Rep. Trey Wharton

Maddy summaryHB 2116 requires all Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a specific 16x20 inch poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, using the exact text and formatting outlined in the bill. The poster must include the full biblical text of the Ten Commandments as specified in Section 1.0041(c), be legible from any point in the classroom, and cannot include additional content. Schools may accept private donations meeting these requirements or replace non-compliant displays using public funds. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 1906 establishes the Health Impact, Cost, and Coverage Analysis Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston to assess bills that would require health insurers to cover new services, adjust payments to providers, or add administrative rules. The program analyzes how such "mandates" would affect coverage options and costs for health benefit plan issuers (including insurers, HMOs, and Medicaid managed care organizations) and enrollees. It authorizes a fee to fund this analysis, which the legislature can request for proposed bills before they become law. The bill does not change current coverage requirements but creates a process to evaluate future mandates' financial and coverage impacts.

Maddy summaryHB 2361 requires Texas local law enforcement agencies to either enter into written agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under federal Section 287(g) to enforce immigration law or document all efforts to secure such an agreement. Agencies must dedicate a minimum number of officers to immigration enforcement if an agreement is signed and maintain records indefinitely. Failure to comply may result in the Attorney General issuing a notice, followed by potential legal action and denial of state grant funds for the political subdivision. This bill directly affects all Texas county and municipal law enforcement agencies and their local governments.

Maddy summaryHB 1806 prohibits Texas governmental entities (like cities, counties, or state agencies) from using public funds to support abortion-related services. It specifically bans taxpayer money from covering costs for travel, lodging, childcare, food, or counseling that helps individuals obtain an abortion or access abortion providers. The bill defines "abortion assistance entities" broadly to include groups providing financial aid, travel planning, or abortion-inducing drugs, and "abortion providers" as facilities performing over 50 abortions annually. This law directly affects government agencies and any organization receiving public funds that facilitates abortion access. The bill does not apply to federal programs conflicting with its provisions.

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.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 1497 is not currently available in the provided context, only the title and basic action timeline are accessible. The title indicates it relates to the placement of a nativity scene on Capitol grounds, but without the full text, specific provisions or policy changes cannot be described. The bill was recently filed and referred to the Culture, Recreation & Tourism committee, but no concrete details about its requirements or affected parties are provided. For an accurate summary, the official bill text or PDF would be needed.

Maddy summaryBased solely on the provided context, this bill's title indicates it relates to displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools, but the actual bill text is unavailable (noted as "not currently available" with a PDF reference). The bill was filed on November 12, 2024, and referred to the Public Education committee on March 7, 2025. No specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties are described in the available information. Without access to the full bill text or summary details, a substantive policy summary cannot be provided.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 would establish a Texas-issued currency backed by physical gold and silver held in a state-managed depository. It authorizes the comptroller to create this currency, representing specific fractions of a troy ounce of gold or silver, and requires it to function as legal tender for debt payments. The bill mandates electronic transfer capabilities for the currency and designates the Texas Bullion Depository as the exclusive issuer. It also authorizes a fee to cover administrative costs, though specific fee amounts are not detailed in the provided text. This bill is procedural in nature, creating a new currency framework rather than altering existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 1158 requires Texas public schools to obtain written parental consent before providing human sexuality instruction to students. The bill mandates that schools give parents a separate, dedicated notice at least 14 days before such instruction begins, prohibiting bundling this request with other consent forms. It directly affects students in public schools receiving human sexuality education and their parents, who must provide written approval. The law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes March 5, 2025, as "Texas Ambulance Association Legislative Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It formally welcomes the association's delegation, which includes leaders like president Brett Coghlan, to meet with lawmakers. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, expressing the Texas House's appreciation for the association's work in emergency medical services. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations. The House will provide the association with an official copy of the resolution.