Rep. Aicha Davis

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 20, 2025, as "University of North Texas at Dallas Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It formally recognizes UNT Dallas as a public university serving over 3,600 students - including 70% first-generation undergraduates - and highlights its role in providing affordable education, supporting social mobility, and preparing graduates for high-demand careers in North Texas. The resolution has no policy changes or funding provisions; it solely expresses legislative appreciation through a ceremonial designation.

Maddy summaryHB 3266 prohibits Texas public school districts from charging fees for late student drop-offs or pickups at school campuses. This bill directly affects school districts and families who might otherwise face charges for tardy arrivals or departures. It amends the Education Code to add a specific prohibition in Section 11.158(b)(9), explicitly stating districts cannot charge for these late arrivals. The law would take effect for the 2025-2026 school year. This change ensures no financial penalty is imposed for timing related to student transportation.

Maddy summaryHB 3026 expands fee coverage for driver education and license exams to three specific student groups: foster youth (who were in state conservatorship on their 18th birthday), homeless youth (per federal definition), and educationally disadvantaged students. The Texas Workforce Commission will pay associated fees for qualifying students meeting these criteria, removing financial barriers to driver's license requirements. This amendment to Transportation Code Section 521.168 applies to students under age 26 who meet one of the three eligibility categories. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025. It directly affects students in these categories seeking driver's license qualifications without requiring additional state funding.

Maddy summaryHB 3025 requires public school districts that permit corporal punishment as student discipline to obtain written parental consent before using it. Parents or guardians must provide separate annual written consent for each child, which remains effective until revoked or the student graduates/leaves the district. Schools may require annual renewal of this consent, and parents can revoke permission anytime during the school year. The law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year and directly affects school districts using corporal punishment and the families of enrolled students.

Maddy summaryHB 3267 amends Texas Penal Code sections 9.31 and 9.32 to clarify when force or deadly force is legally justified in defending oneself. It creates a presumption of reasonableness if a person uses force against someone who: (1) unlawfully enters/tries to enter their home, vehicle, or workplace; (2) unlawfully removes them from such locations; or (3) is committing serious crimes like murder or sexual assault. The law requires the person using force did not provoke the situation and was not engaged in criminal activity (except minor traffic violations). This bill affects anyone claiming self-defense in Texas and applies only to offenses committed on or after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 520) formally recognizes March 18, 2025, as "Blue and White Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, acknowledging their shared history and community service efforts. The resolution welcomes their delegations to the Capitol and directs the Texas House of Representatives to provide an official copy to the organizations as a gesture of recognition. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or direct legal effects.

Maddy summaryHB 2662 creates new requirements for issuing "no-knock" warrants (where police enter a property without announcing their presence). It limits such warrants to cases involving violent offenses where non-no-knock entry would risk death, serious injury, or evidence destruction. Magistrates must be licensed attorneys (or from a neighboring county if unavailable), and warrants must require officers to be identifiable in uniform and use body cameras that remain active for 15 minutes after securing the scene or until officers leave the premises. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies and judges issuing these high-risk search warrants in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 2526 requires Texas public school districts to establish a minimum one-week grace period for students with exhausted or insufficient balances on prepaid meal cards. During this period, students may continue receiving standard school meals without fees by accumulating negative balances or receiving district credit. School districts must make at least three private attempts to notify parents about the balance issue, assist with free/reduced-price meal applications, and arrange payment plans. After the grace period, districts must continue providing free meals to qualifying students if payment isn't secured, and may use private donations to cover unpaid balances.

Maddy summaryHB 1889 amends Texas school finance rules to change how "average enrollment" is calculated for funding purposes. It replaces "daily attendance" with a standardized enrollment calculation method, affecting all Texas public school districts receiving state funding. Key provisions include: allowing districts to use the prior year's enrollment if enrollment drops due to military base closures, and permitting limited adjustments for districts impacted by disasters or large numbers of migratory students. The bill ensures districts with enrollment declines not tied to military bases receive funding based on up to 98% of their prior year's enrollment. These changes directly impact school funding allocations across Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 2045 automatically clears arrest records for individuals acquitted of crimes in Texas, eliminating the need for them to file a separate request. The bill requires courts to issue expunction orders within 30 days of acquittal (or as soon as practicable for past cases) without requiring the person to initiate the process. It directly affects people who were tried and found not guilty, ensuring their records are expunged without further action from them. The law applies retroactively to all acquittals before, on, or after its effective date (September 1, 2025), streamlining the process for clearing criminal records.