Rep. Philip Cortez

Maddy summaryHR 1072 is a memorial resolution honoring Gilbert Edward Reinhard Jr. of Floresville, Texas, who passed away on October 20, 2024, at age 75. The resolution recognizes his life, including his 45-year career as a chemist at EG&G Automotive Research and PerkinElmer, his family (wife Celeste, children Hannah and Gillian), and his interests in coastal art, music, and film. It was adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on May 23, 2025, and extends condolences to his family. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents.

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 1130 is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) adopted by the Texas House of Representatives to honor Gregg Popovich upon his retirement as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. It formally recognizes his 29-season tenure, during which he led the Spurs to five NBA championships, earned 1,422 wins (all-time NBA record), and pioneered team culture and player development strategies. The resolution highlights his military service, coaching career milestones, community impact, and role as a mentor. It has no legal effect or policy changes; it is solely a ceremonial expression of appreciation from the Texas legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 3248 allows defense base development authorities in Texas to hire and commission peace officers for security at their facilities. The bill directly affects these authorities and their security personnel by granting them legal authority to prevent crimes related to port functions, facilities, and operations on property they own or control. Key provisions include defining these officers' jurisdiction over authority property and giving them the same enforcement powers under Chapter 14 of the Code of Criminal Procedure as other peace officers. This amendment updates existing law to explicitly include defense base security personnel in the state's list of authorized peace officers.

Maddy summaryHCR 144 is a commemorative resolution honoring three U.S. military service members killed in action: Army Staff Sergeant Felix A. Berrios, Navy SEAL Nathan G. Ingram, and Marine Corps Major Tobin Lewis. The resolution directs the Texas Legislature to pay tribute to them during the 2025 Fallen Heroes Memorial Service at the Texas Capitol. It also requires sending official copies of the resolution to each service member's family. This resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, recognizing specific individuals who died in military service.

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 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 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 205 amends Texas grant rules for alternative fueling facilities (like EV charging stations or hydrogen refueling sites) by requiring grant recipients to agree to make facilities publicly accessible during designated times. This requirement applies to all grant applicants except: transit authority facilities (under Transportation Code Chapters 451/452), facilities in counties with over 1 million residents, and facilities in areas designated for poor air quality. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to new grant rounds starting after that date, with prior grants governed by previous rules. The policy change directly affects entities seeking state funding for alternative fuel infrastructure by adding accessibility as a condition for receiving grants.