Rep. Cas Garcia Hernandez

Maddy summaryHB 50 requires healthcare providers to obtain patient consent before conducting blood screening tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and to inform patients they can opt out of the test. If a screening test is positive, providers must offer information about available healthcare, prevention, and support services. The bill applies to all medical screenings for STDs in Texas and takes effect January 1, 2026, after the Health and Human Services Commission adopts implementing rules. It does not change existing testing protocols but adds a consent requirement and post-positive support obligation for providers.

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 summaryThis Texas concurrent resolution urges Congress to preserve Sections 45U, 45Y, and 48E of the federal tax code, which provide tax incentives for nuclear and natural gas energy projects. It directly addresses Texas' energy sector, which relies on these provisions to maintain existing operations and support new development, employing over 12,000 workers in nuclear/gas plants and supplying nearly half the state's electricity. The resolution requests Congress preserve these tax incentives to sustain affordable energy production and Texas' leadership in electricity generation.

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 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 summaryHB 4847 requires county assessor-collectors to post specific school district tax information on their websites for districts that exceed state funding entitlements. It mandates disclosure of: (1) the percentage of local taxes required to pay for attendance credits, (2) the percentage not required, and (3) a plain-language explanation of how recapture works. This affects school districts collecting more local property taxes than the state requires them to retain under Texas law. The goal is to increase transparency for taxpayers about how their property taxes fund public education and contribute to state education funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1738 repeals the criminal penalty for homosexual conduct (previously codified in Section 21.06 of the Penal Code). It simultaneously amends health education requirements in Texas schools to mandate that materials for minors include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law. The bill affects public school health curricula for students under 18, requiring this specific language to be included in sexual education programs. The legislation passed the Texas legislature on May 16, 2025, and would take effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Texas liquor laws to allow nonresident sellers with winery permits issued before May 1, 2010, to sell wine in specific Texas municipalities. It permits these sellers to operate only in cities with populations of 130,000-150,000, located in counties where one county has a population of 2-3 million. The bill also prohibits nonresident sellers from selling wine directly to the winery holding their permit. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1630 adds licensed social workers to the list of eligible professionals for Texas's Homes for Texas Heroes home loan program. The bill amends the Government Code to explicitly include "social worker" in the eligibility criteria, defining the term per the Occupations Code. This change directly affects licensed social workers in Texas who meet other program requirements, such as residing in the state, having income below 115% of area median family income, and using the home as their primary residence. The program provides low-interest mortgage loans to qualifying public service workers, including firefighters, police officers, educators, and veterans. The bill does not alter loan terms or funding but expands who can apply for this existing home loan program.

Maddy summaryHB 3753 prohibits the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs from using public school quality (such as test scores or ratings) as a factor when allocating low-income housing tax credits for developments near public schools. Specifically, it bans requiring school quality as a project requirement or scoring applications based on it. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and expires September 1, 2027, unless extended. It also mandates a study on the policy's impact, with a report due to the legislature by November 1, 2027.