Rep. Mano DeAyala

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

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 3709 requires election officials to manually verify results from electronic voting systems in a random sample of precincts to ensure accuracy. It mandates counting at least 1% of precincts (or three precincts, whichever is greater) within 72 hours of polls closing, with results completed by the 21st day after election day. The Secretary of State selects which specific races (up to three offices or propositions) are verified in those precincts and must notify officials after election day. This applies to state/county elections, primary elections, and constitutional amendments, with details posted online for public access. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2533 requires all law schools operating in Texas at public or private institutions of higher education to maintain accreditation from an entity recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (or its successor). This applies directly to law schools within Texas colleges and universities, mandating that their accreditation status aligns with federal standards. The bill adds this requirement to the Texas Education Code, specifying that accreditation must meet U.S. Department of Education criteria. It does not establish new accreditation standards but ensures existing law schools comply with recognized federal oversight. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, unless approved for immediate effect by a two-thirds vote.

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 3466 amends Texas law to clarify which consumer transactions are exempt from standard cancellation rules under the Business & Commerce Code. It specifically exempts six types of transactions: farm equipment purchases, insurance sales regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance, sales under existing revolving charge accounts, real estate transactions involving licensed professionals, service contracts regulated under Occupations Code Chapter 1304, and services with written cancellation rights. The bill does not create new consumer protections but defines boundaries for existing cancellation rules. It applies only to transactions occurring on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1358 prohibits local governments (counties, municipalities, or public health districts) from requiring sound regulation permits, charging sound-related fees, or banning sound from deliveries to food service establishments. It specifically applies to deliveries of food, nonalcoholic beverages, food supplies, or ice that occur for one hour or less between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., provided the sound level at the nearest residential property does not exceed 75 dBA (excluding traffic noise). The law prevents local regulations targeting noise from these late-night deliveries, directly affecting restaurants and delivery businesses operating during those hours. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3490 allows governing boards of certain Texas state agencies to hold closed meetings with their internal auditors to discuss matters that could compromise the audit function's independence, effectiveness, or confidentiality if disclosed publicly. It directly affects state agencies with appointed internal auditors (as defined under Section 2102.006 of the Government Code). The bill creates an exception to standard open meeting requirements, permitting these closed sessions only when the internal auditor determines public disclosure would harm the audit process. The law specifies that such meetings must involve the internal auditor and pertain solely to audit matters they identify as sensitive. This change modifies Chapter 551 of the Government Code, adding Section 551.092.

Maddy summaryHB 113 modifies Texas law on how courts interpret statutes. It restricts courts from considering legislative intent (like statements from lawmakers or committee reports) when reading laws, requiring them to focus only on the plain text of the statute. The bill also prohibits courts from automatically deferring to state agencies' interpretations of laws, though reasonable agency views that match the statute's wording may still be considered. This directly affects courts, state agencies, and anyone involved in legal cases interpreting Texas laws. The changes aim to limit judicial interpretation methods and emphasize the written text of statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 5567 updates how businesses submit filings to Texas' Secretary of State and adjusts fee limits for certain services. It allows electronic delivery (replacing outdated options like fax) and removes the requirement for filers to prove their authority to sign documents. The bill also raises maximum fees for expedited services, such as certified document copies ($10 to $5,000 for some filings) and faster processing of business records. This directly affects corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and nonprofits that file with the Secretary of State's office. The changes streamline submission methods while authorizing higher fees for faster service.