Rep. Chris Turner

Maddy summaryHB 50 requires healthcare providers to obtain patient consent before conducting blood screening tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and to inform patients they can opt out of the test. If a screening test is positive, providers must offer information about available healthcare, prevention, and support services. The bill applies to all medical screenings for STDs in Texas and takes effect January 1, 2026, after the Health and Human Services Commission adopts implementing rules. It does not change existing testing protocols but adds a consent requirement and post-positive support obligation for providers.

Maddy summaryThis Texas concurrent resolution urges Congress to preserve Sections 45U, 45Y, and 48E of the federal tax code, which provide tax incentives for nuclear and natural gas energy projects. It directly addresses Texas' energy sector, which relies on these provisions to maintain existing operations and support new development, employing over 12,000 workers in nuclear/gas plants and supplying nearly half the state's electricity. The resolution requests Congress preserve these tax incentives to sustain affordable energy production and Texas' leadership in electricity generation.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1347 amends Texas Penal Code Section 32.53 to clarify and expand definitions related to exploiting vulnerable individuals. It defines "coercion" to include actions like destroying government records, threatening immigration proceedings, or financial control, and defines "deception" as false promises or misleading information. The bill specifies that exploiting a child, elderly person, or disabled individual through coercion, deception, isolation (preventing contact with support services), or other unfair means to take their resources for personal gain is now explicitly prohibited. This directly affects vulnerable populations and those who exploit them, updating existing law to cover modern tactics without creating new penalties. The changes apply only to offenses committed on or after the bill’s effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1738 repeals the criminal penalty for homosexual conduct (previously codified in Section 21.06 of the Penal Code). It simultaneously amends health education requirements in Texas schools to mandate that materials for minors include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law. The bill affects public school health curricula for students under 18, requiring this specific language to be included in sexual education programs. The legislation passed the Texas legislature on May 16, 2025, and would take effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 3993 changes Texas tax rates for wine based on alcohol content. It imposes a 20.4-cent-per-gallon tax on wine containing 14% or less alcohol by volume and a 40.8-cent-per-gallon tax on wine with more than 14% alcohol. The bill directly affects wine producers and sellers, as the tax applies to the first sale of wine. The changes take effect on September 1, 2025, and do not apply to taxes owed before that date.

Maddy summaryHB 5573 strengthens whistleblower protections for Texas public employees by prohibiting state and local governments from retaliating against workers who report wasteful spending or fraud to law enforcement. The bill directly affects public employees in state or local government who report violations of law or fiscal misconduct. It amends the Government Code to explicitly ban adverse actions like termination or punishment for such good-faith reports. The law takes effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote, otherwise on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5187 creates new regulations for converting office buildings to residential use in specific large Texas cities and counties. It applies only to municipalities over 90,000 population in counties over 300,000 population, requiring that converted buildings meet strict criteria: at least 65% residential space overall and per floor, with buildings constructed at least five years prior to conversion. The bill defines "mixed-use residential" (65% residential space) and "multifamily residential" (three or more dwelling units), while explicitly exempting historic preservation rules and short-term rentals from its requirements. This legislation standardizes conversion processes but does not override existing private property restrictions or historic district protections.

Maddy summaryHB 4478 requires Texas appraisal districts to publicly post their methodology for calculating capitalization rates used in property tax appraisals for low-income housing developments before finalizing the rate each year. The bill mandates that this methodology cannot rely solely on changes from the prior year’s rate and must include current market economic data relevant to the area. This affects appraisal districts (which determine property taxes) and property owners of qualifying low-income housing units by adding transparency and public input to the rate-setting process. The law applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and requires districts to provide a public comment period after posting their methodology.