Maddy summaryHJR 15 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing judges to deny bail to individuals accused of specific serious crimes - including first-degree sexual offenses, violent offenses, or continuous human trafficking - pending trial. Judges may deny bail only after a hearing where they find, by clear and convincing evidence, that bail would not ensure the defendant’s court appearance or community safety. The amendment requires judges to issue a written order detailing their findings and reasoning. It does not restrict defendants’ rights to challenge bail denials under existing law and specifies that judges must consider standard bail factors when making decisions. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the 2025 election.
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Maddy summaryHJR 16 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas courts to deny bail to non-citizens (defined as "illegal aliens" under the bill) charged with felony offenses if a judge finds probable cause they committed the crime. The amendment specifies that bail denial applies only after a hearing where probable cause is established, not automatically. This change would require voter approval in November 2025 before taking effect, as it seeks to amend the Texas Constitution. The bill directly affects non-citizens facing felony charges in Texas courts who meet the defined "illegal alien" criteria.
Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, contain only the specific text listed in the bill (including the full biblical wording), and be legible from any point in the classroom. Schools may accept privately donated displays meeting these requirements or use district funds to purchase compliant displays if needed. This law applies to all public schools and explicitly states they cannot claim exemption from this requirement.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution recognizing March 5, 2025, as Zoroastrian Day at the Texas State Capitol. It formally acknowledges the Zoroastrian community in Texas (with over 1,100 members, primarily in Houston and North Texas) and their cultural contributions. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely expresses the Texas House’s symbolic recognition of this religious observance. The bill was adopted by the Texas House on March 13, 2025, and requires no further action.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 440) is a symbolic gesture by the Texas House of Representatives to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas. It does not create new laws or policies, nor does it directly affect any individuals or organizations beyond offering recognition. The resolution honors the nonprofit's history since 1995, its role as San Antonio's largest healthcare provider serving 74 counties, and its community initiatives like the Healthy Corner Store program. The House will provide the organization with a copy of the resolution as a formal expression of appreciation.
Maddy summaryHB 1932 would expand property tax exemptions for certain disabled veterans in Texas by lowering the required disability rating from 100% to 60% for full homestead exemption. It directly affects disabled veterans with at least 60% service-connected disability compensation (or individual unemployability) and their surviving spouses, allowing them to exempt the full value of their primary residence from ad valorem (property) taxes. The bill amends Texas Tax Code sections to update exemption criteria and requires local tax authorities to apply this exemption automatically. It would take effect January 1, 2026, but only if a related constitutional amendment passes in the 2025 election.
Maddy summaryHB 1611 clarifies that juvenile correctional officers and caseworkers employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) can count their service toward retirement credits in the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) as "custodial officers." The bill amends the Government Code to define "juvenile correctional officer" and explicitly states that only service performed in those specific roles qualifies for retirement credit. This change ensures TJJD staff in these positions receive the same retirement benefits as other custodial officers in state agencies. The bill directly affects TJJD employees working as juvenile correctional officers or caseworkers, making their service eligible for ERS retirement credits.
Maddy summaryHB 1634 provides tuition and fee exemptions at Texas public colleges and universities for students who were under the conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). It applies to students who were in DFPS care on specific dates, such as their 18th birthday, graduation, or during adoption proceedings, and who enroll as undergraduates or in dual-credit courses by age 25. The bill requires the Texas Education Agency and Higher Education Coordinating Board to create outreach programs targeting foster care facilities, foster parents, and schools to inform eligible students about the exemption. This policy directly benefits former foster youth transitioning to higher education by removing financial barriers to college access.
Maddy summaryHB 1549 bans businesses in Texas from selling, offering for sale, or holding for sale "obscene devices" (as defined in the Penal Code), except for sexually oriented businesses operating under existing local licensing rules. The bill creates a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation for non-compliant businesses and allows county or district attorneys to seek injunctions and recover investigation costs. It directly affects businesses selling such devices, including retailers and vendors, while exempting licensed sexually oriented businesses. Enforcement is handled through civil lawsuits filed by local prosecutors, with penalties applying per violation.
Maddy summaryHB 3 establishes an education savings account program in Texas, allowing families to use state funds for approved educational expenses for children enrolled in public schools. The program, administered by the state comptroller, provides funding for costs like tuition at private schools, curriculum materials, or tutoring, with funds drawn from general revenue appropriations. Eligibility includes any child attending a public school who is not enrolled in a participating private school, with priority given to children with disabilities. The bill defines key terms and sets funding limits based on the previous biennium's allocation or the cost per participating child, creating a new option for families seeking alternatives to traditional public schooling.