Rep. Angie Button

Maddy summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 3976 waives license renewal fees for faculty members teaching in high-demand licensed professions at Texas public colleges and universities. It specifically applies to instructors in fields like nursing, pharmacy, engineering, plumbing, electrical work, and certain teaching roles (e.g., bilingual education), as defined in the bill. The waiver eliminates the standard renewal fee for these educators when they teach in their licensed field, reducing costs for public institutions. The policy takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 3177 would grant peace officer status to investigators working for municipal inspector general offices in Texas cities. This change would allow these investigators to exercise authority such as making arrests under state law, which they currently cannot do. The bill directly affects municipal inspector general offices and their investigators in cities that have established such offices. It amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to explicitly add "investigators of a municipal office of inspector general" to the list of peace officers.

Maddy summaryThis law sets requirements for shareholder proposals at major publicly traded companies with Texas ties (those headquartered in Texas or listed on Texas-based exchanges). To submit a proposal, shareholders must hold $1 million in stock value or 3% of voting shares for six continuous months and secure support from 67% of shareholders. It excludes director nominations and routine procedural votes from these rules. Companies must include these proposal requirements in shareholder voting materials. The law applies only to corporations that voluntarily adopt it through their bylaws.

Maddy summarySB 522 amends Texas law to establish new pathways for out-of-state certified public accountants (CPAs) to obtain certification in Texas. It allows qualifying out-of-state CPAs to bypass certain Texas-specific requirements if they meet one of three criteria: holding a license from a state with comparable standards (verified by NASBA), meeting Texas' historical licensing rules, or having four years of relevant post-exam experience. The bill also requires these professionals to fulfill Texas' continuing education requirements for the three years preceding their application. This law, effective September 1, 2025, directly affects out-of-state CPAs seeking to practice in Texas without re-taking the full state licensing process.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the economic and cultural partnership between Texas and Québec, recognizing their strong trade relationship (with $71.3 billion in trade in 2022) and shared interests in sectors like aerospace and technology. It expresses legislative support for deepening cooperation, particularly highlighting Québec’s government office in Houston and recent high-level meetings. As a ceremonial resolution - not a law with binding provisions - it does not create new policy or directly affect any group. The bill was adopted by the Texas House on May 16, 2025, as a symbolic gesture of bipartisan appreciation for this longstanding partnership.

Maddy summaryHB 3191 creates a franchise tax credit for Texas businesses that contribute to employee child-care costs and establishes an Employer Child-Care Contribution Partnership Program. The bill requires the Texas Workforce Commission to maintain a website with resources for employers on child care access, including tax credits, dependent care savings accounts, and best practices. It authorizes a state match for employer contributions to help fund high-quality child care for working parents. The bill directly affects taxable businesses making qualifying child-care contributions and their employee parents seeking affordable care. It also mandates a study on child care access and availability across the state.