Rep. Angie Button

Maddy summarySB 23 increases the school district homestead tax exemption for elderly (65+) or disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000 of their home's appraised value. This directly affects eligible homeowners who qualify for the exemption and school districts that may lose local tax revenue due to the change. The bill requires the state to provide additional aid to school districts to offset revenue losses from the higher exemption, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The state aid calculation compares current revenue to what would have been collected under the previous exemption amount. The bill was signed into law on June 16, 2025, and is now effective.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill (SB 4) increases the homestead exemption for school district property taxes from $100,000 to $140,000 per homeowner, directly affecting residential property owners. School districts will receive additional state aid to offset revenue losses from this exemption increase, calculated as the difference between current local revenue and what would have been available before the change. The compensation mechanism applies starting with the 2023-2024 school year for the initial exemption increase and will extend to future changes proposed for 2025. This ensures school districts maintain funding stability despite reduced local tax revenue from larger homestead exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 9 creates a property tax exemption for businesses owning tangible personal property (like equipment or inventory) used to generate income. It exempts $125,000 of the appraised value of such property at each location within a taxing unit, regardless of the property's individual value. The exemption applies to all businesses holding income-producing property at a single address, and related businesses operating under a unified enterprise must aggregate their property to calculate the exemption. Additionally, businesses leasing such property receive the full $125,000 exemption for all leased items, even if located across different taxing units.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 1402) commends 40 University of Texas System students who served as interns in Texas legislative offices during the 2025 session. It recognizes their participation in the inaugural UT System Texas Legislative Fellowship Program, which places students in state legislative offices for hands-on experience in policymaking and government operations. The resolution has no policy effect - it is purely ceremonial, honoring the students' service without creating new laws or altering government functions. As a commemorative resolution, it does not directly affect any laws, budgets, or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a legislative bill with policy changes) honoring George L. Cullum III, a Dallas County funeral director, firearms instructor, and reserve sheriff's deputy who died in December 2024. The Texas House of Representatives adopted the resolution to pay tribute to his life, service to families, and legacy, and to extend sympathy to his family. It includes no new laws or policy provisions - only ceremonial recognition. The resolution was formally adopted by the House on June 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (HR 1336) honoring Janice S. Watson Cullum, a Texas resident who passed away on June 19, 2024, at age 94. The resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on June 1, 2025, formally pays tribute to her life and extends sympathy to her family. It directs the House to adjourn in her memory and prepares an official copy for her family. This is a purely ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on any group or law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 755) is a formal tribute by the Texas House of Representatives honoring Janice S. Watson Cullum, a Dallas-born resident of North Texas and Missouri who passed away on June 19, 2024, at age 94. It commemorates her life, family, community involvement, and volunteer work at Christian Care Communities & Services. The resolution extends sympathy to her family and friends and directs that an official copy be provided to them. As a memorial resolution, it has no legislative effect or impact on policy or affected individuals.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring George L. Cullum III, a Dallas County funeral director, firearms instructor, and reserve sheriff's deputy who died in December 2024. The Texas House of Representatives adopted the resolution to express condolences to his family and pay tribute to his 25-year career supporting grieving families and his community service. It directly affects his family, friends, and the Dallas County community he served. The resolution was passed unanimously on June 1, 2025, with a copy to be presented to his family.

Maddy summarySB 1734 establishes a legal presumption that certain documents claiming to transfer real property titles or create liens are fraudulent under Texas law. It specifically targets documents that: (1) mimic court judgments from unrecognized courts/entities, (2) create unauthorized liens, (3) are filed by inmates, or (4) relate to convictions under specific Texas Penal Code sections (Title 7/8) or unchallenged owner affidavits. Property owners can now file a court motion with documentary proof (like a conviction record or uncontroverted affidavit) to challenge such documents in the county where the property is recorded. The bill creates a streamlined process for courts to review these documents and determine if they should be disregarded as fraudulent conveyances, without invalidating legitimate property transfers.

Maddy summaryHB 4 restricts Texas public school districts and campuses from obtaining exemptions or waivers for specific requirements, including graduation standards, school accountability measures under Chapters 39 and 39A, health and safety rules, and programs for special education and bilingual students. The bill explicitly prohibits waivers for federal mandates, essential knowledge/skills, class size limits (except as allowed by law), extracurricular activities, and other key areas listed in the legislation. It also changes the appeal process for challenges to the commissioner's decisions, requiring appeals to be filed in Travis County district court with specific procedural steps. This bill directly affects school districts, the Texas Education Agency, and individuals seeking to challenge educational decisions.