Maddy summaryHJR 15 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing judges to deny bail to individuals accused of specific serious crimes - including first-degree sexual offenses, violent offenses, or continuous human trafficking - pending trial. Judges may deny bail only after a hearing where they find, by clear and convincing evidence, that bail would not ensure the defendant’s court appearance or community safety. The amendment requires judges to issue a written order detailing their findings and reasoning. It does not restrict defendants’ rights to challenge bail denials under existing law and specifies that judges must consider standard bail factors when making decisions. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the 2025 election.
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Maddy summaryHJR 16 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas courts to deny bail to non-citizens (defined as "illegal aliens" under the bill) charged with felony offenses if a judge finds probable cause they committed the crime. The amendment specifies that bail denial applies only after a hearing where probable cause is established, not automatically. This change would require voter approval in November 2025 before taking effect, as it seeks to amend the Texas Constitution. The bill directly affects non-citizens facing felony charges in Texas courts who meet the defined "illegal alien" criteria.
Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, contain only the specific text listed in the bill (including the full biblical wording), and be legible from any point in the classroom. Schools may accept privately donated displays meeting these requirements or use district funds to purchase compliant displays if needed. This law applies to all public schools and explicitly states they cannot claim exemption from this requirement.
Maddy summaryHB 2595 prohibits Texas public schools and higher education institutions from entering contracts with specific foreign adversaries (China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and their entities) for academic programs, sharing intellectual property, or using unapproved educational materials produced by these countries. It bans school districts from using foreign adversary materials without agency review, requiring public posting of approved materials. Violations carry $50,000 civil penalties per violation for school districts and criminal penalties (first-degree felony) for individuals knowingly violating the law. The bill explicitly excludes noninstructional sports, arts, and music competitions from these restrictions.
Maddy summaryHB 2409 prohibits Texas state and local government entities from entering contracts for information and communications technology (ICT) with "scrutinized companies" - defined as Chinese-owned or controlled businesses (including those with Chinese government ownership, control, or influence). Exceptions require explicit governor approval, and the bill authorizes civil penalties for violations while creating a criminal offense for intentional breaches. It directly affects Texas government agencies, contractors, and Chinese technology firms seeking public contracts for ICT services. The law defines key terms like "control" (including government influence over board decisions) and "information and communications technology" (hardware, software, or services processing data electronically).
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to replace all references to the "Gulf of Mexico" with "Gulf of America" in Texas Constitution provisions related to coastal areas. It specifically amends Sections 33 (public beaches), 1-i (tax relief for drilling equipment), 1-A (county beach regulations), and 7 (coastal counties' tax authority) to use the new terminology. The change affects only the legal wording in the Constitution - no policy, rights, or responsibilities are altered. This is purely a terminological update with no substantive impact on coastal laws or governance.
Maddy summaryHB 2538 requires certain inmates convicted of specific sexual offenses (under Texas Penal Code §22.021(a)(2)(B)) to undergo chemical castration treatment as a condition of parole release. The bill mandates that parole panels cannot release these individuals unless they have received ongoing puberty-blocking drug treatment for at least 30 days prior to release, unless they qualify for cost waivers due to indigency. Refusing this required treatment constitutes a third-degree felony under the bill. It directly affects inmates serving sentences for the specified offenses who have not previously undergone surgical castration (orchiectomy). The law also requires the parole board to establish treatment frequency and cost rules.
Maddy summaryHB 2600 restricts state agencies and certain officials from using public funds to purchase periodicals (like newspapers) or financially support news media. It prohibits state agencies from using taxpayer money for news media sponsorships, donations, or partnerships, with limited exceptions: legislators may buy one subscription per publication in their district, and statewide elected officials may buy one per publication statewide. The law also exempts state museums, libraries, archives, and university libraries from these restrictions. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies broadly to all state agencies, including the legislature.
Maddy summaryHB 2599 prohibits Texas state agencies from using taxpayer funds to place advertisements in or make donations to statewide periodicals or internet news websites that rely on donations, memberships, or advertising sales for revenue. The bill directly affects state agencies (like departments and commissions) and qualifying media outlets that fit this description. It creates a new legal restriction requiring agencies to avoid such transactions with these specific media types using money approved by the legislature. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the Texas Constitution to guarantee every person the right to keep and bear arms, removing existing language that permitted the legislature to regulate arm-wearing to prevent crime. If approved, it would prevent Texas from passing laws restricting how firearms are carried or worn for crime prevention purposes. The amendment would be submitted to Texas voters in the November 2025 election.