Rep. John Lujan

Maddy summarySB 3073 requires magistrates in Texas to provide written findings within 24 hours when determining no probable cause exists for a criminal arrest. This affects individuals arrested for crimes and the magistrates reviewing their cases. The bill mandates that magistrates document their reasons for finding no probable cause in the official record. It applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with prior cases governed by existing law. The change aims to increase transparency in early criminal proceedings.

Maddy summarySB 455 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (for risks wholly located in Texas) include arbitration agreements conducted in Texas under Texas law, unless both insurer and policyholder agree to change the venue after the insurer provides written notice and a premium credit for added costs. This applies to new or renewed contracts on or after January 1, 2026, affecting insurers and policyholders purchasing specialized insurance for high-risk properties in Texas. The bill ensures arbitration venues and legal interpretations remain tied to Texas, preventing out-of-state arbitration without financial compensation to policyholders. It becomes effective September 1, 2025, but the new rules apply to contracts delivered after 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2188 requires spaceflight operators in specific Texas counties (bordering the Gulf of Mexico with FAA-approved spaceports) and small municipalities (under 150,000 population) to submit proposed launch dates to local officials. It allows county commissioners courts or municipal governing bodies to temporarily close beaches near launch sites during designated times - Monday 8 a.m. to Friday 12 p.m., or Friday 12 p.m. to Monday 8 a.m. - to protect public safety. The bill directly affects spaceport operators and coastal communities with approved launch facilities, while prohibiting local governments from banning spaceflight activities outside these specific closure procedures. It clarifies that spaceflight regulation falls under federal and state jurisdiction, not local ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals to submit proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must provide a copy of specific documents, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate, with their voter registration application. If initial proof is not provided, voter registrars must attempt to verify citizenship using various databases. If citizenship cannot be verified or proof is not ultimately provided, the applicant will only be eligible to vote a limited federal ballot. The bill also creates a state jail felony offense for registrars who knowingly fail to reject applications that do not meet these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 958), not a policy bill. It honors Dale Susan Eastman, a Houston breast cancer advocate and founder of the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation, who passed away in April 2025. The resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on May 23, 2025, pays tribute to her decades of work supporting breast cancer patients through advocacy, foundation leadership, and collaboration with national organizations like the National Breast Cancer Coalition. It does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryHR 1025 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the San Antonio Fire Department Investigation Unit for being named the 2025 "Investigator of the Year" by the International Association of Arson Investigators. The resolution recognizes the unit's work investigating nearly 2,000 fire incidents since its 2020 establishment and their role in fire prevention. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions - only symbolic recognition from the Texas House of Representatives. The resolution was adopted by the House on May 23, 2025, and will be presented to the unit as a formal expression of appreciation.

Maddy summarySB 1490 amends Texas Education Code Section 12.263(b) to change how attendance is calculated for adult high school charter programs. It establishes new attendance rates based on enrollment duration: 100% for students enrolled 75%+ of the year, 75% for 50-75%, 50% for 25-50%, and 25% for 10-25%. This directly affects adult education programs operating under charters by altering the attendance metrics used to determine state funding. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, replacing previous attendance thresholds for funding calculations.

Maddy summarySB 464 prohibits retail stores selling cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, or tobacco products from operating within 1,000 feet of any public or private primary or secondary school. This law directly affects retailers near schools, creating a Class A misdemeanor offense for violations. The bill defines "vaping apparatus" broadly to include devices, their components, and related liquids, regardless of nicotine content. It explicitly states local governments may still enforce stricter rules, but this state law sets the baseline requirement.

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 summaryThis resolution formally commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT), an organization serving 31 counties in South Central and West Texas since 1965. CCSCT provides critical services including WIC, Head Start, housing assistance, utility support, and veteran financial aid. The Texas House of Representatives passed this resolution to recognize the organization's work, with an official copy to be presented to CCSCT.