Rep. Senfronia Thompson

Maddy summaryHB 1953 strengthens rights for crime victims in Texas by requiring courts to verify that victims receive specific notifications before plea agreements are finalized. It mandates courts to confirm victims were informed about plea bargain terms at least five business days in advance and consulted regarding case disposition. Victims, guardians, or close relatives of deceased victims can petition the court to reset a plea hearing if these requirements are not met. The bill expands existing victim notification rights to include timely updates about court proceedings and case details. These changes apply to all crime victims, not limited to sexual assault cases, and establish a concrete enforcement mechanism through court petitions.

Maddy summaryHB 3913 updates Texas licensing requirements for real estate professionals by defining mandatory educational courses for license holders. It requires qualifying courses to cover five specific areas: agency relationships, contract law, real estate principles (including 3+ hours on housing discrimination laws), property management, and appraisal fundamentals. The bill directly affects real estate brokers and agents seeking initial licensing or continuing education. Key provisions include mandating training on federal/state housing discrimination laws and specific topics like lease procedures and fiduciary duties, ensuring standardized education under the Texas Real Estate Commission.

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 summaryHB 2777 would prohibit the death penalty for defendants found to have had "severe mental illness" (defined as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder with active psychotic symptoms impairing judgment or understanding of wrongfulness) at the time of a capital offense. The bill requires defendants to file a 30-day notice before trial to present evidence of this condition, which they must prove by "clear and convincing evidence." If notice is not filed, such evidence becomes inadmissible unless the court finds "good cause" for the delay. The law would directly affect defendants in Texas capital cases who qualify under this mental health definition, altering sentencing eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 589 requires the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to establish an anti-trafficking unit, identify businesses in regulated industries impacted by human trafficking, and coordinate with law enforcement and anti-trafficking organizations. The bill mandates TDLR to adopt rules for inspections and investigations related to human trafficking within its regulated programs. It also creates strict confidentiality protections, making victim-identifying information exempt from public disclosure under Texas law. This bill directly affects TDLR operations, businesses in regulated industries, and victims of human trafficking by adding new oversight and privacy safeguards.

Maddy summaryHB 809 removes a restriction that previously prevented parties from using digital signatures on divorce paperwork. It allows digitized signatures for waivers in divorce cases and aligns with electronic notarization rules for family law documents. This change applies to all divorce cases pending or filed after September 1, 2025. The bill modernizes how divorce-related documents are signed, updating Texas law to accept digital signatures in family court proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 2066 allows eligible individuals to have arrest records expunged for unlawful handgun carrying offenses committed before September 1, 2021. It specifically applies to people convicted or placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for violating Section 46.02(a) of the Penal Code as it existed prior to that date. The bill amends Texas law to require expungement of all related arrest records once a person completes their supervision term, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects individuals with pre-2021 cases involving handgun possession charges under the old legal standard.

Maddy summaryHB 863 creates a statewide database requiring senior independent living communities (residential communities for residents 55+ that operate as housing for older adults) to submit health and safety plans. The database, maintained by a state agency, will include these plans and be accessible to emergency response teams for coordination during crises. Communities that fail to file required plans or violate related rules may face administrative penalties. The database is confidential, and the bill mandates a standard template for health and safety plans to ensure consistency.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 19) is a concurrent resolution naming a new building in the Texas Capitol Complex. It directs the Texas Facilities Commission to name the structure at the northwest corner of Congress Avenue and 15th Street the "Irma Rangel Building." The resolution honors Irma Rangel, a pioneering Texas legislator who was the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas Legislature (1976) and championed education access, domestic violence services, and opportunities for marginalized communities. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new policy or affect any specific group beyond recognizing her legacy.

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.