Sen. César Blanco

Maddy summaryHB 3464 increases criminal penalties for bringing alcohol, drugs, or dangerous substances into a correctional facility or onto its property, with the highest penalties specifically targeting employees of the facility. It reclassifies offenses by correctional staff as second-degree felonies (previously third-degree), and if such an offense causes a death, it becomes a first-degree felony punishable by 15-99 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. The law applies to anyone who provides, possesses with intent to provide, or brings these items into a facility or on its grounds, but the enhanced penalties focus on employees. The bill took effect on September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2055 amends Texas education code provisions governing the Texas Leadership Scholars Program, affecting students and public universities designated as "general academic teaching institutions." It requires scholarship rules to ensure research scholarships are at least 150% of leadership scholarships, limit recipients to four years per program, and guarantee each eligible institution receives at least one research scholarship (with additional awards based on doctoral degrees awarded). The bill also prohibits rules that restrict participating institutions or favor specific schools. These changes aim to standardize funding and distribution within the program.

Maddy summaryHB 1612 requires hospitals to accept direct payment from patients who are not enrolled in a health benefit plan (e.g., uninsured individuals) for covered health care services. Hospitals must accept full payment within 60 days of the patient receiving a bill or final accounting. This applies to licensed hospitals but excludes ambulatory surgical centers. The law gives uninsured patients a direct payment option without requiring them to navigate insurance billing processes.

Maddy summarySB 1579 establishes a process for certain Texas municipalities (in counties containing a city over 500,000 and adjacent to an international border) to administratively determine if land parcels are abandoned, unoccupied, and undeveloped. To qualify, a parcel must be undeveloped for 25+ years, have an assessed value under $1,000, and meet subdivision criteria (e.g., 50% of parcels in a subdivision being undeveloped and ≤10 acres). Before making a determination, the municipality must hold a public hearing, notify owners/lienholders, and publish a notice; owners may appeal the decision in court within 60 days. The bill does not require land sales but creates a framework for municipalities to address tax-delinquent, underutilized properties.

Maddy summarySB 2037 creates a faster review process for environmental permits needed to build or modify liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals in Texas. It requires the state commission to respond to permit applications within 120 days after public comments end and establishes a new expedited review track. Applicants who choose this faster process must pay an additional fee, which covers administrative costs and is deposited into a special account. The bill also sets specific rules for resolving disputes about permit approvals, including requiring applicants to respond to concerns within 20 days if a hearing is requested. This law applies only to LNG terminal projects and took effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1275 prohibits the Texas Department of Health from issuing permits for new or existing bovine dairy farms in areas designated as infected with or at high risk for bovine tuberculosis. This directly affects dairy farm operators seeking permits in specific high-risk zones identified by the Texas Animal Health Commission through epidemiological assessment. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code to require the department to deny permits in these designated areas, based on rules established by the Commission. The policy change is a direct restriction on permit issuance, not a new program or funding measure.

Maddy summarySB 482 modifies Texas Penal Code sections to prevent enhanced penalties for assault or harassment against utility employees working in disaster or evacuated areas. It specifically prohibits prosecutors from applying stricter punishments (such as felony charges) under certain circumstances when the victim is a utility worker performing duties during emergencies. The bill directly affects utility company employees, contractors, and agents who provide essential services in crisis zones. This policy change takes effect September 1, 2025, ensuring these workers face standard penalties rather than enhanced ones for related offenses.

Maddy summarySB 7 requires the Texas Water Development Board to coordinate planning for water infrastructure projects to maximize use of existing utility corridors and minimize land acquisition through eminent domain. It mandates the Board to develop standardized specifications for water infrastructure, ensure different water systems can connect and operate together, and recommend building extra capacity during construction to accommodate future projects. The bill directly affects water project developers, utilities, and local governments working with the Board on infrastructure planning and financing. Key provisions include creating interconnectivity standards and facilitating collaboration between project sponsors and transportation/utility entities.

Maddy summaryHB 1520 requires new members of the Angelina and Neches River Authority board to complete mandatory training before voting. The training covers operations law, budget details, recent audits, ethics rules, and conflict-of-interest requirements. Directors must annually receive and acknowledge a training manual distributed by the authority's general manager. The bill also adjusts the authority's Sunset review schedule to prevent termination under Texas law.

Maddy summaryHB 1533 amends Texas property tax appraisal rules to improve notice requirements and training standards. It requires certified mail for specific property tax notices and adds electronic signature verification for agent designations. The bill mandates that at least one trainer for taxpayer education courses must be a Texas-licensed attorney with five years of property tax experience, excluding those with prior ties to appraisal districts or review boards. This ensures taxpayer representatives with direct experience lead training, while allowing limited exceptions if qualified candidates are unavailable. The changes apply to property tax appraisal systems used by counties and taxing entities across Texas.