Rep. John Lujan

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage, limiting coverage, or charging higher rates to individuals who are widowed or whose marital status reflects the death of a spouse, compared to married individuals. It directly affects widowed people applying for or renewing insurance policies. The law requires insurers to treat widowed customers the same as married customers for rate-setting and coverage availability. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not apply to policies delivered or renewed before that date.

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 summaryThis bill requires Texas' Department of State Health Services to study the use of psychedelic therapies (including MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine) for treating PTSD, depression, and related conditions. The study will review clinical evidence, FDA actions, treatment guidelines, and patient access barriers, with recommendations for future implementation if therapies gain federal approval. The department must submit a final report by December 1, 2026, and the bill expires September 1, 2027. It does not change current treatment laws but prepares for potential future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the economic and cultural partnership between Texas and Québec, recognizing their strong trade relationship (with $71.3 billion in trade in 2022) and shared interests in sectors like aerospace and technology. It expresses legislative support for deepening cooperation, particularly highlighting Québec’s government office in Houston and recent high-level meetings. As a ceremonial resolution - not a law with binding provisions - it does not create new policy or directly affect any group. The bill was adopted by the Texas House on May 16, 2025, as a symbolic gesture of bipartisan appreciation for this longstanding partnership.

Maddy summaryHB 5118 requires employers (including state agencies) to conduct bias audits of software used to screen job applicants before using it for hiring decisions. Employers must also post audit results online and inform applicants when such software is used, explaining how it assesses their qualifications. The law applies to all employers in Texas and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects job applicants by increasing transparency about automated hiring tools and requiring employers to verify these tools don’t discriminate.

Maddy summaryHB 3784 creates the Texas Commission for Boys and Men to address disparities in well-being affecting boys and male youth across education, workforce participation, family stability, health, and criminal justice involvement. The commission will conduct a systematic study to identify specific needs in these areas, assess state laws that may negatively impact men's success, and make policy recommendations. It will be composed of 11 members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and House speaker, with expertise in relevant fields like education or criminal justice. The bill directly affects all boys and men in Texas by establishing a formal process to evaluate and improve policies impacting their well-being.

Maddy summaryHB 4029 creates a supplemental retirement program for law enforcement officers already enrolled in Texas' Teacher Retirement System (TRS). It establishes "supplemental program service credit" for officers who hold a Texas law enforcement license and whose primary duty involves enforcing criminal laws. Members with at least 25 years of this qualifying service can retire regardless of age, receiving an annuity calculated using their highest five years of pay multiplied by a standard retirement factor plus an additional 0.5%. This bill directly affects current and future law enforcement officers in TRS who meet the specific service criteria.

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 2673 amends Texas Health and Safety Code Section 711.008 to establish distance restrictions for cemetery operations near municipalities based on city population size. It prohibits establishing or operating cemeteries within specific distances (1-5 miles) from city boundaries, depending on whether the city has 5,000-25,000, 25,000-50,000, 50,000-100,000, 100,000-200,000, or over 200,000 residents. The bill repeals two existing code sections (711.008(g-3) and (g-4)) related to cemetery authorization. This change directly affects cemetery operators and developers seeking to establish burial grounds near incorporated cities of specified population sizes. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.