Rep. Josey Garcia

Maddy summaryHB 1738 repeals the criminal penalty for homosexual conduct (previously codified in Section 21.06 of the Penal Code). It simultaneously amends health education requirements in Texas schools to mandate that materials for minors include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law. The bill affects public school health curricula for students under 18, requiring this specific language to be included in sexual education programs. The legislation passed the Texas legislature on May 16, 2025, and would take effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summaryHB 2814 requires Texas juvenile justice departments and county sheriffs to provide certain identification documents to youth leaving custody. Specifically, it mandates that juvenile facilities request and provide a personal identification certificate before releasing youth committed to their care, and similarly requires county sheriffs to verify if jail inmates have valid ID or request a certificate for them before discharge. The bill authorizes a fee for issuing these documents and establishes a process for agencies like the Department of Public Safety and health services to verify identities electronically. This policy directly affects youth in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and individuals released from county jails who lack state-issued identification.

Maddy summaryHB 158 requires the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to study whether unused government property (like underused buildings) could be used to provide housing for veterans and low-income families. The study must evaluate available property, feasibility of development, and potential funding sources - including federal tax credits, private donations, and tenant rent payments. It mandates a report to the legislature by November 1, 2026, detailing findings on this approach. The bill does not create new housing but assesses a potential solution for housing needs.

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 1730 requires the University of Houston to lead a study on how perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (common in products like food packaging and firefighting gear) affect public health. The study must examine these chemicals in food and drink products, drinking water sources, and workplace materials used by firefighters and manufacturing workers. The University of Houston, working with Texas environmental agencies, must complete the study and submit a report to the legislature by December 1, 2026. The bill expires December 31, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

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 summaryHB 5370 requires local governments entering interlocal contracts (agreements between municipalities or counties) to include three specific elements: a clear statement of purpose and responsibilities, authorization by governing bodies (with a limited exception for small utility contracts under $100,000), and confirmation that payments will come from current revenues, not future funds. It directly affects cities, counties, and utility providers entering such agreements. The law applies only to new contracts signed on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing contracts governed by prior rules. This aims to increase transparency and fiscal accountability in shared service agreements between local entities.

Maddy summaryHB 2308 establishes the Texas Commission on Border Security and Illegal Immigration as an advisory body composed of 11 members, including legislative leaders, the governor’s designee, and state agency representatives. The commission’s primary duty is to review the economic, legal, cultural, and educational impacts of illegal immigration on Texas and examine state and federal immigration laws. It will conduct this review through quarterly meetings and provide findings to the legislature, though it has no regulatory authority. The bill creates a formal structure for state-level analysis of border-related issues without implementing new enforcement policies. (Bill text: HB 2308, Chapter 330, Texas Government Code)

Maddy summaryHB 3695 limits copayments for physical therapy visits under certain health plans. It prohibits health maintenance organizations and preferred provider plans from charging enrollees a higher copayment for a physical therapist visit (without a referral) than for a primary care physician visit. The law applies to plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects Texas enrollees who use physical therapy services without needing a physician referral.

Maddy summaryHB 4442 would require Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to offer an elective mindfulness course for all students in middle school, junior high school, and high school. The course must teach specific techniques to enhance focus, manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and build self-awareness and compassion. High school students would be able to count this course toward their elective credit requirements for graduation. The bill would take effect for the 2026-2027 school year, unless it receives a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, in which case it would take effect immediately.