Rep. Rafael Anchía

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 5479 is currently unavailable in the provided context, with a placeholder noting it will be available soon via PDF. No specific provisions, goals, or affected parties are described in the accessible information. Recent actions show it was filed on March 14, 2025, and referred to the State Affairs committee on April 7, 2025, but no substantive details are included. Without the bill text or summary, a factual description of its mechanisms or policy changes cannot be provided. For an accurate summary, the full bill text would be required.

Maddy summaryHB 5131 requires Texas counties with over 2.5 million residents (based on the latest federal census) to establish a medical examiner office by September 1, 2025. It allows counties with fewer than 1 million residents to voluntarily create such an office. The bill also enables any two or more counties to form a joint medical examiner district covering contiguous areas, regardless of population size. This law standardizes medical examiner services in larger counties while providing collaboration options for smaller jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 5591 is not currently available in the provided context. While the title indicates it relates to "opioid overdose training for peace officers," no specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties are described in the available information. The bill was filed on March 14, 2025, and referred to a committee on April 7, 2025, but no substantive details about its requirements or scope are provided. A complete summary cannot be generated without access to the bill's actual text or official summary.

Maddy summaryHB 4837 adjusts how school districts contribute to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas when retired teachers return to work at public schools. It requires districts to pay the difference between what the retiree would contribute as an active member and the state's contribution, but only if that difference exceeds the state's portion. This directly affects retired teachers who resume teaching or other roles at public schools. The changes take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, ensuring districts only cover the gap in retirement funding when necessary.

Maddy summaryHB 4750 amends Texas Tax Code Section 11.18(d) to expand property tax exemptions for charitable organizations. It specifically allows organizations providing housing through cooperative models to qualify for exemption if they meet other charitable purpose requirements (like serving seniors or low-income residents without regard to ability to pay). The bill adds cooperative housing as a qualifying charitable function under existing tax exemption criteria. This change directly affects nonprofit housing cooperatives that provide permanent, affordable housing for vulnerable populations. The amendment does not create new exemptions but clarifies that cooperative housing organizations can qualify under current tax law.

Maddy summaryHB 4557 establishes the Texas Art Therapy Board to regulate the practice of art therapy in Texas. It requires all art therapists to obtain an occupational license, making unlicensed practice a criminal offense, and imposes a fee for licensure. The bill also defines the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council's duties related to the new board and mandates that the council appoint a professional art therapist and a public member to its structure. This legislation directly affects current and future art therapists who must comply with licensing requirements to practice legally in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 4719 amends Texas' Business & Commerce Code to define "telephone call" for telephone solicitation regulations. It adds a new subsection (6-a) that directs readers to Section 304.002 of the code for the official definition of "telephone call." This bill does not create new regulations or directly affect specific groups; it simply references an existing definition to ensure consistency in how telephone solicitations are regulated. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4197 requires all Texas public high schools to issue student identification cards to every high school student enrolled in the district. The cards must include the student's name, photograph, and month/year of birth. This mandate applies to all public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill directly affects high school students and school administrators responsible for implementing the identification system. It does not include additional features or security measures beyond the specified information.

Maddy summaryHB 4091 allows Texas utilities, cooperatives, and municipally owned power providers to build and operate facilities connecting the ERCOT grid (Texas' power grid) to external power grids. It authorizes these entities to purchase wholesale power from outside ERCOT and interconnect transmission lines across regional boundaries. The bill establishes new rules requiring a minimum 4.3 gigawatt transfer capability between ERCOT and other regions, with the Public Utility Commission overseeing federal approvals and reliability standards. This policy change directly affects Texas power providers seeking to expand grid connections and energy sourcing beyond current ERCOT boundaries.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 4017 is not currently available in the provided context, only the title and basic filing information. The title indicates it relates to handgun carrying on college campuses and associated locations, but specific provisions, affected groups, or mechanisms are not described. Without the full bill text or summary details, a factual summary cannot be generated. The bill was filed March 7, 2025, and referred to committee on March 27, 2025.