Rep. Gene Wu

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include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law.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 4775 amends Texas law to clarify where animal control officers or peace officers can apply for a court order (warrant) to seize an animal they believe is being cruelly treated. It specifies that officers may seek warrants from justice courts, magistrates, or municipal courts in either the county or adjacent county where the animal is located, or in the municipality or adjacent municipality where the animal is found. The bill directly affects law enforcement and animal control personnel who investigate animal cruelty cases. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not change the definition of animal cruelty but streamlines the process for obtaining seizure authorization.

Maddy summaryHB 1730 requires the University of Houston to lead a study on how perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (common in products like food packaging and firefighting gear) affect public health. The study must examine these chemicals in food and drink products, drinking water sources, and workplace materials used by firefighters and manufacturing workers. The University of Houston, working with Texas environmental agencies, must complete the study and submit a report to the legislature by December 1, 2026. The bill expires December 31, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

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 summaryHB 3208 requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install highway signs guiding drivers to Dallas's Koreatown District by 2026. These signs must be placed at specific exits: Royal Lane for I-35E (both directions) and Luna Road for I-635 (both directions). The bill mandates installation no later than September 1, 2026, while ensuring signs comply with state and federal traffic device standards. This directly affects drivers traveling through those Dallas interchanges who wish to access the Koreatown District.

Maddy summaryHB 4442 would require Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to offer an elective mindfulness course for all students in middle school, junior high school, and high school. The course must teach specific techniques to enhance focus, manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and build self-awareness and compassion. High school students would be able to count this course toward their elective credit requirements for graduation. The bill would take effect for the 2026-2027 school year, unless it receives a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, in which case it would take effect immediately.

Maddy summarySB 487 protects the confidentiality of identifying information for victims of specific crimes, directly affecting individuals who experience stalking (under Penal Code §42.072), invasive visual recording (§21.15), or indecent assault (§22.012). The bill amends Texas law to require that courts and law enforcement safeguard victims' personal details, such as addresses or contact information, from public disclosure in legal proceedings. It explicitly defines "victim" in the criminal procedure code to include those subjected to these offenses or part of the same criminal episode. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on May 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3319 would establish a civil service system for constable's department employees (including deputies) in Texas counties with populations over 3.3 million. Counties can create this system either through an election requested by at least 20% of employees or by a commissioners court order. If implemented, a civil service commission appointed by the constable, commissioners court, and district attorney would set rules for hiring, promotions, and employee classification. The bill also includes a provision creating a criminal offense, though specific details of the offense are not provided in the text.

Maddy summaryHB 2785 requires Texas' Secretary of State website to display a mandatory confirmation message during online voter registration before the application is finalized. This message requires applicants to electronically confirm two key points: that completing the form does not equal voter registration, and that the completed application must still be submitted to a local voter registrar. The website must block further interaction until this confirmation is given, ensuring applicants understand the registration process isn't complete upon form submission. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects all Texas residents using the state's online voter registration system.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits late payment fees charged by municipal water utilities in Texas. It caps fees at $5 or 2% of the overdue amount before day 32, $5 or 5% between days 32-41, and $5 or 10% after day 41. Utilities cannot begin charging penalties before 21 days after billing a customer, and penalties end when the full amount is paid. The rules apply only to fees charged on or after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed by two-thirds vote).