Rep. Charlene Ward Johnson

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

Maddy summaryHB 331 creates a legal presumption that certain heart attacks or strokes suffered by firefighters, peace officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are work-related if they occur within eight hours after a shift involving strenuous physical activity like firefighting, rescue, or training. This means these first responders no longer need to prove their medical condition was caused by their job - instead, the law assumes it was work-related under specific conditions. The bill applies only to claims filed after its effective date (May 24, 2025), not to past claims. It excludes clerical or administrative work from the presumption, focusing solely on active emergency response duties.

Maddy summaryHCR 50 designates Galveston as Texas' official Mardi Gras Capital for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution recognizes Galveston's historical Mardi Gras celebrations, which began in 1867 and evolved into a major annual event spanning two weeks before Lent. The designation, effective until 2035, formally acknowledges Galveston's role in preserving this cultural tradition through groups like the Knights of Momus and the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce. As a concurrent resolution (not a law with funding or regulations), it has no direct policy impact beyond this ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryHCR 6 designates Galveston, Texas, as the state's official Juneteenth Capital for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution recognizes Galveston's historical role as the site where Union forces announced the end of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, under General Order No. 3. The designation, authorized under Section 391.003(e) of the Texas Government Code, does not create new programs or funding but formally honors the city's significance in Juneteenth's origin story. It follows Texas becoming the first state to make Juneteenth a holiday in 1979 and the federal recognition of Juneteenth National Independence Day in 2021.

Maddy summaryHB 3750 would require the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to reimburse current employees for certain legal costs related to their work. Specifically, it allows reimbursement of up to $10,000 in attorney fees for employees acquitted or cleared in criminal cases involving their job duties (protecting children, elderly, or disabled individuals), and up to $5,000 for employees seeking protective orders while on duty. The bill amends the Human Resources Code to establish these reimbursement limits and requires DFPS to create implementing rules. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 50 requires healthcare providers to obtain patient consent before conducting blood screening tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and to inform patients they can opt out of the test. If a screening test is positive, providers must offer information about available healthcare, prevention, and support services. The bill applies to all medical screenings for STDs in Texas and takes effect January 1, 2026, after the Health and Human Services Commission adopts implementing rules. It does not change existing testing protocols but adds a consent requirement and post-positive support obligation for providers.

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 5228 requires Texas law enforcement agencies to submit detailed incident reports (such as officer-public encounters and detentions) to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. The Commission must develop standardized reporting formats, ensure data quality, and publish the data online with a public glossary for easy access. It also mandates a study by 2027 to improve data collection methods and explore expanding reporting requirements. This bill directly affects police agencies that submit data and the public who can access the compiled information.