Rep. Charlene Ward Johnson

Maddy summaryHB 3691 allows voters aged 65 or older in Texas to electronically apply for mail-in ballots through the state or county election websites. The bill requires applicants to provide their voter registration number, driver’s license or ID number, and the last four digits of their Social Security number to verify eligibility. It amends election code to permit electronic signatures, automatically deliver applications to the correct voting clerk, and let applicants check their application status online. The program would take effect September 1, 2025, if passed. This directly affects seniors seeking mail-in ballots, simplifying the application process currently requiring paper submissions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas licensing authorities to issue provisional occupational licenses for six months to applicants with criminal convictions who are otherwise qualified for the license, unless they have specific serious convictions listed in the Occupations Code. The provisional license begins upon the applicant's release from incarceration if they were imprisoned. It applies to most occupational licensing fields (like healthcare or trades) but excludes applicants convicted of offenses under Section 53.021(a). The bill provides a pathway for certain applicants to obtain licenses without full revocation of eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Texas public universities to disregard undergraduate applicants' academic records older than 10 years when evaluating admission, but requires them to retain the most recent 5 years of grades and credits. Colleges must publicly post their specific policies on this practice and cannot selectively ignore only parts of the 10-year window - they must disregard all records from that period if they choose to apply the policy. The law applies to admissions for the 2025 fall semester and affects how institutions count credits toward degree requirements for students using this "academic fresh start" option. It also ties state funding for relevant credits to this policy starting in 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1194 extends the duration of emergency protection orders in Texas criminal cases. For most orders (under Subsections (a) or (b)(1)), the order now remains effective for up to 91 days (minimum 31 days) instead of the previous 61 days (minimum 31 days). For specific orders under Subsection (b)(2), the duration increases to up to 121 days (minimum 61 days) from the prior 91 days (minimum 61 days). The bill also allows courts to modify orders after a hearing if the change won’t increase risk to the victim or endanger protected persons. This applies only to orders issued on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2783 requires certain Texas counties to automatically enroll eligible county employees in the county’s deferred compensation plan (a retirement savings program) unless the employee opts out. Employees would contribute 3% of their pay automatically through payroll deductions to a default investment option chosen by the plan administrator, replacing the previous requirement for employees to actively consent. This applies to counties that choose to adopt the automatic enrollment policy through a commissioners court order, and counties must inform new employees about their participation options and responsibilities. Employees can later adjust their contribution amount, switch investment options, or opt out entirely through the county’s designated process.

Maddy summaryHB 2476 creates a state grant program to cover living expenses for eligible students at Texas public colleges. It directly affects homeless students or minors whose minority status was removed under Texas law, requiring institutions to assess eligibility and notify the state comptroller. The program provides grants covering housing, food, and other living costs during enrollment, with funds administered by the state treasurer and not reducing other financial aid. The grant amount is determined to cover full living expenses regardless of summer term enrollment.

Maddy summaryHB 1879 creates a franchise tax credit for businesses that open grocery stores or "healthy corner stores" (under 2,000 sq ft) in designated food deserts - areas with limited healthy food access in low-income neighborhoods. To qualify, stores must accept WIC and SNAP benefits within 90 days of opening, operate year-round, and serve low-income communities. The credit reduces franchise taxes for eligible entities meeting these criteria, aiming to improve food access in underserved areas. The bill is currently pending in the Ways & Means committee after committee hearings in May 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5265 creates the Texas Health Care Professional Education Fund to dedicate state funding toward increasing health care degree production at eligible public universities. The bill directly affects Texas public universities designated as "general academic teaching institutions" that offer health care professional degrees (such as bachelor's, master's, or doctoral programs in fields listed by federal education standards). Key provisions establish the fund outside the state treasury, managed by the comptroller through a trust company, with distribution rules designed to preserve fund value and ensure predictable annual funding. The goal is to meet state workforce needs by providing a stable, independent funding stream specifically for health care degree programs at qualifying institutions.

Maddy summaryHB 463 automatically expunges arrest records for individuals charged with certain controlled substance offenses when their case is dismissed under specific conditions. It directly affects defendants whose charges are dismissed due to completion of court programs (veterans, mental health, or pretrial intervention), lab results showing no controlled substance was present, or dismissal due to lack of probable cause. The bill requires courts to issue expungement orders within 30 days of dismissal in cases where lab analysis confirms no controlled substance was found, and prohibits courts from charging fees for this process. This policy change removes barriers to clearing records for eligible individuals without requiring additional court petitions.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 945), not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It formally honors Pope Francis following his death on April 21, 2025, recognizing his life, leadership as the first Latin American pope, and global efforts to serve the vulnerable. The resolution memorializes his legacy, including his work during Argentina's economic crisis, interfaith initiatives, and pandemic-era outreach. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes. As a procedural resolution, it serves only to express collective remembrance.