Rep. Joanne Shofner

Maddy summaryHJR 15 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing judges to deny bail to individuals accused of specific serious crimes - including first-degree sexual offenses, violent offenses, or continuous human trafficking - pending trial. Judges may deny bail only after a hearing where they find, by clear and convincing evidence, that bail would not ensure the defendant’s court appearance or community safety. The amendment requires judges to issue a written order detailing their findings and reasoning. It does not restrict defendants’ rights to challenge bail denials under existing law and specifies that judges must consider standard bail factors when making decisions. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the 2025 election.

Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, contain only the specific text listed in the bill (including the full biblical wording), and be legible from any point in the classroom. Schools may accept privately donated displays meeting these requirements or use district funds to purchase compliant displays if needed. This law applies to all public schools and explicitly states they cannot claim exemption from this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 2532 amends Texas law to clarify definitions for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. The bill updates licensing definitions in the Occupations Code and authorizes a fee related to these regulations. It directly affects APRNs seeking or maintaining licensure and the Texas Board of Nursing, which oversees their regulation. The key provision standardizes terminology for nursing practice definitions but does not expand APRN scope of practice or prescribe new clinical duties. This is a procedural bill focused on regulatory clarity and fee authorization, not substantive practice changes.

Maddy summaryHB 296 would allow physicians licensed or educated in foreign countries to obtain medical licenses in our state under specific conditions. The bill aims to streamline the process for qualified international medical graduates to practice medicine here, directly affecting foreign-trained physicians seeking licensure. Key provisions would establish standardized requirements for credential evaluation and potentially reduce barriers to certification. This bill is currently pending in the Public Health committee after recent hearings. (Note: Full bill text is unavailable in the provided context; this summary reflects the title and committee status only.)

Maddy summaryHJR 118 is a Texas legislative resolution applying to Congress to call an Article V constitutional convention. It specifically requests a convention limited to proposing a constitutional amendment that would restrict members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to a maximum number of terms. The resolution directs Texas officials to transmit copies to Congress and other states, seeking to aggregate Texas's application with similar efforts from other states to reach the required two-thirds threshold. This is a procedural step only - it does not change term limits but aims to initiate the process for a potential constitutional amendment.

Maddy summaryHB 2552 prohibits tolls on highway segments that were part of a terminated comprehensive development agreement between a toll project entity (like a private toll company) and the state. It directly affects toll project entities and drivers using those highway sections, preventing them from charging tolls after such agreements end. The bill amends the Texas Transportation Code to explicitly state that tolls cannot be charged on any part of the project covered by a terminated agreement. This creates a clear, immediate policy change without new fees or complex processes.

Maddy summaryHB 2503 requires Texas voter registrars to submit voter registration data to the secretary of state on an expedited basis, with specific procedures ensuring they collect and report the correct month, day, and year of birth for each registered voter. This bill directly affects local election officials responsible for maintaining voter registration records. The key provision mandates that electronic submission processes must verify accurate birth date information, reducing errors in the statewide voter registration list. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2572 prohibits Texas public libraries (including school libraries) from using public funds to support the American Library Association (ALA). The bill bans libraries from becoming ALA members, attending ALA events, or providing any financial support to the association, directly affecting all public libraries receiving state or local taxpayer funds. This restriction applies only to expenditures made on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect existing contracts entered into before that date. The legislation is a direct policy change limiting library funding choices under Texas law.

Maddy summaryHB 2547 bans manufacturers and dealers from producing or selling new motor vehicles equipped with remote vehicle disabling technology (any software, hardware, or device that can disable a vehicle when activated). The bill specifically excludes ignition interlock devices used for DUI offenses. It prohibits these actions starting January 1, 2026, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects vehicle manufacturers and dealers in Texas who would otherwise sell vehicles with such technology.

Maddy summaryHB 930 requires the Texas National Guard to obtain specific Congressional action before being activated for active combat duty. It mandates that such activation can only occur if the U.S. Congress either officially declares war (per Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution) or takes other official action authorized under Clause 15 of the same section. The bill directly affects the Texas National Guard and the governor, who must ensure compliance with this requirement. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and establishes a clear constitutional threshold for combat deployments.