Rep. Venton Jones

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill (HB 4901) requires app stores (like Apple App Store or Google Play) operating in Texas to verify users' ages and categorize them into four groups: child (<13), younger teen (13-15), older teen (16-17), and adult (18+). For minors (under 18), it mandates parental consent by linking accounts to a parent or guardian aged 18 or older. App stores must use reasonable methods to confirm age during account creation. The law directly affects app platforms and users under 18 in Texas, with no voting record available as the bill remains pending in committee.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) honoring retired Justice Ken Molberg of the Fifth District Court of Appeals in Dallas. It recognizes his service ending January 1, 2025, his legal career including 33 years as a trial attorney, leadership roles in Texas bar associations, and professional awards. The resolution was adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on April 9, 2025, with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents. It serves as a formal expression of appreciation with no legislative effect.

Maddy summaryBased on the provided context, no substantive text for HB 44 is available (the bill text section states "This version is not currently available, but is coming soon"). The bill's title indicates it relates to abortion exceptions based on a physician's medical judgment, but the actual provisions, scope, and affected parties are not described in the provided materials. The bill is in early stages (read first time, pending in committee) but no concrete policy details are accessible. For an accurate summary, the full bill text or official summary would be required.

Maddy summaryBased on the provided context, HB 5450 establishes an advisory committee to address preventable deaths in county jails and requires a report on county jail safety. The bill directly affects county jails and their oversight, as it mandates the committee's formation and a safety report. However, the context does not specify the committee's composition, reporting timeline, or detailed safety measures. No additional bill text or concrete policy mechanisms are included in the available information. Without further details, a complete summary of the bill's specific provisions cannot be provided.

Maddy summaryHB 5016 allows municipalities with populations between 1.3 million and 1.4 million to finance specific venue projects - like large parks or historic facilities - using short-term motor vehicle rental taxes. It exempts certain projects from standard financing rules, including parks that are 200+ acres, national historic landmarks, or part of municipal recreation systems. The bill specifically targets projects meeting all three criteria (size, historic status, and municipal population) to enable tax-based funding. Existing bonds or obligations financed under prior law remain unaffected by this change.

Maddy summaryHB 4929 amends Texas law governing time-off policies for employees of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). It requires TDCJ employees to use accrued compensatory time (time off instead of overtime pay) within 24 months of earning it, and if unused, the time converts to vacation leave rather than being lost. The bill updates existing rules in the Government Code to ensure unused compensatory time is added to employees' vacation balances. This applies to all compensatory time earned before, during, or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4674 modifies Texas health benefit plans' prescription drug coverage rules. It allows health plan issuers to change drug coverage only at renewal time, requires uniform application across similar plans, and mandates 60 days' written notice to the commissioner, plan sponsors, and enrollees before changes take effect. The bill specifically affects health benefit plans offering prescription drug coverage, excluding certain exceptions like disease-specific plans, dental/vision coverage, Medicare supplements, workers' compensation, and self-funded plans. These changes aim to standardize how coverage modifications are implemented while providing notice to affected parties. The bill is currently in the Insurance Committee for review.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 658), not a substantive bill. It formally honors John Sharp for his retirement as chancellor of The Texas A&M University System after a 14-year tenure - the longest in the system's history. The resolution recognizes his leadership in expanding the system to 11 universities, growing research expenditures to over $1 billion, and overseeing major campus developments like the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus and Kyle Field renovations. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4673 requires health benefit plans, pharmacy benefit managers, and their subcontractors to apply any reduction in an enrollee's out-of-pocket expenses for covered prescription drugs (that are essential health benefits under federal law) to the enrollee's overall cost-sharing, such as deductibles or copays. This applies when the enrollee accessed the drug through prior authorization, step therapy, or the plan's appeals process - regardless of whether the plan classifies the drug as an essential health benefit. The law takes effect for plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, with implementation beginning September 1, 2025. It directly affects enrollees with high-cost prescription drug needs and the entities managing their health plan coverage.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a substantive bill) passed by the Texas House of Representatives. It formally congratulates Tiara Cooper, a Dallas-based social justice leader and deputy director of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, on receiving the 2025 Outstanding Texan Award from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. The resolution recognizes her work in criminal justice reform, civil rights advocacy, and grassroots activism, including prior awards like the 2023 Future of Texas Award. The House adopted the resolution on March 31, 2025, with no recorded vote.