Rep. Philip Cortez

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 2136 requires Texas law enforcement agencies to adopt a standardized model criminal citation designed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. The citation must use plain language and prominently display key information, including the court contact phone number in 18-point font, court appearance details, consequences of missing court, and resources for financial assistance or missed appearances. It aims to reduce costs from missed court appearances and improve court efficiency by ensuring clear communication with people issued citations. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies and individuals receiving criminal citations in Texas.

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include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law.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 summarySB 1619 creates new rules for schools and colleges regarding emergency medical treatments. It defines "epinephrine delivery devices" (including auto-injectors and nasal spray) and "medication for respiratory distress" (like albuterol), requiring schools to establish procedures for their storage, administration, and staff training. The bill mandates an advisory committee to review how schools handle these medications on campus. It directly affects all Texas public school districts, charter schools, private schools, and colleges. The law became effective immediately after being signed by the governor on May 19, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5014 creates a new "SPECIAL FORCES VETERAN" designation for handgun license holders in Texas. It requires applicants to list qualifying military service (12+ consecutive months in specific Army Special Forces roles like 18A detachment commander or 18B weapons sergeant) and provide proof of eligibility. The bill amends license forms to include this designation alongside existing categories like "VETERAN." It directly affects Texas veterans who served in designated Special Forces positions at E5-E9, W1-W5, or O1-O10 pay grades.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summarySJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that non-U.S. citizens cannot vote in Texas. It amends Article VI, Section 1(a) of the Texas Constitution by adding "persons who are not citizens of the United States" as a prohibited voting class. This would clarify existing voting eligibility rules by making citizenship a constitutional requirement, directly affecting non-citizen residents. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 4, 2025, election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 627 modifies application requirements for low-income housing tax credits on developments financed through federal tax-exempt bonds. It requires developers to submit certified resolutions from local governments (for counties/municipalities with populations over 1.2 million or 600,000, respectively) confirming they provided public notice, allowed public comment, and did not object to the project. Key provisions include mandating public hearings in large jurisdictions (Section 1(b)) and establishing a new approval pathway: if local governments fail to hold a hearing or formally object within 90 days of notice, the application may proceed (Section 1(e)). This bill directly affects developers seeking tax credits for qualifying housing projects in major Texas cities like Houston or Dallas.

Maddy summaryHB 5370 requires local governments entering interlocal contracts (agreements between municipalities or counties) to include three specific elements: a clear statement of purpose and responsibilities, authorization by governing bodies (with a limited exception for small utility contracts under $100,000), and confirmation that payments will come from current revenues, not future funds. It directly affects cities, counties, and utility providers entering such agreements. The law applies only to new contracts signed on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing contracts governed by prior rules. This aims to increase transparency and fiscal accountability in shared service agreements between local entities.

Maddy summaryHB 712 requires health insurance plans in Texas to cover specific prostate cancer screening tests without cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles). The bill applies to most health benefit plans, including those offered by insurance companies, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), Medicaid, and school district health coverage. It directly affects individuals enrolled in these plans who need prostate cancer screenings, ensuring they can access these tests at no additional cost. The law amends Texas Insurance Code Section 1362.001 to mandate this coverage for certain medically necessary tests.