Rep. Harold Dutton

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to extend the redemption period for elderly homeowners (65 or older) who lose their primary residence at a tax sale. Currently, owners have two years to buy back their home by paying the sale price plus fees and up to 25% extra. The amendment would lengthen this to four years, requiring payment of the sale price plus fees plus up to 50% extra during the final year. It must be approved by voters in November 2025 before taking effect on January 1, 2026, and would only apply to properties with deeds filed for record after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 4034 modifies how Texas's Title IV-D child support agency operates. It allows remote communication in child support cases (eliminating a requirement for in-person proceedings), shields the agency from liability for mediation costs in support orders, and permits suspending enforcement against a paying parent if the recipient parent is jailed for family violence against a child. The bill also requires the agency to adjust child support payments for parents incarcerated for 180+ days, based on income during confinement, and provides procedures for notifying parents of these adjustments. These changes directly affect the state agency, paying parents, and recipient parents in child support enforcement cases.

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 1079 would designate Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and Leadership Officer Training Corps (LOTC) programs as official public school career and technology education programs. This change would directly affect public schools offering these military-focused training programs, requiring them to be counted toward the state's career and technology education metrics. The bill also specifies that participation in these programs would serve as an indicator of military readiness within the public school accountability system. This legislation aims to formally integrate these programs into existing educational frameworks without altering their structure or curriculum. The bill is currently pending in committee after a public hearing.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution authorizes the burial of Guy Herman, a former Travis County probate judge, in the Texas State Cemetery. It follows existing law (Government Code § 2165.256) requiring the State Cemetery Committee to approve such burials based on a person's significant contribution to Texas history. The resolution specifically cites Judge Herman's 30+ years of service, including his work on mental health reforms, probate court leadership, and community contributions. The authorization is conditional on the State Cemetery Committee approving his burial application as required by law.

Maddy summaryHB 2729 prohibits the use of hearsay evidence in hearings for individuals charged with violating release conditions under the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The bill amends the Government Code to explicitly state that secondhand statements (like hearsay) cannot be admitted as evidence during these specific hearings. This directly affects people on TDCJ supervision who face allegations of breaking release terms, such as parole or probation violations. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to these administrative hearings, not criminal trials.

Maddy summaryHB 2558 modifies Texas law to protect incarcerated parents from being held in contempt for unpaid child support under specific conditions. It prevents courts from finding a parent in contempt if they demonstrate they were confined in jail or prison for at least 90 consecutive days (excluding confinement for family violence offenses or prior non-compliance with child support orders) and lacked resources to pay during that time. The bill applies to hearings beginning on or after September 1, 2025, and requires the parent or their attorney to present credible evidence at the hearing. This change directly affects parents serving prison sentences who face child support enforcement actions.

Maddy summaryHB 2728 requires Texas prosecutors to preserve evidence used in criminal cases and prohibits intentional destruction, alteration, or loss of that evidence. If the state mishandles evidence, defendants can present evidence of this to the court, and if the court finds the violation intentional, the jury must presume the lost evidence would have favored the defendant. The law eliminates the need for defendants to prove the state's specific intent or that the mishandling was a crime. This applies to criminal cases beginning on or after September 1, 2025, directly affecting defendants who claim state misconduct in evidence handling.

Maddy summaryHB 4509 updates Texas Family Code provisions to clarify court-ordered financial support for adult children with medically determinable disabilities. It amends chapter and subchapter titles to explicitly include "adult with medically determinable disability" and revises Section 154.001 to allow courts to order ongoing parental support for such adults indefinitely. The bill also specifies that orders for this support are excluded from certain termination rules under Section 154.004(c). This directly affects parents of adult disabled children and courts determining financial obligations under Texas law.

Maddy summaryHB 2353 sets minimum hourly rates and clarifies payment responsibilities for attorneys appointed to represent children or parents in child welfare cases filed by government entities (like child protective services). It requires courts to pay attorneys $250/hour for court appearances and reasonable out-of-court time in counties with over 3 million people, with payment prioritized to parents first (unless indigent), then county general funds. The bill applies to all pending or future cases involving government-filed suits affecting parent-child relationships. It ensures consistent compensation for these court-appointed attorneys while specifying that the state or counties pay only when parents cannot cover costs.