Rep. Lacey Hull

Maddy summaryHB 293 requires developers applying for low-income housing tax credits on projects funded through private activity bonds to notify their state representative and local governing bodies (municipal council or county commissioners court) before submitting applications. The bill adds a new provision stating that if the state representative for the project's district submits an opposing letter to the Texas Department of Housing, the application cannot be approved. This directly affects housing developers seeking tax credits for projects using private activity bonds, particularly those in areas outside city limits or within a municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction. The changes apply only to applications submitted during the 2026 or later qualified allocation plan cycles.

Maddy summaryHB 1201 creates a two-year Medicaid pilot program in Texas to cover doula services for eligible pregnant individuals. The program, launching in 2026 in the most populous county and the county with the highest maternal health needs, provides nonmedical childbirth support like emotional and physical coaching during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. The Health and Human Services Commission must report annually on costs and birth outcomes, and submit a final evaluation by 2030 to determine if the program should continue or expand. The pilot expires September 1, 2031, after which coverage would not automatically continue.

Maddy summaryHB 2070 amends Texas Family Code Section 261.002 to require a court finding of abuse or neglect before adding someone to the central child abuse registry. Currently, the Department of Family and Protective Services can add names based on their own findings, but this bill mandates a final court order in a civil, criminal, or juvenile case first. The change applies only to findings made on or after September 1, 2025, with prior cases governed by previous law. This directly affects individuals potentially added to the registry and the Department’s process for doing so.

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 5302 establishes the Texas Post-Adoption Assistance Account Program to help adoptive parents cover post-adoption expenses like counseling or medical costs. The program allows certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (meeting specific eligibility criteria) to accept donations and distribute grants to eligible adoptive parents. Certified organizations must partner with the state, undergo annual audits, and follow guidelines set by the comptroller. This directly affects adoptive parents in Texas foster care and the nonprofit organizations administering the grants.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary sales tax exemption for clothing and footwear priced under $100 during a specific three-day window each year. The exemption applies only to purchases made from 12:01 a.m. Friday before the first Saturday following July 30 until 12 midnight Sunday. It directly affects Texas residents buying qualifying items for school during this period, as the timing aligns with the start of the school year. The exemption is not permanent and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2581 requires service providers working with Texas' Thriving Texas Families Program to submit detailed payment requests using a new form. The form must include a unique client ID, verification that clients received pregnancy resource information, interaction details (date, time, location), staff names, and an itemized service list. This applies to all network contractors or service providers seeking payment for program services. The Health and Human Services Commission must create and publish this form by November 1, 2025, with providers required to use it starting December 1, 2025. The bill focuses solely on standardizing payment documentation for program accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 3142 sets new requirements for school marshals in Texas public and private schools. To qualify, a person must either hold a specific license under Texas law or be a volunteer who is a veteran, active military member, peace officer, reserve officer, or retired peace officer. School districts, charter schools, private schools, and public junior colleges must appoint marshals meeting these standards. The bill also allows school districts to reimburse volunteers for training costs related to the marshal role. This directly affects school districts, volunteers, and individuals seeking to serve as school marshals.

Maddy summaryHB 1794 amends Texas law to permit licensed handgun carriers to carry concealed handguns on polling place premises during elections or early voting. It specifically allows holders of valid concealed handgun licenses (CHL) to possess only a concealed handgun at these locations, provided no other weapons are carried. The bill removes the current prohibition against concealed weapons at polling places for CHL holders, aligning with existing exceptions for other locations like schools. This change directly affects licensed handgun carriers participating in elections but does not permit open carry or other weapons. The amendment modifies Section 46.03(a)(2) of the Penal Code to create this specific exception.

Maddy summaryHB 3863 requires health insurance plans (including Medicaid managed care organizations) to pay healthcare providers faster for services. Specifically, it mandates payments within 10 days for nursing facility services, 30 days for long-term care, and 45 days for other claims. The bill also prohibits insurers from charging providers fees for electronic payments (like virtual credit cards), though standard bank fees are allowed. Additionally, it requires insurers to establish a system for tracking and resolving provider disputes over unpaid claims. This directly affects doctors, hospitals, and clinics that bill these insurance plans.