Rep. Joanne Shofner

Maddy summaryHB 141 establishes that a Texas state legislator (senator or representative) must vacate their office if absent from all legislative sessions for seven consecutive days without approved leave from their chamber. The rule applies only to days when the legislature is actively meeting, and does not affect absences with prior approval. This bill sets a clear threshold for automatic vacancy due to extended absence, without altering existing policies for approved leave. The rule would take effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote, or 91 days after the legislative session if not.

Maddy summaryHB 4 establishes new congressional district boundaries for Texas voters to be used in the 2026 U.S. House elections. It adopts the PLANC2308 redistricting plan based on 2020 Census data (TIGER/Line Shapefiles) to define district lines. The bill replaces all prior Texas congressional district maps, including those from 2021, and applies to elections starting with the 120th Congress (2026). This is a procedural redistricting bill directly affecting Texas residents' voting districts for federal elections beginning in 2026.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 57) is a symbolic gesture by the Texas House of Representatives to commemorate the 75th anniversary of St. John's Episcopal Church in Carthage, which was founded in 1950. It does not create new laws or policies; instead, it formally recognizes the church's history and achievements. The resolution includes a statement of appreciation and directs that an official copy be provided to the church as a token of respect. It directly affects St. John's Episcopal Church congregation by honoring their milestone anniversary.

Maddy summaryHR 58 is a memorial resolution passed by the Texas House of Representatives to honor Dale Alan Nixon, who died on June 19, 2025. The resolution commemorates his life as a Corpus Christi businessman (founder of Hunting International and LandtitleUSA, Inc.), rancher (owner of Nixon Beefmasters), and devoted family man. It extends condolences to his family, including his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter, and resolves to adjourn the session in his memory. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy.

Maddy summaryHB 218 modifies Texas groundwater permit rules for large transfers outside a conservation district's boundaries. It requires districts to obtain approval from at least two-thirds of other districts in the management area (with each district voting by majority) before issuing permits for wells producing 25,000+ gallons of groundwater daily outside their boundaries. The bill also clarifies that transfers for potable water supply within a utility's service area (if part is inside the district) and emergency interconnects between utilities are not considered "outside" transfers. These changes apply only to permits issued after the bill's effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryHB 217 creates legal immunity for groundwater conservation districts in Texas when they restrict well production. The bill states that districts cannot be held liable for damages resulting from actions like enforcing water rules, issuing permits, or limiting well output. This applies specifically to cases where the legal claim arises after the bill becomes effective. The law directly affects groundwater districts (which manage local water resources) and well owners who might otherwise sue over production restrictions.

Maddy summaryHCR 6 designates Newton County as the official Forest Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. The resolution highlights the county's natural resources, including the Sabine National Forest, Big Thicket National Preserve, and popular fishing areas like the Sabine River and Toledo Bend Reservoir, as the basis for the designation. This non-binding ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes Newton County's role in promoting forest conservation and outdoor recreation.

Maddy summaryHB 173 prohibits political subdivisions (like cities, counties, or school districts) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that primarily represent such entities and hire lobbyists. It specifically bans spending public money to: (1) contract with registered lobbyists, or (2) support organizations that hire registered lobbyists for legislative advocacy. Exceptions include activities by sheriffs' associations, employees providing basic information to legislators, or nonprofits offering bill tracking or non-lobbying legislative services. The bill allows taxpayers to seek court injunctions and recover legal fees if a subdivision violates these restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 128 establishes a $1,000 annual grant program for eligible Texas teachers to purchase classroom supplies through an online account system managed by the comptroller. It directly affects certified teachers employed full-time (at least four hours daily) in public school districts or charter schools. Teachers may use funds for classroom supplies or professional development costs, with unused balances rolling over to the next school year. The program begins for the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 106 requires the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to partner with U.S. Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct DNA testing via rapid tests on individuals crossing the Texas-Mexico border between ports of entry who are detained by DHS and suspected of human trafficking offenses under Texas Penal Code Chapter 20A. The bill mandates DPS destroy all biological samples after testing and prohibits DPS from maintaining a DNA database, entering results into federal CODIS systems, or searching existing DNA databases. DHS must cover all costs for this program, and any agreement between DPS and DHS must include these destruction and prohibition requirements. The law directly affects DPS operations, DHS enforcement, and individuals detained for suspected trafficking-related activity.