Rep. Chris Turner

Maddy summaryHB 4442 would require Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to offer an elective mindfulness course for all students in middle school, junior high school, and high school. The course must teach specific techniques to enhance focus, manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and build self-awareness and compassion. High school students would be able to count this course toward their elective credit requirements for graduation. The bill would take effect for the 2026-2027 school year, unless it receives a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, in which case it would take effect immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 2786 changes how Texas property taxes are calculated by requiring appraisal districts to update property values every two years instead of annually. It limits annual increases to 10% for primary residences (homesteads) and 20% for other property, capping growth at either the previous year's value plus a percentage or the most recent market value. This directly affects homeowners and property owners by preventing sudden large tax hikes during reappraisal cycles. The bill, which passed in May 2025, aims to provide more stability in property tax assessments while maintaining appraisal district requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 168 prohibits marriage for anyone under 18 in Texas, eliminating the previous exception that allowed minors to marry with a court order removing the disabilities of minority. The bill amends the Texas Family Code to require county clerks to deny marriage licenses to minors and declare any marriage entered into by a minor void. This change applies to all marriage applications filed and marriages entered into on or after September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects minors under 18 and their families by ending the ability to marry with court approval under prior law.

Maddy summaryHB 4746 changes how Texas public schools earn academic distinction ratings by expanding criteria to focus on college and career readiness. It requires schools to meet new metrics like ACT/SAT scores, career certifications, dual credit course completion, and P-TECH program participation to qualify for recognition. The bill also increases funding for P-TECH schools, providing $150 per student in average daily attendance (replacing a previous $50-per-factor structure). These changes apply starting the 2025-2026 school year and directly affect school districts, campuses, and students in career-focused programs.

Maddy summarySB 711 requires condominium associations with 60+ units or those using a management company to make their governing documents (like declarations and bylaws) available online on a member-accessible website. It also updates record-keeping rules to mandate that associations include their website address and transfer fee details in county-recorded management certificates. These changes apply to associations organized under Texas Property Code Chapter 82, effective September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects condominium owners and management companies by standardizing document access and transparency requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 135 exempts the purchase and sale of game animals (such as deer and elk) and exotic animals (like reptiles or big cats) from Texas sales and use taxes. This means businesses and individuals involved in trading these animals - such as breeders, pet stores, or hunters - no longer pay state sales tax on these transactions. The bill amends the Texas Tax Code to add these animals as a new category of exempt items, similar to existing agricultural exemptions for feed or farm equipment. This directly reduces tax costs for the wildlife trade and pet industries while aligning with broader agricultural tax policies.

Maddy summaryHB 3458 bans pet stores from selling dogs or cats, with limited exceptions for animal control agencies and nonprofit adoption organizations that meet specific criteria. These exceptions require organizations to not obtain animals for compensation, breed them, or have ties to breeders or brokers, and pet stores cannot charge fees or claim ownership for adoption showcases. Violations carry a civil penalty of up to $500 per day per animal sold. The law applies only to animals obtained by pet stores on or after the effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington to the list of events eligible for funding under Texas' major events reimbursement program. It amends the definition of "Event" in the Government Code to specifically include "the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington" as a qualifying activity. The change directly affects Arlington event organizers by making the race eligible for state reimbursement funding previously available to other major sports and entertainment events. The bill does not alter the program's funding structure or amounts, only expands the list of qualifying events.

Maddy summaryHB 321 creates an "express lane" to streamline eligibility for child health coverage by connecting Texas SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) applications with the child health plan program. It requires the state health agency to automatically check SNAP application data to determine if a child qualifies for health coverage, avoiding delays by opening a new case for health enrollment. The bill mandates parental consent before enrolling children and provides notice via the parent’s preferred contact method. This directly affects children whose families apply for SNAP benefits and may qualify for child health coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 1674 would ban the production, sale, and use of certain agricultural products containing PFAS chemicals (like pesticides or crop protectants). It directly affects agricultural businesses, manufacturers, and sellers of these products. The bill creates criminal penalties for violations, treating unauthorized PFAS use as a punishable offense. The bill is currently pending in the Environmental Regulation committee after committee hearings. (Note: Full bill text is not yet available; this summary is based on the title and pending status.)