Rep. Jo Jones

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 424) congratulates 70 students from Jack Yates High School's JY Cinema program for advancing two films to the finals of the 2025 University Interscholastic League (UIL) Young Filmmakers Festival. It recognizes their achievement as the first time the school had two films reach the state finals in two categories, earning the school two plaques and each student a UIL state medal. The resolution formally extends the Texas House of Representatives' congratulations and will provide the students with an official copy of the resolution. This is a procedural resolution with no policy changes or funding, solely offering recognition for the students' accomplishments.

Maddy summaryHR 136 is a memorial resolution honoring Clyde Vance Dunnam of Waco, a 94-year-old attorney who passed away on May 3, 2024. The resolution recognizes his 70-year career at Dunnam & Dunnam, LLP, his service as a mentor in Central Texas, and his community leadership in organizations like the Scottish Rite and Waco Jaycees. It also acknowledges his family life, including his marriage to Vicki Hohertz (until her death in 1995) and later to Merrilee Lafferty Harmon, and his dedication to faith and community. Adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on March 13, 2025, this procedural resolution serves as a formal tribute to his life and legacy, with no substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2281 automatically registers eligible Texas residents to vote when they interact with specific state agencies. It applies when residents apply for or renew a Texas driver's license/ID card through the Department of Public Safety or seek services at other voter registration agencies. The bill requires automatic registration unless the applicant marks a transaction as "not for voter registration" or submits a declination form. This changes how voter registration occurs during routine interactions with state agencies, making registration the default unless explicitly declined.

Maddy summaryHB 2058 requires hospitals with specific maternal care designations to provide supportive counseling and medical cooling devices (like specialized blankets or cradles) to parents and families following a perinatal death or stillbirth. It creates a grant program to help these hospitals cover costs for staff training on compassionate care and purchasing/maintaining cooling devices. The bill also establishes a hospital recognition program for facilities excelling in perinatal palliative care. These provisions directly affect Texas hospitals licensed under Chapter 241 that serve maternal care patients. The law aims to improve access to and quality of grief support services for families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution designates May 8 as "Vaccination Day" in Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It recognizes May 8 as the anniversary of the 1980 declaration that the world was free of smallpox, highlighting the importance of immunization. The resolution serves as a ceremonial observance to honor vaccine history and public health achievements, with no direct policy or funding changes. It does not affect specific individuals or groups but encourages public awareness of vaccination's role in health.

Maddy summaryHB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia and related disorders. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and other eligible organizations for research into dementia causes, prevention strategies, treatments, and symptom mitigation. It establishes oversight committees to manage grants, ensure compliance, and requires annual public reports detailing funded projects and recipients. The institute is set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless extended under Texas Sunset Act procedures.

Maddy summaryHJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. The bill would transfer $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026, for research, prevention, and treatment of dementia and related disorders. The institute would award grants to Texas research institutions, medical facilities, and collaboratives to develop treatments, prevention programs, and address access to care. This initiative directly affects Texans living with dementia and their families, as well as researchers and healthcare providers in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1076 addresses unauthorized activities on real property, creating new criminal offenses for unauthorized entry, occupancy, or advertising of property for sale/rent. It increases penalties for these violations and authorizes a fee related to enforcement actions. The bill directly affects property owners, tenants, and individuals involved in real estate transactions by establishing clearer legal consequences for unauthorized property use. Key provisions include criminalizing specific unauthorized activities (like occupying a dwelling without permission) and adding financial mechanisms for enforcement. This legislation aims to strengthen property rights protections through defined penalties and administrative fees.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 would establish a Texas-issued currency backed by physical gold and silver held in a state-managed depository. It authorizes the comptroller to create this currency, representing specific fractions of a troy ounce of gold or silver, and requires it to function as legal tender for debt payments. The bill mandates electronic transfer capabilities for the currency and designates the Texas Bullion Depository as the exclusive issuer. It also authorizes a fee to cover administrative costs, though specific fee amounts are not detailed in the provided text. This bill is procedural in nature, creating a new currency framework rather than altering existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 899 requires sheriffs to ensure defendants receiving medication for mental health conditions - particularly psychotropic drugs - continue their prescribed treatment after leaving competency restoration programs. It mandates sheriffs provide the correct medication types and dosages, and compel defendants to take medication unless a physician directs otherwise. The bill also requires jail physicians to document any medication changes after consulting with the treating physician to avoid harming the defendant's mental health or court proceedings. Sheriffs will be reimbursed by the state for medication costs, effective September 1, 2025.