Rep. Rafael Anchía

Maddy summarySB 464 prohibits retail stores selling cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, or tobacco products from operating within 1,000 feet of any public or private primary or secondary school. This law directly affects retailers near schools, creating a Class A misdemeanor offense for violations. The bill defines "vaping apparatus" broadly to include devices, their components, and related liquids, regardless of nicotine content. It explicitly states local governments may still enforce stricter rules, but this state law sets the baseline requirement.

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

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 summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

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 3177 would grant peace officer status to investigators working for municipal inspector general offices in Texas cities. This change would allow these investigators to exercise authority such as making arrests under state law, which they currently cannot do. The bill directly affects municipal inspector general offices and their investigators in cities that have established such offices. It amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to explicitly add "investigators of a municipal office of inspector general" to the list of peace officers.

Maddy summaryHB 5683 would create the Cedar Springs Improvement District in Dallas County, a local government entity authorized to fund improvements in the area. The district could issue bonds and charge property owners fees or taxes to finance projects aimed at boosting economic development, tourism, recreation, and safety. It specifically states the district would supplement, not replace, existing city and county services in the area. The bill outlines the district's purpose as promoting public welfare and economic growth within the defined boundaries.

Maddy summaryHB 1822 updates Texas juvenile court jurisdiction and record sealing rules. It extends juvenile court authority over incomplete cases when a youth turns 18 or 19 during proceedings, provided the state exercised due diligence or wasn't at fault for delays. The bill also creates new eligibility for sealing juvenile records: individuals on determinate sentence probation who weren't committed to juvenile facilities, weren't transferred to adult court, and have completed probation. These changes apply only to conduct occurring on or after the bill's effective date, not retroactively. The law aims to provide clearer pathways for record sealing while maintaining court oversight for certain cases.