Rep. Jessica González

Maddy summaryHB 2929 requires Texas peace officers to complete a mandatory two-hour training program on interacting with people with autism spectrum disorder. The training, established under new Section 1701.273 of the Occupations Code, covers evidence-based topics like recognizing autism manifestations, reducing stress during interactions, communicating effectively, locating missing individuals with autism, identifying exploitation risks, and applying custody laws. This requirement applies directly to all Texas peace officers as part of their minimum curriculum. The bill aims to improve officer preparedness when encountering individuals with autism, focusing on practical communication and safety protocols without changing existing legal standards.

Maddy summaryHB 5064 would designate a specific segment of U.S. Highway 67 in Dallas and Ellis Counties - between its intersection with U.S. Highway 287 and Interstate 20 - as the "Eddie Bernice Johnson Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the highway and at intermediate locations along the route. This is a ceremonial designation with no impact on highway operations, funding, or regulations. It directly affects the geographic corridor in Dallas and Ellis Counties but does not alter existing transportation policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2275 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (specialized policies for high-risk or hard-to-place coverage) containing arbitration agreements must specify that any arbitration occurs in Texas and follows Texas law. It mandates that both the arbitration process and contract interpretation be governed by Texas statutes, applying only to contracts delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. Existing contracts before that date remain subject to prior law. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects insurers writing surplus lines policies in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 349 creates legal immunity for people who enter a locked motor vehicle to remove a vulnerable individual (like a child under 7 or someone with a disability) or a domestic animal (like a pet dog or cat) from a car. To qualify for immunity, rescuers must first confirm the vehicle is locked or the person/animal cannot exit safely, reasonably believe immediate harm is occurring, notify law enforcement or 911 before entering (unless they are first responders), use only necessary force, and stay with the person/animal until help arrives. The law specifically protects ordinary citizens - not just police - from civil lawsuits when following these steps. It does not apply to livestock or cases where authorities advise against entry.

Maddy summaryHB 2322 sets specific annual base salary amounts for Texas judges, directly affecting district judges, appeals court justices, and supreme court justices. It establishes a minimum $140,000 state base salary for district judges (capped at $5,000 below appeals court chief justice salaries), 110% of district judge pay for most appeals court justices (with a $5,000 cap), and 120% for supreme court justices, while providing a $2,500 premium for chief justices. The bill also introduces a new annual adjustment formula requiring salaries to increase by the prior biennium's amount plus a percentage based on average salary growth. All salary calculations include caps on combined state and county pay to prevent exceeding specific thresholds for higher courts.

Maddy summaryHB 5400 would amend Texas labor law to strengthen protections against workplace sexual harassment. It clarifies that "sexual harassment" includes unwanted advances, requests for sexual favors, or conduct that creates a hostile work environment, and explicitly extends anti-retaliation protections to individuals who report such harassment. The bill's key provision (Section 4) allows victims to directly file civil lawsuits for damages related to sexual harassment without first having to file a complaint with the state commission or wait for a notice of their right to sue. This change would directly affect employees and job applicants experiencing sexual harassment in Texas workplaces by providing a more direct legal path for seeking redress. The bill is currently pending in committee and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 4733 modifies Texas law to clarify when arrest records can be expunged or nondisclosure orders issued. It blocks expungement for acquitted arrests if the person was convicted of another offense in the same criminal episode. The bill requires courts issuing nondisclosure orders to automatically include related, unconvicted offenses from the same incident, provided those offenses aren’t pending or involve community supervision. It also adjusts timelines for petitioning after completing community supervision, with different deadlines based on offense severity. This affects individuals seeking to clear arrest records after acquittal or community supervision completion.

Maddy summaryHB 1203 creates a new "Office of Food System Security and Resiliency" within the Texas Department of Agriculture to coordinate state efforts ensuring reliable food access and preventing disruptions in Texas' food supply chain. The office will work with local governments, schools, and food industry professionals to develop regional food security plans, promote local agricultural production (farm-to-store/table), and expand food access points by connecting producers with retailers and communities. It must submit annual recommendations to the legislature by December 1 of even-numbered years and manage the existing Texas Food System Security and Resiliency Planning Council. The office must be established by December 31, 2025, and the law takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects Texas farmers, food distributors, local governments, and residents seeking stable food access.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 19) is a concurrent resolution naming a new building in the Texas Capitol Complex. It directs the Texas Facilities Commission to name the structure at the northwest corner of Congress Avenue and 15th Street the "Irma Rangel Building." The resolution honors Irma Rangel, a pioneering Texas legislator who was the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas Legislature (1976) and championed education access, domestic violence services, and opportunities for marginalized communities. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new policy or affect any specific group beyond recognizing her legacy.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 945), not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It formally honors Pope Francis following his death on April 21, 2025, recognizing his life, leadership as the first Latin American pope, and global efforts to serve the vulnerable. The resolution memorializes his legacy, including his work during Argentina's economic crisis, interfaith initiatives, and pandemic-era outreach. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes. As a procedural resolution, it serves only to express collective remembrance.