Rep. Joanne Shofner

Maddy summaryHB 2458 adds a new defense for people accused of aggravated assault in Texas. It allows a defendant to claim they threatened to use a deadly weapon if two conditions were met: the threat would have been justified under self-defense law (Chapter 9 of the Penal Code), and they reasonably believed the threat was immediately necessary to defend against another person’s unlawful force or deadly force. This defense only applies to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. The bill modifies Texas law to clarify when threatening to use a weapon can be part of a valid self-defense claim in aggravated assault cases.

Maddy summaryHB 3637 allows Texas counties to create property tax exemptions for the portion of a home’s value tied to qualifying water conservation systems, such as rainwater harvesting or graywater systems. Homeowners who install these systems would see reduced property taxes, with the exemption applying to all taxing entities (like cities, school districts, and counties) that collect taxes on the property. The county commissioners court must adopt the exemption via order, and it would only take effect for tax years starting January 1, 2026, if voters approve a related constitutional amendment. This policy directly affects property owners installing eligible systems and the taxing units collecting taxes on those properties.

Maddy summaryHB 170 creates civil immunity for individuals who use or threaten to use force or deadly force that is justified under Texas Penal Code Chapter 9 (e.g., self-defense or defense of others). It protects such individuals from civil lawsuits seeking damages for personal injury or death resulting from their justified actions. The bill also requires courts to award defendants who win immunity claims reasonable attorney fees, court costs, and related expenses. It repeals Section 9.06 of the Penal Code and applies only to cases occurring on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3507 amends Texas Penal Code Section 31.03 to reclassify theft offenses based on the property's value and specific circumstances, directly affecting anyone committing theft in Texas. It establishes tiered penalties: Class C misdemeanor for theft under $100, Class B misdemeanor for $100-$750 (or prior theft convictions), Class A misdemeanor for $750-$2,500, state jail felony for $2,500-$30,000 (or theft of firearms, driver's licenses, catalytic converters, or ballots), and third-degree felony for $30,000+ or repeated thefts. Key provisions include stricter penalties for theft of specific items like catalytic converters (valued under $30,000), firearms, or election materials, and higher penalties for repeat offenders. The bill changes sentencing outcomes without altering the definition of theft itself.

Maddy summaryHB 5577 designates a portion of State Highway 315 in Panola County as the "Hamby-Webb Memorial Highway" to commemorate two individuals (named in the bill's title). The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the highway segment and at appropriate intermediate locations, including information about the memorial designation. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes to transportation laws or funding. The bill does not directly affect any residents, businesses, or government programs, as it only alters highway signage. The designation will take effect September 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 4626 requires Texas municipalities to hold a public hearing at least 90 days before converting municipal properties for homeless housing, with notice mailed to all nearby residents and businesses within a one-mile radius at least 36 hours in advance. It directly affects city councils and local governments planning such conversions, mandating transparency before proceeding. The bill includes an exception for temporary housing during natural disasters or emergencies and allows affected neighbors to seek court orders to stop non-compliant conversions. This law applies only to conversions starting on or after its effective date, which would be September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote.

Maddy summaryHB 2587 requires Texas hospitals to report costs of providing care to patients without legal immigration status. Hospitals must ask about immigration status during intake (without affecting care) and submit quarterly data on costs and financial impact to a state agency. The agency then compiles an annual report for lawmakers by November 1, detailing total costs and how these expenses affected hospitals. This applies to all Texas hospitals serving patients who were not lawfully present at the time of care, focusing on transparency about uncompensated care expenses.

Maddy summaryHJR 99 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize Texas lawmakers to exempt animal feed held by businesses for retail sale from ad valorem property taxes. If approved by voters, this would allow the legislature to create a specific tax exemption for tangible personal property (physical animal feed) owned by sellers for resale. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election and does not automatically create the exemption - future legislation would need to implement it. This directly affects feed retailers and agricultural businesses that hold animal feed inventory for sale.

Maddy summaryHB 2284 requires music therapists in Texas to obtain a state license to practice, adding them to the list of regulated professions under the Texas Occupations Code. The bill places music therapists under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), authorizing the department to collect fees for licensing applications and renewals. This directly affects licensed music therapists seeking to practice legally in Texas, as it establishes a mandatory credentialing process. The legislation aligns music therapists with other health-related professions like dietitians and midwives, which already require state licensing.

Maddy summaryHB 3227 establishes rules for changing monuments or memorials on Texas state property. It requires a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers to remove, relocate, or alter monuments that have stood for 25 years or more, while allowing state agencies to make changes to newer monuments (under 25 years) through their own governing bodies. The bill specifically defines "monument or memorial" to include statues, plaques, and named places honoring historical events or individuals. It directly affects state agencies managing public monuments and the Texas legislature when handling older memorials. The bill also authorizes civil penalties for violations of these rules.