Rep. Rhetta Bowers

Maddy summaryHB 1432 prevents homeowner associations (HOAs) from banning or restricting specific water- and eco-friendly landscaping practices in their rules. It directly affects HOAs and homeowners by prohibiting restrictions on composting vegetation, installing rain barrels or rainwater systems, using efficient drip irrigation, and choosing drought-resistant or water-conserving turf instead of traditional grass. The bill allows HOAs to still regulate details like composting device placement, rain barrel color, or gravel use, but not the core conservation practices themselves. This changes how HOAs can enforce landscaping rules to support water conservation.

Maddy summaryHB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia and related disorders. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and other eligible organizations for research into dementia causes, prevention strategies, treatments, and symptom mitigation. It establishes oversight committees to manage grants, ensure compliance, and requires annual public reports detailing funded projects and recipients. The institute is set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless extended under Texas Sunset Act procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1331 changes high school graduation requirements in Texas public schools for students entering 9th grade in the 2025-2026 school year or later. It mandates specific course credits: 4 in English (including English III and an advanced course), 3 in math (Algebra I, Geometry, and advanced), 3 in science (Biology plus two advanced options), 3 in social studies (US history, government/economics, and world geography/history), 2 in a foreign language, plus 5 electives, 1 fine arts credit, and 1 physical education credit. The bill applies only to new ninth graders starting in 2025-2026, while current students follow existing rules. It does not change funding or teacher requirements, focusing solely on standardized course completion for graduation.

Maddy summaryHJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. The bill would transfer $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026, for research, prevention, and treatment of dementia and related disorders. The institute would award grants to Texas research institutions, medical facilities, and collaboratives to develop treatments, prevention programs, and address access to care. This initiative directly affects Texans living with dementia and their families, as well as researchers and healthcare providers in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 would establish a Texas-issued currency backed by physical gold and silver held in a state-managed depository. It authorizes the comptroller to create this currency, representing specific fractions of a troy ounce of gold or silver, and requires it to function as legal tender for debt payments. The bill mandates electronic transfer capabilities for the currency and designates the Texas Bullion Depository as the exclusive issuer. It also authorizes a fee to cover administrative costs, though specific fee amounts are not detailed in the provided text. This bill is procedural in nature, creating a new currency framework rather than altering existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 515 requires Texas public school districts to adopt written policies banning student use of personal electronic devices (like smartphones) during school hours. Students must store devices in lockable containers provided by the district, with exceptions for medical needs requiring written documentation from a healthcare provider. Districts must also report on policy effectiveness to the Texas Education Agency, including impacts on student behavior, mental health, and feedback from students and staff. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 161) is a formal expression of congratulations from the Texas House of Representatives to Beyoncé for winning three Grammy Awards at the 2025 ceremony: Album of the Year, Country Album of the Year for *Cowboy Carter*, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (with Miley Cyrus). It recognizes her historic achievements as the first Black woman to win Album of the Year since 1999 and the first Black artist to win Country Album of the Year. The resolution does not create any new laws or affect any policies; it solely honors her accomplishments.