Rep. Stan Gerdes

Maddy summaryHB 323 requires Texas counties, cities, school districts, and other local government entities (political subdivisions) to use the federal E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. It mandates that these local governments register for and participate in E-Verify, with staff responsible for verification facing immediate termination for noncompliance. The bill defines "political subdivisions" broadly to include municipalities, school districts, and special districts. This requirement takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5337 requires Texas voters to submit proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must provide documents like a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or citizenship papers to county registrars. If proof isn't submitted, voters would only qualify for a limited federal ballot under Chapter 115. The bill creates criminal penalties for failing to provide required documentation and amends election code sections to implement these requirements. This directly affects all new voter registrants in Texas seeking full voting rights.

Maddy summarySB 844 establishes new procedures for Texas municipalities making zoning changes that do not qualify as major overhauls (e.g., not city-wide code updates or new zoning maps). It requires written protests signed by owners of at least 20% of the affected land or 60% of adjacent land within 200 feet to trigger stricter approval rules. If protested, such zoning changes must receive approval from at least three-fourths of the city council. This applies only to smaller, targeted adjustments - not comprehensive zoning changes - as defined in the bill.

Maddy summarySB 396 amends Texas Election Code Section 15.051(a) to require voter registrars to send written confirmation notices to voters in specific situations. It directly affects voters whose registration address is a commercial post office box, who haven’t voted in 25 months after a general election, or whose residence is suspected of changing. The key mechanism is a written notice demanding voters verify their current residence address. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not alter voter eligibility or removal procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 3906 would allow counties with populations under 250,000 to set nighttime noise limits for residential properties in unincorporated areas through commissioners court orders. It explicitly excludes firearms and fireworks from these regulations. Violating such noise orders would be classified as a Class C misdemeanor. The bill applies only to unincorporated residential zones and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1832 increases criminal penalties for non-citizens who illegally enter or remain in Texas. It amends Texas Penal Code sections to upgrade offenses from misdemeanors to felonies based on prior convictions involving immigration violations, drug crimes, or crimes against persons. For example, a prior misdemeanor under immigration law can elevate a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony, and multiple prior offenses can trigger third-degree or higher felonies. The bill specifically targets individuals removed under federal law (citing 8 U.S.C. sections) or convicted of related crimes. The bill is pending in committee and has not yet been enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1482 changes eligibility for community supervision (probation) for certain repeat offenders convicted of intoxication-related offenses. It removes community supervision options for individuals convicted of 19 specific offenses, including repeat DWI-related crimes, sexual assault, trafficking offenses, and drug offenses involving children or drug-free zones. The bill applies only to offenses committed on or after its effective date. This policy change directly affects repeat offenders who would previously have qualified for probation under community supervision rules. The law does not alter sentencing levels but restricts probation eligibility for these specific repeat intoxication offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 1928 requires statutory probate court judges to order estates to reimburse counties for costs when judges are assigned to handle contested probate matters. Specifically, judges must direct estates to cover county payments for judge compensation and expenses under existing law, to the extent possible. The bill mandates judges to apportion these costs equitably between the estate and involved parties. It applies only to motions filed on or after September 1, 2025, and does not change the $25 daily allowance for assigned judges. This policy change affects counties, probate estates, and parties in contested probate cases.

Maddy summaryHB 4253 requires Texas voter registrars to send written confirmation notices to voters under specific circumstances to verify their residence address. This affects voters whose address is a commercial post office box, those who haven’t voted in 25 months after a general election, or when registrars suspect a residence change. The bill mandates that registrars notify voters to confirm their current address, with no change to voting eligibility or rights. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2 establishes a state-funded education savings account program in Texas, allowing eligible families to use public funds for approved educational expenses. The program directly affects Texas families with children who have disabilities or who live in low-income households (at or below 500% of the federal poverty level). The comptroller administers the program, funding accounts with state money that can cover approved education costs like tuition, books, or tutoring. The bill becomes effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 3, 2025. This creates a new state-funded option alongside public schools for participating families.