Rep. Diego Bernal

Maddy summaryHB 5355 amends Texas Education Code Section 48.103(d) to allow school districts to use up to 20% of the foundation allotment for students with dyslexia or related disorders to contract with private providers for supplemental academic services recommended in the student's plan. This change directly affects Texas public school districts and students diagnosed with dyslexia or related learning disorders who qualify for the Foundation School Program. The bill specifies that students cannot be excused from school to receive these services, ensuring they remain in the classroom. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe provided context does not include the actual text or detailed provisions of HB 5442. While the bill title mentions an exemption from ad valorem taxation for income-producing tangible personal property, the bill text is unavailable ("This version is not currently available... see the PDF"). Without access to the full bill language or a substantive summary, a factual policy description cannot be generated. The legislative actions (filed, referred to Ways & Means) confirm its current status but do not clarify the exemption's scope or affected parties.

Maddy summaryHB 5175 allows Texas school districts to temporarily hire uncertified teachers for non-core subjects (excluding reading/language arts or math) in grades 6 and above during the 2026-2027 school year. Districts receive a one-time $1,000 payment per qualifying teacher who was hired as a first-year teacher in 2022-2023, was uncertified as of January 2025, earned certification by the end of 2025-2026, and remained continuously employed. The bill also requires the state to collect data on teacher recruitment and retention. This provision expires September 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHJR 211 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $100,000 of the market value of business equipment or tools (tangible personal property) used to generate income from local property taxes. This would primarily affect small business owners and landlords who use such property for income production, as it would reduce their property tax burden. The key provision requires owners to annually report this property to qualify for the exemption. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2025 election before taking effect.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 5405 is not available in the provided context - only a placeholder note indicates it will be available soon, with a reference to a PDF. Recent actions show it was filed on March 14, 2025, read for the first time on April 7, 2025, and referred to the Intergovernmental Affairs committee. Without access to the bill's actual content or summary, a factual description of its provisions, affected parties, or policy changes cannot be provided. For an accurate summary, consult the full bill text once it becomes available.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 5353 is not currently available in the provided context. The system indicates "This version is not currently available, but is coming soon" and directs users to a PDF for content. Without access to the actual bill text or specific provisions, a substantive summary cannot be generated. The title suggests it relates to school assessment systems and accountability ratings, but no concrete policy details are provided here.

Maddy summaryBased on the provided context, no substantive text for HB 44 is available (the bill text section states "This version is not currently available, but is coming soon"). The bill's title indicates it relates to abortion exceptions based on a physician's medical judgment, but the actual provisions, scope, and affected parties are not described in the provided materials. The bill is in early stages (read first time, pending in committee) but no concrete policy details are accessible. For an accurate summary, the full bill text or official summary would be required.

Maddy summaryHJR 67 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a tax exemption for the homestead property taxes of unpaid family caregivers. This would specifically apply to caregivers of individuals eligible for Medicaid long-term services but waiting for those services to become available. If approved, the exemption would remove the taxable value of the caregiver’s primary residence from property tax calculations. The bill does not change Medicaid eligibility or services but aims to reduce financial burdens on caregivers during lengthy waiting periods. (Note: As a constitutional amendment proposal, this is procedural and not yet law.)

Maddy summaryHB 511 would exempt the full property tax value of a homestead (primary residence) from taxation for unpaid family caregivers. This applies specifically to caregivers of individuals who qualify for Medicaid long-term services but are waiting for those services to become available. The tax exemption remains in effect only while the individual remains on the Medicaid waiting list. This policy directly affects unpaid caregivers and their households by reducing their property tax burden during the waiting period.

Maddy summaryHB 3967 prohibits certain out-of-state companies, hedge funds, and institutional investors from buying or taking ownership of single-family homesteads (tax-exempt residential homes) in Texas. Specifically, it blocks entities headquartered, controlled, or owned outside Texas - unless they already own a Texas homestead - from purchasing these properties. The law includes an exception for nonprofits acquiring homes for affordable housing. It applies only to new purchases starting September 1, 2025, and does not affect existing ownership.