Rep. Ray Lopez

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include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law.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 2192 proposes to amend Texas law by adding four new authorized periods for retail fireworks sales: February 25-27, April 16-21, a week around Memorial Day (Wednesday before last Monday in May), and the Diwali holiday period. It directly affects retail fireworks permit holders, allowing them to sell to the public during these additional times if approved by a county commissioners court. The bill also specifies that sales near the Texas-Mexico border during May 1-5 remain permitted only in counties with prior approval. The proposed changes would take effect September 1, 2025, pending legislative approval.

Maddy summaryHB 3753 prohibits the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs from using public school quality (such as test scores or ratings) as a factor when allocating low-income housing tax credits for developments near public schools. Specifically, it bans requiring school quality as a project requirement or scoring applications based on it. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and expires September 1, 2027, unless extended. It also mandates a study on the policy's impact, with a report due to the legislature by November 1, 2027.

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 summarySB 897 amends Texas law to adjust matching fund requirements for community mental health programs supporting veterans and their families. It requires grant recipients to provide non-state funds equal to 25%, 50%, or 75% of the grant amount, based on the population of the county(ies) served: 25% for counties under 100,000 residents, 50% for 100,000-249,999 residents, and 75% for 250,000+ residents. These changes apply only to grants awarded on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing grants unaffected. The bill was signed into law on May 15, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3009 expands Texas' Department of Public Safety database to include individuals convicted of two or more specific violent offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code §§ 22.01, 22.02) or offenses involving force/deadly force, and non-citizens unlawfully present in the U.S. who have two or more such convictions. The bill requires the database to include full names, aliases, dates of birth, physical descriptions, conviction details, and for non-citizens, their last known location. It mandates that the DPS add historical data for qualifying offenders convicted before the law's effective date (by January 1, 2026), unless the individual would be removed from the database under existing rules. This affects law enforcement agencies and individuals with multiple violent offense convictions who meet the expanded criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 1930 amends Texas Water Code provisions to update qualifications for board members of certain municipal utility districts. It requires all directors to be at least 18, Texas residents, and either landowners in the district or qualified voters. For districts in counties bordering Mexico with a city over 500,000 population, the bill removes the land ownership requirement, allowing directors to qualify solely as voters. Current board members serving before the effective date (September 1, 2025) are exempt from the new rules. The bill applies only to new appointments or elections after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 3552 strengthens criminal penalties for theft, damage, or unlawful possession of copper or brass near critical infrastructure facilities, such as power plants, water treatment centers, pipelines, and dams. It creates new offenses for stealing these materials from such sites and increases penalties for damaging infrastructure or interrupting operations. The bill also requires metal recycling businesses to verify the legitimacy of copper/brass sales and imposes administrative fines for non-compliance. This directly affects thieves targeting infrastructure, recycling entities handling these materials, and property owners of critical facilities. The law aims to deter theft by making it a more serious crime and adding accountability for recyclers.

Maddy summaryHB 2806 increases criminal penalties for dog owners whose dogs cause injury or death through unprovoked attacks. It creates new offenses: a Class B misdemeanor for bodily injury, a third-degree felony for serious injury, and a second-degree felony if death occurs. The bill applies to owners who fail to secure dangerous dogs (as defined by law) or knowingly allow them to attack outside their property. Key provisions include requiring animal control authorities to determine if a dog is "dangerous" after incidents and adding confidentiality protections for witness statements provided during investigations. These changes directly affect dog owners and law enforcement handling dog attack cases under Texas Health and Safety Code.

Maddy summaryHB 2827 changes Texas engineering and land surveying license renewal terms to require a minimum two-year validity period instead of annual renewal. The bill directly affects licensed engineers, land surveyors, and engineering or land surveying businesses operating in Texas. Key provisions require the Texas Board of Professional Engineers to adopt rules implementing this two-year renewal cycle by September 2025, replacing previous annual renewal requirements. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not alter existing continuing education or fee structures. This is a procedural change to license renewal terms under the Texas Occupations Code.