Rep. Jared Patterson

Maddy summarySB 1745 officially renamed "Chambers County Improvement District No. 1" to the "Cedar Port Navigation and Improvement District" in Texas law. The bill updates all legal references to the district in the Special District Local Laws Code to reflect this new name, without changing the district's existing powers or responsibilities. This is a purely administrative renaming bill, not a policy change affecting residents or services. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on May 19, 2025, and is now effective.

Maddy summaryHB 3897 requires municipalities that annex territory within an emergency services district to notify the district board in writing within 30 days of completing annexation procedures. The district board must then decide within 30 days whether to disannex the territory, based on whether municipal emergency services (fire/medical) will meet or exceed the district’s current service level. If the board fails to act within 30 days, the disannexation is automatically approved. This bill directly affects municipalities seeking to take over emergency services and the districts managing those services.

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 summarySJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that non-U.S. citizens cannot vote in Texas. It amends Article VI, Section 1(a) of the Texas Constitution by adding "persons who are not citizens of the United States" as a prohibited voting class. This would clarify existing voting eligibility rules by making citizenship a constitutional requirement, directly affecting non-citizen residents. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 4, 2025, election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 3009 expands Texas' Department of Public Safety database to include individuals convicted of two or more specific violent offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code §§ 22.01, 22.02) or offenses involving force/deadly force, and non-citizens unlawfully present in the U.S. who have two or more such convictions. The bill requires the database to include full names, aliases, dates of birth, physical descriptions, conviction details, and for non-citizens, their last known location. It mandates that the DPS add historical data for qualifying offenders convicted before the law's effective date (by January 1, 2026), unless the individual would be removed from the database under existing rules. This affects law enforcement agencies and individuals with multiple violent offense convictions who meet the expanded criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 3195 requires senior retirement communities (defined as residential communities with at least 20 units offering shared amenities like security or dining) to implement specific safety measures. The bill mandates that communities conduct criminal background checks on their own employees using Texas DPS records, disclose in resident contracts whether service providers (like contractors) must also undergo such checks, and maintain a written safety policy for addressing criminal activity risks to residents. These requirements apply to all qualifying communities except healthcare facilities, boarding homes, or federally regulated housing. The law aims to enhance resident safety through transparency and proactive security protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 2308 establishes the Texas Commission on Border Security and Illegal Immigration as an advisory body composed of 11 members, including legislative leaders, the governor’s designee, and state agency representatives. The commission’s primary duty is to review the economic, legal, cultural, and educational impacts of illegal immigration on Texas and examine state and federal immigration laws. It will conduct this review through quarterly meetings and provide findings to the legislature, though it has no regulatory authority. The bill creates a formal structure for state-level analysis of border-related issues without implementing new enforcement policies. (Bill text: HB 2308, Chapter 330, Texas Government Code)

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 4337 updates regulations for pilots operating in Harris County ports, directly affecting Harris County port pilots and the board of pilot commissioners. It clarifies that a "Harris County port" includes areas in Harris or Chambers County connected to the Houston Ship Channel. The bill tightens conflict-of-interest rules for board members (prohibiting business interests that could affect their duties) and changes pilot certification rules, extending the renewal period from three to four years and requiring reappointment by a branch pilot for renewal. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1551 requires Texas public school districts and charter schools to notify parents or guardians within two school days if an employee is charged with certain criminal offenses under Texas law (specifically Article 42.018, which covers crimes against children). The notice must include the employee's name, position, employment status, length of employment, and the charge, while stating that the employee is presumed innocent. Schools cannot disclose the alleged victim's identity but may add non-sensitive facts about the case. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.