Rep. Ray Lopez

Maddy summaryHB 1151 amends Texas law to clarify that specific parental actions cannot be used as evidence for terminating a parent-child relationship. The bill explicitly states that factors like homeschooling, economic hardship, religiously-based medical decisions (such as declining vaccines), or seeking multiple medical opinions do not constitute clear and convincing evidence for termination. It also updates the definition of "neglect" to require proof of "blatant disregard" for consequences causing immediate harm or danger to a child. This change directly affects parents, children, and the Department of Family and Protective Services in child welfare cases by setting clearer boundaries for when parental rights may be terminated.

Maddy summaryHB 1899 lowers the minimum age requirement for obtaining licenses and permits to conduct public fireworks displays in Texas. It amends the Occupations Code to reduce the age from 21 to 18 years for both pyrotechnic operator licenses (Section 2154.101) and public fireworks display permits (Section 2154.201). This change directly affects individuals under 21 who previously could not legally operate such displays. The bill took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed into law by the Governor on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 37 requires hospitals with maternal care designations to provide bereavement counseling options and perinatal bereavement devices (which delay tissue deterioration for up to 72 hours after pregnancy loss or infant death) to families following intrauterine fetal demise, neonatal death, or stillbirth. The Texas Department of State Health Services must establish a perinatal bereavement care initiative offering hospitals training for staff on compassionate communication and resources like devices with maintenance support. This law directly affects designated hospitals and families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss in Texas. The initiative aims to improve access to supportive care during this difficult time, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 21 amends Texas Local Government Code provisions affecting housing finance corporations that develop or manage low- and moderate-income housing. It defines qualifying residential developments as those where at least 90% of units are intended for households with adjusted gross income below state-defined moderate income levels. The bill also requires these corporations to follow open meetings and public records laws (Chapter 551 and 552, Government Code) and restricts their development to areas within the boundaries of their sponsoring local governments - unless approved by those governing bodies. These changes clarify operational rules and transparency requirements for housing finance corporations serving low- and moderate-income residents.

Maddy summarySB 1080 requires Texas licensing authorities to issue either a full occupational license or a provisional license (valid for six months) to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses, instead of automatically denying their applications. The provisional license begins on the date an applicant is released from prison if they were incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This bill directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (such as for nursing, contracting, or other licensed professions) who meet all other qualification requirements. It aims to reduce barriers to employment by providing a temporary licensing pathway for these applicants.

Maddy summarySB 2183 modifies Texas law to define specific time periods when retail fireworks permit holders can sell fireworks to the public. The bill establishes seven distinct sales windows, including periods around Independence Day (June 24-July 4), the May holiday week, Diwali, and the December 20-January 1 holiday period. It repeals a previous subsection (h) that allowed additional sales near the Texas-Mexico border under certain conditions. This bill directly affects businesses holding retail fireworks permits by restricting their sales to these designated dates, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 1130 is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) adopted by the Texas House of Representatives to honor Gregg Popovich upon his retirement as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. It formally recognizes his 29-season tenure, during which he led the Spurs to five NBA championships, earned 1,422 wins (all-time NBA record), and pioneered team culture and player development strategies. The resolution highlights his military service, coaching career milestones, community impact, and role as a mentor. It has no legal effect or policy changes; it is solely a ceremonial expression of appreciation from the Texas legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 1392 amends Texas Tax Code Section 1.06 to automatically postpone property tax payment deadlines if the local tax collector's office is closed on the due date. This directly affects property owners in Texas counties, cities, or school districts who would otherwise face penalties for late payments on days when tax offices are closed (e.g., weekends, holidays, or unexpected closures). The bill ensures payments made on the next regular business day are considered timely, eliminating penalties for missed deadlines due to office closures. It takes effect January 1, 2026, and represents a procedural adjustment to existing tax payment rules.

Maddy summaryHB 3248 allows defense base development authorities in Texas to hire and commission peace officers for security at their facilities. The bill directly affects these authorities and their security personnel by granting them legal authority to prevent crimes related to port functions, facilities, and operations on property they own or control. Key provisions include defining these officers' jurisdiction over authority property and giving them the same enforcement powers under Chapter 14 of the Code of Criminal Procedure as other peace officers. This amendment updates existing law to explicitly include defense base security personnel in the state's list of authorized peace officers.