Rep. Joanne Shofner

Maddy summaryHB 52, titled the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires certain facilities - including restrooms, locker rooms, shelters, correctional facilities, and colleges - to be designated for use based on biological sex (male or female) as defined by reproductive anatomy. The bill authorizes civil penalties for violations and allows private lawsuits to enforce compliance. It specifically applies to "multiple-occupancy private spaces" like shared restrooms and "family violence shelters," but excludes state agencies. The law defines "female" as individuals with a reproductive system for egg production and "male" as those with a system for sperm production.

Maddy summaryHB 126 requires the Texas Attorney General to prosecute certain election-related criminal offenses if local prosecutors fail to act within six months. Specifically, if a law enforcement agency submits a report of an election crime to both a local prosecutor and the Attorney General, and the local prosecutor hasn't initiated charges within six months, the Attorney General must take over the case. This applies only to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date (91 days after the legislative session ends), and affects election crime defendants, local prosecutors, and the Attorney General's office. The bill amends existing election and government codes to clarify this prosecution duty and allow the Attorney General to direct local prosecutors to assist.

Maddy summaryHB 167 restricts local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofits that lobby on their behalf. It prohibits spending taxpayer money to contract with registered lobbyists or support organizations representing local governments that employ lobbyists, though exceptions exist for direct communication by government employees or advocacy by elected officials. The bill allows reimbursement for travel expenses related to permitted activities and lets taxpayers sue to stop violations and recover legal fees. It directly affects how local governments allocate public funds for legislative advocacy efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 115 restricts Texas local governments (like cities and counties) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay organizations that hire lobbyists to influence state legislation. The bill specifically prohibits spending public money to contract with registered lobbyists or fund associations primarily representing local governments if those associations employ registered lobbyists, with exceptions for sheriffs' associations and certain staff activities. It allows local government employees to provide information to lawmakers, advocate for policies without registering as lobbyists, and cover direct travel expenses for such activities. Taxpayers or residents can sue to stop prohibited spending and recover legal fees if they win the case. The law aims to prevent public funds from being used to directly lobby the state legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 95 establishes minimum training and certification standards for Emergency Management Coordinators in Texas counties with populations over 500,000. It requires these coordinators, appointed by Emergency Management Directors, to meet qualifications set by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The bill directly affects county emergency management staff in larger jurisdictions who handle disaster response coordination. Key provisions mandate that coordinators' qualifications be defined through division rules, ensuring standardized emergency management capacity across qualifying counties.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Governor Greg Abbott to return federal reconciliation funds to Texas taxpayers by implementing property tax relief. The Texas House of Representatives passed this non-binding resolution to formally request the Governor use the funds for property tax cuts, directing the chief clerk to forward a copy to the Governor's office. It does not require legal action or change existing tax policy, as resolutions like this serve only as a formal expression of legislative opinion.

Maddy summaryHB 162 prohibits political subdivisions (like cities or counties) from using eminent domain to acquire property outside their own boundaries. The bill adds a new provision (Section 2206.003) to the Government Code stating that political subdivisions "may not take through eminent domain public or private property located outside the political subdivision's boundaries." This directly affects local governments seeking to acquire land for projects beyond their jurisdictional limits. The law creates a clear restriction on eminent domain use, overriding prior allowances that permitted such acquisitions outside boundaries.

Maddy summaryHB 136 requires specific training for school board trustees, candidates for school board positions, judges, court personnel, and government officials handling open meetings. It mandates that training must cover open meetings laws, including meeting procedures, notice requirements, and penalties for noncompliance, and be research-based for school boards. Providers must certify completion, and at least one free training option must be available via video or similar medium. The bill updates existing law to standardize training content and accessibility across multiple government roles.

Maddy summaryHB 130 requires the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to perform rapid DNA tests (using buccal swabs) on individuals detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Texas-Mexico border who are suspected of human trafficking offenses under Texas Penal Code Chapter 20A. The bill mandates that DPS destroy all biological samples after testing and prohibits Texas from storing DNA results in any database or sharing them with federal systems like CODIS. Results may only be provided to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for immigration enforcement purposes. The program requires DHS funding to operate and explicitly bans Texas from building a DNA database or using the results for any purpose beyond federal immigration enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 143 requires that local governments hold elections to authorize bond issuances on the standard November uniform election date, rather than other dates. It prohibits holding such elections as emergency elections and overrides any existing law requiring a different date for bond elections. This directly affects counties, cities, and school districts that issue bonds for projects like infrastructure or facilities. The change applies only to elections ordered after the bill's effective date (91 days after the legislative session ends).