Sen. Kelly Hancock

Maddy summarySB 1816 defines "miniature vehicle" as a small, self-propelled vehicle with four or more tires that complies with federal law and isn't classified as a golf cart, neighborhood electric vehicle, or street rod. The bill requires these vehicles to be titled and registered as motor vehicles under Texas Transportation Code, similar to standard cars. Owners may operate them on public highways only if registered/titled and capable of complying with traffic laws. The law took effect immediately after Governor's signature on June 20, 2025, applying to all miniature vehicles meeting the defined criteria.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 90) expresses Texas' support for strengthening economic ties with Israel and proposes establishing a Texas Trade and Investment Office in Jerusalem. It does not create new laws or offices but formally endorses expanding trade, technology, and cultural collaboration between Texas and Israel, noting Texas as a top U.S. state for exports to Israel. The resolution specifically supports the U.S.-Israel bilateral trade agreement and a proposed Texas office to coordinate with countries in the Abraham Accords or peace treaties with Israel. It directs Texas officials to share the resolution with the U.S. President, Israeli Ambassador, and Texas Consul General. As a symbolic gesture, it has no binding effect but reflects legislative sentiment.

Maddy summarySB 1814 creates a state-maintained electronic database to connect service members transitioning from active duty to veterans with available benefits. It requires written consent from members discharged within 12 months, storing their contact information for approved state agencies and local veteran service organizations. These entities can access the database to provide targeted information about employment, housing, health care, entrepreneurship programs, and support services. The database becomes operational on September 1, 2025, after the bill was signed into law on June 20, 2025. This directly affects service members leaving active duty who consent to be included.

Maddy summarySB 260 increases funding for school safety in Texas public schools under the Foundation School Program. It raises the per-student allotment from $10 to $20 per student in average daily attendance and doubles the campus safety allotment from $15,000 to $30,000 per school campus. These changes apply to all Texas public school districts and take effect September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects school funding formulas by increasing state support for safety resources at both the student and campus levels. The policy change provides additional state funds specifically designated for school safety measures.

Maddy summarySB 1330 limits how nonparticipating medical equipment suppliers (those not enrolled in Medicare as participating providers) can bill Medicare enrollees. It prohibits charging more than 115% of the Medicare-approved amount for durable medical equipment, orthotic devices, or prosthetic devices without the enrollee’s written agreement and prior payment of the full amount. Suppliers must also disclose that Medicare covers 80% of the approved amount and that supplemental plans won’t cover amounts over 115%. Violating these rules constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by a $500-$1,000 fine, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2221 creates Chapter 1702 in Texas' Insurance Code to establish uniform standards for prohibited trade practices in life insurance, annuity contracts, and accident/health coverage. It defines key terms like "agent," "consumer," and "loss-control or value-added product/service" to clarify what practices are restricted and what value-added services (like free wellness programs) may be offered at no cost. The law aims to standardize rules for insurers and agents while allowing recognized value-added services under existing model laws. This bill directly affects insurance companies, agents, and consumers purchasing these coverage types, effective September 1, 2025.

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 120 amends Texas education law to prioritize college, career, and military readiness for high school students. It adds two new academic goals: requiring graduates to have immediate workforce skills (Goal 5) and ensuring college readiness without remediation (Goal 6). The bill mandates public schools to report de-identified student outcomes - including college enrollment, remedial coursework, and employment data - disaggregated by school district and campus. These reports will inform school accountability ratings and guide funding for career programs like the FAST and R-PEP initiatives. The law directly affects all Texas public high schools, students, and district administrators through updated accountability measures.

Maddy summarySB 13 requires Texas school districts to provide parents with access to records about their child's school library materials, including books or digital resources checked out. It mandates that school libraries prohibit the acquisition of materials rated "sexually explicit" by vendors or deemed "harmful" under Texas law, and restricts access to content described as "pervasively vulgar" or "educationally unsuitable." The bill also creates local school library advisory councils to help develop library policies. These changes directly affect parents, school districts, and students by expanding parental oversight of library resources and setting new standards for library collections. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2713 allows municipalities with fewer than 50,000 residents to repeal their civil service systems for firefighters and police officers through a voter-approved process. If 10% of qualified voters sign a petition, the city must hold an election; a majority vote to repeal voids the civil service chapter in that municipality. The bill applies only to petitions where elections haven't been ordered before its effective date (June 20, 2025). This changes how small cities can manage hiring and promotion rules for public safety staff, shifting authority to local voters.