Rep. Joanne Shofner

Maddy summarySB 530 limits how many credit hours Texas public colleges and universities can require students to complete for associate and bachelor's degrees beyond the minimum set by their institution's accrediting agency. It ensures students transferring between public institutions receive credit for completed courses in similar programs, unless required by their accrediting agency. The bill also requires universities to maintain accreditation by a recognized agency to operate as general academic institutions. These changes apply to all public higher education institutions in Texas and take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHCR 109 is a concurrent resolution authorizing the State Preservation Board to approve constructing a replica of the National Life Monument at the Texas State Capitol Complex. The resolution specifies the monument must be placed outside historic Capitol grounds, comply with existing laws (including private funding and size limitations), and follow board procedures. It directly affects the State Preservation Board’s approval process and the public, who would gain access to the monument. As a procedural resolution (not a bill), it does not create new laws but facilitates a specific monument installation.

Maddy summaryHB 4882 requires Texas birthing facilities to test every newborn or infant for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) - a virus that can cause hearing loss or developmental delays - before hospital discharge, alongside existing hearing screenings. This applies to all infants born at the facility unless parents decline the test, the infant is transferred to another facility, the test was already done, or the infant was discharged within 10 hours with a referral made. The law updates Texas Health and Safety Code Section 47.003 to include CMV testing under the newborn screening program, with data tracked by the state health department. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects newborns, parents, and birthing facilities across Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 4234 requires Texas public colleges and universities to add the average or median grade for each class directly next to a student's individual grade on their transcript. It applies to letter-graded classes with more than 10 students, excluding pass/fail courses and very small classes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will create rules to implement this transparency requirement, effective starting the 2025 fall semester. The bill aims to provide students with clear data on how their grades compare to class performance.

Maddy summaryHB 2638 designates Farm-to-Market Road 10 in Panola County as the "Deputy Sheriff Chris Dickerson Memorial Highway" under Texas Transportation Code. The bill requires the state transportation department to install markers at both ends of the road and at appropriate intermediate locations along its route. This commemorative designation, honoring a specific deputy sheriff, does not alter road maintenance or create new transportation policies. It is a standard memorial road designation with no other substantive provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1794 amends Texas law to permit licensed handgun carriers to carry concealed handguns on polling place premises during elections or early voting. It specifically allows holders of valid concealed handgun licenses (CHL) to possess only a concealed handgun at these locations, provided no other weapons are carried. The bill removes the current prohibition against concealed weapons at polling places for CHL holders, aligning with existing exceptions for other locations like schools. This change directly affects licensed handgun carriers participating in elections but does not permit open carry or other weapons. The amendment modifies Section 46.03(a)(2) of the Penal Code to create this specific exception.

Maddy summaryHB 3231 increases criminal penalties for human trafficking in Texas by expanding the definition of the offense. The bill specifically prohibits trafficking children or disabled individuals for forced labor or services without requiring the trafficker to know the victim's age or disability status. It also broadens the offense to include trafficking that results in prohibited acts like prostitution or sexual abuse, and receiving benefits from such trafficking ventures. These changes directly affect traffickers who exploit vulnerable victims, raising penalties for these expanded scenarios under Texas law.

Maddy summaryHB 3626 modifies the First Responder Advisory Council by requiring a justice of the peace or medical examiner (representing coroners) to serve as a dedicated member. It also expands eligibility for state benefits and awards to include 10 specific public safety roles, such as peace officers at private colleges, certain correctional staff, and emergency medical personnel. The bill adds coroners as a formal sector on the council and broadens the list of qualifying individuals beyond current law. These changes directly affect council composition and the range of first responders eligible for state support.

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.