Rep. Joanne Shofner

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) congratulating the Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) timbersports team for winning the 2025 Southern Forestry Conclave. It specifically recognizes their victory - securing 19th program championship, a 7-title win streak, and 263.5 points - with highlights of individual athlete achievements like Holly Parkin’s record-breaking crosscut time. The resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, formally extends congratulations to the team and coaching staff and will provide them with an official copy as a token of appreciation. It has no legal effect or policy impact beyond ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 988 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Texas House of Representatives congratulating Dr. Neal Weaver on his appointment as president of Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA). The resolution formally recognizes Dr. Weaver's leadership experience, academic background, and achievements in higher education, including his prior roles at Georgia Southwestern State University and other institutions. It expresses the House's support for his leadership of SFA as part of The University of Texas System, with no policy changes or financial impact. This resolution serves solely as a formal expression of goodwill to Dr. Weaver and the SFA community.

Maddy summarySB 1524 prohibits child-placing agencies and state departments from requiring foster homes to disclose specific types of firearms present in their homes or to report changes in firearm types. It also restricts agencies from using any existing firearm information for purposes beyond verifying weapon presence, and mandates that such information remains confidential under Texas law. Violations by agencies could result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per incident, enforceable by the attorney general. The bill directly affects foster care agencies, state departments, and foster parents by limiting how firearm information is handled and shared. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

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 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 610 limits severance payments to school superintendents in Texas school districts to no more than six months' salary and benefits. It requires school boards to report such payments to the state commissioner and mandates that any amount exceeding this cap reduces the district's state education funding. The law applies only to severance agreements entered into on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025), leaving pre-existing agreements unaffected. This bill directly affects school districts and superintendents by setting a clear financial boundary for termination payments and linking them to state funding.

Maddy summaryHB 3087 allows Texas counties to restrict registered sex offenders (level 2 or 3) from approaching child safety zones - such as schools, daycares, playgrounds, or youth centers - in unincorporated county areas. Counties can set distance limits (up to 1,000 feet) via commissioners court order, with exemptions for legitimate purposes like transporting children or work. Violating these orders is a Class C misdemeanor. The bill specifically applies to unincorporated areas, not incorporated cities, and exempts offenders already living within the restricted distance before the order takes effect.

Maddy summarySJR 34 proposes adding Section 37 to the Texas Constitution to affirm parents' inherent right to make decisions about their children's upbringing, including care, custody, and control. It states the state cannot interfere with these parental rights unless the interference is essential for a compelling government interest and narrowly tailored to achieve that interest. If passed, this constitutional amendment would require voter approval in the November 2025 election, with the ballot phrased as supporting "parents as the primary decision-makers for their children." The bill directly affects parents' legal authority over child-rearing decisions and sets new constitutional limits on state intervention.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows authorized caregivers (like foster parents or guardians) to cover costs for out-of-network medical care - such as specialists outside Medicaid networks - for children in foster care. It requires caregivers to notify the child's caseworker within 10 business days of assuming responsibility, while ensuring the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services remains non-liable unless a court orders otherwise. The law preserves foster children’s access to Medicaid benefits and does not affect parental rights or court authority to mandate department coverage. It became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 1998 establishes a statewide pediatric subspecialty preceptorship program for medical students in Texas. The program, administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, connects students interested in pediatric subspecialties (like pediatric cardiology or oncology) with training opportunities through eligible organizations - such as tax-exempt nonprofits or accredited Texas medical schools. To participate, students must indicate a career interest in a pediatric subspecialty, and the program begins for the 2025-2026 academic year. This bill directly affects medical students at Texas medical schools pursuing specialized pediatric careers, creating a structured pathway to gain clinical experience in high-demand pediatric fields.