Rep. Stan Gerdes

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill prohibits most state agencies, courts, and the legislature from implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that influence hiring or workforce composition based on race, sex, or ethnicity. It bans offices conducting trainings or programs related to concepts like "systemic oppression," "anti-racism," or "gender theory" unless specifically approved by an attorney general for legal compliance. The law exempts universities and initiatives solely designed to meet federal or state legal requirements. It defines prohibited activities to prevent "differential treatment" or "special benefits" based on protected characteristics.

Maddy summarySB 2312 creates the Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict to prepare for potential international crises that could disrupt Texas' supply chains or critical infrastructure. The committee, composed of nine members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house, will develop pre-conflict security strategies and gather information to support state response during emergencies. It defines "critical infrastructure" to include systems like oil/gas, water, power, and emergency services, and "geopolitical conflict" as events threatening these systems through war, diplomatic breakdowns, or supply chain disruptions. The bill aims to enhance Texas' defensive posture and protect citizens by making proactive preparations, without altering existing laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 5302 establishes the Texas Post-Adoption Assistance Account Program to help adoptive parents cover post-adoption expenses like counseling or medical costs. The program allows certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (meeting specific eligibility criteria) to accept donations and distribute grants to eligible adoptive parents. Certified organizations must partner with the state, undergo annual audits, and follow guidelines set by the comptroller. This directly affects adoptive parents in Texas foster care and the nonprofit organizations administering the grants.

Maddy summaryHB 3231 increases criminal penalties for human trafficking in Texas by expanding the definition of the offense. The bill specifically prohibits trafficking children or disabled individuals for forced labor or services without requiring the trafficker to know the victim's age or disability status. It also broadens the offense to include trafficking that results in prohibited acts like prostitution or sexual abuse, and receiving benefits from such trafficking ventures. These changes directly affect traffickers who exploit vulnerable victims, raising penalties for these expanded scenarios under Texas law.

Maddy summaryHB 199 adjusts the maximum unemployment benefits an individual can receive in a benefit year in Texas based on the state's unemployment rate. It sets a sliding scale where the maximum benefit amount equals 14 to 27 times the individual's weekly benefit rate, depending on the state's unemployment rate (e.g., 14x for rates ≤6.5%, up to 27x for rates >10%). The bill affects all Texas unemployment insurance recipients during their benefit year, using the previous quarter's U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data to determine the rate tier. The changes apply only to claims filed on or after January 1, 2026, with existing claims governed by prior law.

Maddy summaryHB 2879 protects condo owners, tenants, and their guests from penalties like fines or eviction for using justified force (including deadly force) on residential property, as defined under Texas Penal Code Chapter 9. The bill creates an "irrebuttable presumption" that force was justified if the person was acquitted, a grand jury declined to indict, or prosecutors declined to file charges for the same incident. It applies to condominiums (via Property Code Section 82.122) and leased residential properties (via Sections 92.027 and 94.258), preventing associations or landlords from taking adverse action based on legally justified force. The law overrides any conflicting terms in property declarations or leases, regardless of when they were adopted.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summaryHJR 175 proposes a constitutional amendment to protect Texans' right to own, hold, and use any form of money they agree to use - such as cash, digital currency, coins, or even private scrip - when buying goods or services. It prohibits government from restricting ownership or holding of any currency, though it explicitly states the state may still choose its own payment methods for transactions with itself. The amendment would require voter approval in the November 2025 election, with the ballot asking voters to support recognizing this right. This is a procedural proposal, not a new law, and would amend the Texas Constitution if approved by voters.

Maddy summaryHB 139 creates a new category of employer-sponsored health benefit plans that may exclude certain state-mandated health benefits, while still requiring coverage for federal essential health benefits. It requires health benefit plan issuers to offer these "employer choice of benefits plans" and mandates clear written notice to enrollees at the start of enrollment documents. The notice must explicitly state that the plan may exclude standard Texas-mandated benefits and provide fewer benefits than typical plans, with bold text highlighting this choice. The bill establishes definitions and rules for these plans under Texas Insurance Code Chapter 1506. This directly affects employers offering health benefits and employees choosing their coverage options.