Rep. Jared Patterson

Maddy summaryHB 2366 amends Texas Penal Code Section 46.03 to exempt licensed election judges from the general ban on carrying concealed handguns at polling places. Specifically, it allows election judges (under Election Code Chapter 32) and early voting clerks/deputies serving as election judges (under Chapters 83 or 85) to carry concealed handguns while performing their official duties. The bill creates a direct exception for these election personnel, who must hold a valid handgun license under Government Code Chapter 411. This change applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 131 amends Texas Utilities Code to strengthen requirements for electricity market participants regarding foreign entity affiliations. It requires business entities in the electricity market to attest they comply with restrictions on purchasing critical grid equipment from certain foreign companies and report such purchases to the independent grid operator (ERCOT). The bill increases penalties for submitting false or incomplete information to up to $1 million per violation. These changes directly affect power companies, grid operators, and other market participants operating in Texas' electricity sector.

Maddy summaryHB 1895 requires electric cooperatives, utilities, and power companies to prove a wind-powered generation facility meets aviation safety standards before operation or expansion. Specifically, they must submit documentation showing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirms the facility isn’t a flight hazard and the Military Aviation Clearinghouse (or successor) confirms it won’t harm military operations - either directly or through a mitigation agreement. Violations could result in administrative penalties for cooperatives or municipally owned utilities. The law applies only to new wind facilities installed on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing facilities under prior rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1806 prohibits Texas governmental entities (like cities, counties, or state agencies) from using public funds to support abortion-related services. It specifically bans taxpayer money from covering costs for travel, lodging, childcare, food, or counseling that helps individuals obtain an abortion or access abortion providers. The bill defines "abortion assistance entities" broadly to include groups providing financial aid, travel planning, or abortion-inducing drugs, and "abortion providers" as facilities performing over 50 abortions annually. This law directly affects government agencies and any organization receiving public funds that facilitates abortion access. The bill does not apply to federal programs conflicting with its provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1566 prohibits foreign governments and organizations from designated countries (identified by U.S. intelligence as national security risks) from purchasing or acquiring title to real property in Texas. The bill defines "designated countries" based on U.S. intelligence threat assessments and bans purchases by entities headquartered in such countries or controlled by their governments. It applies to land, buildings, mines, and other real property types, excluding mortgages, short-term leases, and mineral interests in place. The Attorney General may enforce this prohibition by filing lawsuits in district courts where the property is located. This directly affects foreign governments and businesses from countries deemed security threats by U.S. intelligence.

Maddy summaryHB 1549 bans businesses in Texas from selling, offering for sale, or holding for sale "obscene devices" (as defined in the Penal Code), except for sexually oriented businesses operating under existing local licensing rules. The bill creates a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation for non-compliant businesses and allows county or district attorneys to seek injunctions and recover investigation costs. It directly affects businesses selling such devices, including retailers and vendors, while exempting licensed sexually oriented businesses. Enforcement is handled through civil lawsuits filed by local prosecutors, with penalties applying per violation.

Maddy summaryHB 3 establishes an education savings account program in Texas, allowing families to use state funds for approved educational expenses for children enrolled in public schools. The program, administered by the state comptroller, provides funding for costs like tuition at private schools, curriculum materials, or tutoring, with funds drawn from general revenue appropriations. Eligibility includes any child attending a public school who is not enrolled in a participating private school, with priority given to children with disabilities. The bill defines key terms and sets funding limits based on the previous biennium's allocation or the cost per participating child, creating a new option for families seeking alternatives to traditional public schooling.

Maddy summaryHB 1456 creates an Office of Inspector General within the Texas Education Agency to investigate complaints filed by parents of children in public schools. The office will examine allegations of unethical conduct or violations of state/federal law involving the agency, State Board of Education, school districts, or charter schools. Key provisions grant the inspector general authority to receive complaints, conduct investigations (including reviewing records and attending closed meetings), and make factual findings to address issues like misconduct or policy violations. This office will operate independently to resolve parent concerns about public education practices without relying on existing time limits for action.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 1497 is not currently available in the provided context, only the title and basic action timeline are accessible. The title indicates it relates to the placement of a nativity scene on Capitol grounds, but without the full text, specific provisions or policy changes cannot be described. The bill was recently filed and referred to the Culture, Recreation & Tourism committee, but no concrete details about its requirements or affected parties are provided. For an accurate summary, the official bill text or PDF would be needed.

Maddy summaryThe bill HB 1377 (title: "Relating to the jurisdiction of certain international organizations") lacks available text in the provided context. The bill's content is marked as "not currently available" with a note to refer to a PDF, which isn't accessible here. Recent actions show it was filed in November 2024 and referred to the State Affairs committee in March 2025. Without the actual bill language, no substantive summary of its provisions, affected parties, or policy mechanisms can be provided.