handling interstate shipments. The proposal aims to improve tracking of fuel exports to prevent tax evasion and ensure compliance with state regulations.

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 136 requires Texas Medicaid to reimburse certified lactation consultants for services provided to Medicaid recipients (mothers and infants). It creates a new provider classification specifically for lactation consultants in the Medicaid program, ensuring they can enroll and receive payment for services. The bill defines "lactation consultant" as someone certified by an international or nationally approved program and mandates that the state commission establish this reimbursement pathway. This law took effect September 1, 2025, directly impacting Medicaid-covered breastfeeding support for Texas families.

Maddy summarySB 2994 requires Texas electric utilities to implement energy efficiency programs that meet specific annual demand reduction targets based on their customer size (ranging from 2,500 kW for smaller utilities to 62,500 kW for the largest). These programs must be cost-effective, market-neutral, and nondiscriminatory, ensuring all customers have access to energy-saving options. The bill directly affects all Texas electric utilities by mandating measurable reductions in summer/winter peak demand through efficiency measures. It also updates public information requirements for energy efficiency programs and clarifies utility participation in energy markets. (Note: The bill was favorably reported by the Senate on May 23, 2025.)

Maddy summarySB 2199 increases penalties for commercial vehicles carrying hazardous materials (like fuel) that exceed weight limits. It specifically makes it a felony for three-axle vehicles transporting such materials to be overweight, raising penalties from misdemeanors to second-degree felonies. Fines for overweight vehicles are also structured by how much they exceed limits, ranging from $100 to $10,000 based on weight overage (e.g., $7,000-$10,000 for over 40,000 pounds). This bill directly affects trucking companies and drivers transporting hazardous materials in three-axle vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 3359 amends Texas Election Code Section 13.004 to require voter registration applications to confidentially identify individuals with veteran status, protecting this information from public disclosure. Voters claiming veteran status must submit an affidavit or completed form to the registrar to trigger this confidentiality. The bill ensures the Texas Veterans Commission receives notice of veterans' status through this process, directly affecting Texas voters who serve or served in the military. This change aligns veteran status with other protected information like social security numbers and addresses of victims of family violence.

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.