Rep. Philip Cortez

Maddy summaryHB 1851 allows the Texas Facilities Commission to transfer surplus motor vehicles and law enforcement equipment from the Texas Department of Public Safety to school districts located in economically disadvantaged areas. The bill requires that school districts receiving this equipment cannot sell it for two years and must use it solely for law enforcement duties by school resource officers or security personnel, as defined in the Education Code. This policy change directly affects school districts in economically disadvantaged communities by providing them with additional law enforcement resources. The bill took effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1481 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt written policies prohibiting student use of personal communication devices (such as cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day on school property or at school events. Exceptions allow device use for students with documented medical needs, individualized education plans (IEPs), or health/safety protocols. Schools may implement either a full device ban or a secure storage system for devices during school hours, and must return confiscated devices or dispose of them after providing parents 90 days' written notice. The law takes effect immediately upon the governor's signature.

Maddy summaryHB 3234 amends Texas law to clarify that cities or towns cannot regulate construction or renovation projects on buildings owned by large counties (population 3.3 million or more) located within their boundaries. This specifically affects cities that previously might have claimed authority over county-owned properties in their jurisdiction. The key provision limits regulatory power to only counties meeting the population threshold, removing ambiguity about which counties' properties fall under local building codes. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly impacts how cities interact with county-owned facilities like courthouses or jails in major metropolitan areas.

Maddy summaryHB 300 increases the maximum Texas Armed Services Scholarship to $30,000 per academic year (up from $15,000), capping at the average cost of attendance at Texas colleges. It expands appointment authority, allowing the governor and lieutenant governor to each appoint two students annually, and each state senator or representative to appoint one student, with deadlines set for September 30. The bill directly affects Texas students enrolled in ROTC or similar military commissioning programs at Texas colleges, requiring proof of program enrollment or acceptance into the Texas State Guard. These changes are effective immediately after the bill was signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 163 updates Texas law regarding epinephrine auto-injector policies. It exempts schools, sports organizations, and government entities that already have policies for epinephrine systems under other laws from needing separate rules. The bill allows these entities to adopt their own policies for maintaining, administering, and disposing of epinephrine delivery systems. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and repeals prior sections of the Health and Safety Code related to this matter.

Maddy summaryTexas House Bill 706 requires Texas to recognize valid handgun licenses issued by other states, directly affecting out-of-state license holders who travel or reside in Texas. The bill mandates that Texas will recognize such licenses only if the other state either has a mutual agreement with Texas or conducts background checks through the FBI's National Crime Information Center before issuing licenses. Texas must publish and update an annual list of states that recognize Texas-issued licenses. The law took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1629 changes when retail businesses with fireworks permits can sell fireworks to the public in Texas. It restricts sales to three specific periods: June 24-July 4, December 20-January 1, and May 1-5 only in counties near the Texas-Mexico border (within 100 miles) if the county commissioners court approves. The bill directly affects retail fireworks permit holders, particularly those operating in border counties during the May holiday window. It does not alter the standard summer or holiday sales periods but adds a conditional border exception requiring local approval. The law took effect immediately after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 20 establishes Texas' Applied Sciences Pathway program, allowing high school students to earn both diplomas and industry certificates through school-college partnerships. It requires courses in 20 specific high-wage, high-growth fields like plumbing, welding, IT, and oil/gas exploration, with a focus on successful job placement rates. Partnerships must offer non-duplicative, progressive coursework leading to both diplomas and certificates in these sectors. The program begins for the 2027-2028 school year, with industries reviewed every five years to match labor market needs.

Maddy summaryHB 4370 expands the types of projects public improvement districts, municipal management districts, water control districts, fresh water supply districts, and municipal utility districts can fund. It adds specific provisions allowing districts to finance affordable housing development (Section 372.003(b)(15)), geothermal water facility maintenance (Section 372.003(b-2)), and special services like public safety or business recruitment. The bill also clarifies how costs for improvements can be paid, including through combinations of methods for projects benefiting municipalities or approved entities. This policy change directly affects these specialized districts by broadening their authorized project scope under Texas Local Government Code.

Maddy summaryHB 102 requires Texas public universities to offer early registration for courses and programs to students in military-related programs who are in good standing. Specifically, it mandates this for students enrolled in ROTC programs, cadet corps (including at senior military colleges), or maritime academies. The law, effective for the 2026 spring semester, obligates institutions to provide this early registration opportunity on the same basis as other designated student groups. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will develop rules to implement this requirement.