Rep. Angelia Orr

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 3087 allows Texas counties to restrict registered sex offenders (level 2 or 3) from approaching child safety zones - such as schools, daycares, playgrounds, or youth centers - in unincorporated county areas. Counties can set distance limits (up to 1,000 feet) via commissioners court order, with exemptions for legitimate purposes like transporting children or work. Violating these orders is a Class C misdemeanor. The bill specifically applies to unincorporated areas, not incorporated cities, and exempts offenders already living within the restricted distance before the order takes effect.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 1741 creates a process for transferring jurisdiction over acquitted individuals requiring court-ordered outpatient or community-based mental health treatment to another county. It allows either party to file a motion to transfer jurisdiction to a county where the person has an existing support network (like family) or prior treatment, provided the new county has available resources and the local mental health authority agrees. The court must evaluate factors including resource availability, community safety, and the "nexus" between the person and the proposed county before approving the transfer. This bill directly affects individuals acquitted in criminal cases who need ongoing mental health treatment but are not required to be confined.

Maddy summarySB 2312 creates the Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict to prepare for potential international crises that could disrupt Texas' supply chains or critical infrastructure. The committee, composed of nine members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house, will develop pre-conflict security strategies and gather information to support state response during emergencies. It defines "critical infrastructure" to include systems like oil/gas, water, power, and emergency services, and "geopolitical conflict" as events threatening these systems through war, diplomatic breakdowns, or supply chain disruptions. The bill aims to enhance Texas' defensive posture and protect citizens by making proactive preparations, without altering existing laws or funding.

Maddy summarySB 1044 requires Texas newborns to be screened for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) as part of routine newborn health tests, alongside existing conditions like phenylketonuria and hypothyroidism. It mandates that physicians or delivery attendants arrange for these screenings, which are approved by the Texas Department of Health. The bill also directs the department to develop diagnostic tests and treatment methods for DMD and other inherited conditions through a dedicated laboratory. This law, signed by the governor on May 19, 2025, became effective September 1, 2025, expanding the state's mandatory newborn screening program to include DMD.

Maddy summarySB 1035 allows agricultural operations (like farms and ranches) to sue local governments if those governments enforce rules that violate Texas agriculture laws. It creates a new legal right for affected businesses to seek court orders blocking enforcement of such rules and to recover legal fees if they win their case. The bill applies only to disputes arising after its effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote). This changes the process for resolving conflicts between local regulations and state agricultural law, giving farmers a direct legal remedy.

Maddy summarySB 522 amends Texas law to establish new pathways for out-of-state certified public accountants (CPAs) to obtain certification in Texas. It allows qualifying out-of-state CPAs to bypass certain Texas-specific requirements if they meet one of three criteria: holding a license from a state with comparable standards (verified by NASBA), meeting Texas' historical licensing rules, or having four years of relevant post-exam experience. The bill also requires these professionals to fulfill Texas' continuing education requirements for the three years preceding their application. This law, effective September 1, 2025, directly affects out-of-state CPAs seeking to practice in Texas without re-taking the full state licensing process.

Maddy summaryHB 1845 clarifies that rural prosecutor offices receiving salary assistance grants must use funds **only** to either increase salaries for specific staff (assistant attorneys, investigators, paralegals, or victim coordinators) or hire additional staff. It directly affects rural prosecutor offices in Texas that participate in the state’s salary assistance grant program. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and prohibits using these funds for other purposes like office supplies or equipment.

Maddy summaryHB 2621 requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to record and keep live video feeds from its cameras for at least 30 days. These recordings are confidential and cannot be disclosed publicly, except when shared with police for criminal investigations. The law applies to all video cameras used by TxDOT in its operations and takes effect on September 1, 2025. This policy change directly affects TxDOT's video management practices and limits public access to these recordings.