Rep. Joanne Shofner

Maddy summaryHB 4705 requires a judge to disqualify a district or county attorney from prosecuting election law violations if they consistently refuse to pursue such cases under a policy. It allows the Texas Attorney General to step in and prosecute these cases when local prosecutors are disqualified. The law applies only to election offenses committed on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025), not past violations. This changes how election-related criminal cases are handled by shifting prosecution authority to the Attorney General when local offices have a pattern of inaction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas's attorney general to prosecute criminal election law violations if local prosecutors do not act within six months. It mandates that law enforcement agencies send election crime reports to both local prosecutors and the attorney general simultaneously. The attorney general must then take over prosecution if local officials fail to initiate proceedings within six months of receiving the report. This applies to offenses under Texas election law, such as voter fraud or ballot tampering, and takes effect September 1, 2025. The law changes the attorney general's role from optional ("may") to mandatory ("shall") for these cases.

Maddy summaryHJR 190 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit Texas House members to 12 consecutive years in office and Texas Senate members to 14 consecutive years. The amendment would apply only to future service in the same chamber and not affect current legislators. If approved by voters in the November 2025 election, it would prevent any individual from serving beyond these consecutive term limits. The measure does not alter current terms or apply to service across different offices.

Maddy summaryHB 3455 requires manufacturers of experimental drugs or devices (including those approved for emergency use by the FDA) to provide clear, summary disclosures about potential health risks to purchasers. Purchasers must then give this disclosure directly to end consumers in person, and providers may only sell the product if someone capable of giving informed consent signs the form. Consumers who don’t receive proper disclosure can sue manufacturers for damages, including pain and suffering, punitive damages, and legal fees. The law applies only to cases occurring on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to clarify that Texas's Attorney General has the same authority as county or district attorneys to prosecute criminal violations of election laws. It would amend Article IV, Section 22 of the Texas Constitution to explicitly state the Attorney General shares "concurrent jurisdiction" with local prosecutors for election-related crimes. The amendment directly affects election law violators and defines the legal roles of state and local prosecutors. If approved by voters in November 2025, it would formalize an existing practice without changing election laws themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 17 would prohibit citizens of designated countries (China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or others named by the governor) from purchasing real property in Texas. It creates criminal penalties for violations, making such purchases illegal under state law. Exceptions apply to U.S. citizens, lawful residents, and businesses owned by them. The law would override existing property rights for these foreign buyers, directly affecting individuals and entities from designated countries seeking to buy land in Texas.

Maddy summaryHR 482 is a resolution honoring Winfred A. Simmons for his 50+ year career as a school athletics coach in East Texas. It recognizes his service at Ralph Bunche High School (1966) and Lufkin Independent School District (since 1974), where he coached basketball, football, track, and powerlifting teams, leading to multiple state championships and district titles. The resolution formally expresses the Texas House of Representatives' appreciation for his dedication and mentorship of student-athletes. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal recognition of his contributions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. HR 542 formally recognizes March 11, 2025, as "Panola County Day" at the Texas State Capitol. The resolution honors Panola County's history, cultural heritage, and community contributions through symbolic recognition, with no policy changes or direct impacts on residents or laws. It was adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on March 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 531) commemorates the 88th anniversary of the 1937 New London, Texas, school explosion, which killed nearly 300 people. It honors the victims and recognizes the upcoming Day of Remembrance event hosted by the West Rusk Alumni Association and New London Museum on March 18, 2025. The resolution directs the Texas House of Representatives to send official copies to these organizations as a gesture of respect. It does not create new laws or policies, as it is a purely commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryHB 4349 prohibits Texas public universities from providing funding to student organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Specifically, it bans funding for groups that adopt DEI policies, host DEI-related events, have dedicated DEI officers, or promote such initiatives. The bill defines DEI initiatives as efforts providing differential treatment or special benefits based on race, color, or ethnicity. This law applies to all public higher education institutions starting the 2025-2026 academic year.