Rep. Harold Dutton

Maddy summaryHB 2496 requires Texas courts to specifically find that family violence occurred within the two years before a protective order application is filed. It creates a legal presumption that family violence happened if the respondent was convicted of certain family violence-related offenses (like those involving a child) or had parental rights terminated during that period. The bill also allows courts to issue protective orders lasting longer than two years if the respondent committed a felony involving family violence, caused serious injury, or has a history of multiple protective orders. This directly affects victims of family violence, their children, and courts handling these cases by standardizing the findings needed for protective orders under Texas Family Code.

Maddy summaryHB 2288 allows respondents in family violence protective order cases to argue that future violence is "not likely to occur" as an affirmative defense. If a court finds family violence occurred, it must issue a protective order against the perpetrator unless the respondent proves this defense by a preponderance of evidence. The bill directly affects individuals accused of family violence who seek to challenge protective orders. Key provisions require courts to issue orders under Section 85.022 unless the defense succeeds, and apply only to applications filed on or after September 1, 2025. The law does not change the standard for finding past violence but adds a new defense mechanism for respondents.

Maddy summaryHB 3134 establishes a regulatory framework for "advanced air mobility" in Texas, primarily affecting electric aircraft and vertiports (landing/takeoff sites for air taxis). The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to create an office for technical support, develop a statewide strategic plan, identify uniform planning standards for vertiports, estimate electric grid capacity needs, and provide guidebooks to local governments. It specifically applies to aircraft over 300 pounds capable of carrying passengers or cargo, focusing on electric vertical takeoff aircraft and urban air mobility infrastructure. The law aims to enable future air taxi services by standardizing planning and infrastructure requirements across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2971 streamlines uncontested divorces in Texas by allowing courts to adopt written divorce agreements without requiring parties to testify or appear in person. The bill requires agreements to include signatures, marriage/separation dates, property division details (separate vs. community property), and child-related terms (parenting plans, child support) if applicable, along with supporting affidavits verifying fairness and children's best interests. Courts must approve agreements they deem "just and right" and in children's best interest; if not, the case continues. This directly affects married couples seeking uncontested divorces who have mutually agreed on all terms.

Maddy summaryHB 2239 amends Texas Penal Code Section 46.03 to create a new exception for "location-restricted knives," meaning these knives would not be considered illegal weapons under specific subsections (a)(7) or (13) when carried in certain locations. The bill does not change where knives are prohibited but modifies how certain knives are treated under existing law for offenses involving restricted locations. It takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed on or after that date. This is a procedural change to the Penal Code, not a new prohibition.

Maddy summaryHB 3311 amends Texas Estates Code to prioritize child support claims over other debts when settling a decedent's estate. It reclassifies confirmed child support arrears (via court judgment or Title IV-D agency records) as "Class 3" claims, meaning they must be paid before secured debts like tax liens (now "Class 4"). This directly affects families relying on child support payments and estates settling debts after a person's death. The change applies only to estates of individuals who die on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4870 creates a grant program administered by the Texas Office of Court Administration to provide legal assistance to relative and kinship caregivers. It directly affects low-income caregivers (at or below 400% of the federal poverty level) who are taking legal responsibility for children, such as relatives assuming care or non-parent adults seeking legal authorization. The program funds nonprofits to help with specific legal matters including consent for treatment, authorization agreements, temporary care arrangements, and custody proceedings under Texas Family Code. Grants require contracts ensuring public benefit and allow the Office to adopt rules for eligibility, application processes, and monitoring.

Maddy summaryHB 2446 modifies Texas law to eliminate the requirement for an affidavit supporting medical bills in civil cases when the total charge is $50,000 or less. This directly affects claimants (like injury victims) and defendants in civil lawsuits involving medical costs under this threshold. The key change is adding a new subsection to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, stating such small bills no longer need an affidavit to prove reasonableness or necessity. The bill applies only to cases filed on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025).

Maddy summaryHB 3281 requires parents whose parental rights have been terminated to financially support their children in foster care (substitute care) until specific milestones. It directly affects parents with terminated rights and children in foster care, mandating support until the child turns 18 (or graduates high school), is adopted, or for children with disabilities until adulthood. Key provisions specify that support continues until the child's adoption, 18th birthday (or graduation), removal of disability status, or death. The bill amends Texas Family Code sections to clarify these financial obligations and termination grounds.

Maddy summaryHB 3727 creates a state grant program to fund railroad grade separation projects at non-state highway intersections and pedestrian crossings. It directly affects local governments and railroad companies by providing grants for projects that improve safety and reduce traffic. Key requirements include a 10% non-state funding match (from other sources or as matching funds) and restrictions on using state highway funds. The program can only use state appropriations, federal grants, or donations, and the Transportation Commission must adopt rules by October 2025.