Rep. Ellen Troxclair

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 19 authorizes the State Preservation Board to approve construction of a replica of the "National Life Monument" (a bronze sculpture depicting a mother with an unborn child in a world-shaped womb) at the Texas State Capitol Complex. The resolution specifies the monument must be placed outside historic Capitol grounds, require private funding, and comply with existing size, design, and procedural rules under Chapter 443 of the Government Code. It directly affects the State Preservation Board, which must follow statutory requirements when reviewing the project. This is a procedural resolution (not a law) that formally enables the monument's placement without creating new legal obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 1188, the Caytlin Handley Act, requires Texas school districts to provide parents or guardians of students with intellectual disabilities or developmental delays with information about local disability authority services during their first individualized education program (IEP) meeting. The bill mandates that schools share details about public benefits and waiver programs (like Section 1915(c) services under federal law) offered by the county disability authority. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission must develop and distribute clear informational materials to schools for this purpose. This law took effect immediately on May 29, 2025, applying to the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 5061, the Texas Integrity in State Contracting and Privacy Protection Act, prohibits state agency contractors and vendors from engaging in specific harmful activities. It bans surveillance targeting legislators, their families, state employees, or whistleblowers; intimidation or coercion to silence concerns; and misuse of private information to influence contracting decisions. Contractors violating these rules face administrative penalties enforced by the state auditor’s office. The law applies to all state agency contracts, including those managed by the comptroller or universities, and takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4 restricts Texas public school districts and campuses from obtaining exemptions or waivers for specific requirements, including graduation standards, school accountability measures under Chapters 39 and 39A, health and safety rules, and programs for special education and bilingual students. The bill explicitly prohibits waivers for federal mandates, essential knowledge/skills, class size limits (except as allowed by law), extracurricular activities, and other key areas listed in the legislation. It also changes the appeal process for challenges to the commissioner's decisions, requiring appeals to be filed in Travis County district court with specific procedural steps. This bill directly affects school districts, the Texas Education Agency, and individuals seeking to challenge educational decisions.

Maddy summarySB 618 prohibits public and election officials from altering election procedures without legal authorization. If officials fail to comply after being notified by the Secretary of State, they face escalating daily fines: $1,000 per day for days 3-7 and $5,000 per day after day 7. The bill requires officials to immediately cease non-compliant actions and provides a process for the Secretary of State to investigate violations and refer cases to the Attorney General. These fines, collected into the general revenue fund, directly affect election officials who change procedures without proper legal approval.

Maddy summaryHCR 59 is a ceremonial resolution designating April as "Promise Month" in Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it is solely a symbolic recognition intended to honor religious and historical perspectives on promises. The resolution references biblical principles and the founding of the U.S. on "Biblical principles," but the designation itself has no legal or policy impact on residents or state operations. This is a procedural, commemorative resolution with no concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 3336 creates a tax credit for Texas breweries and distilleries that donate spent grain (a byproduct of brewing liquor or malt beverages) for agricultural use. Eligible taxpayers can claim a credit of $0.08 per pound of dry weight donated for purposes like animal feed or composting, within 100 miles of where the grain was used. The credit is capped at $30,000 per year or the total taxes paid under the Alcoholic Beverage Code, whichever is lower. This applies only to donations made on or after the bill's effective date for taxes due after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 21 amends Texas Local Government Code provisions affecting housing finance corporations that develop or manage low- and moderate-income housing. It defines qualifying residential developments as those where at least 90% of units are intended for households with adjusted gross income below state-defined moderate income levels. The bill also requires these corporations to follow open meetings and public records laws (Chapter 551 and 552, Government Code) and restricts their development to areas within the boundaries of their sponsoring local governments - unless approved by those governing bodies. These changes clarify operational rules and transparency requirements for housing finance corporations serving low- and moderate-income residents.

Maddy summaryHB 30 modifies how Texas local taxing units (like counties and cities, excluding school districts) calculate property tax rates after a declared disaster. If a disaster is officially recognized by the governor or president and at least one property owner receives a tax exemption, the taxing unit can use a new "disaster relief rate" calculation. This rate divides the unit's documented disaster costs (for debris removal and essential assistance) by the current taxable property value. The new calculation method applies until either property values exceed their pre-disaster level or three years after the disaster, whichever comes first.

Maddy summaryHB 3225 requires municipal public libraries in Texas to restrict minors (under 18) from accessing sexually explicit materials in sections designated for younger audiences. Libraries must remove such materials from "minor's sections" and obtain legal guardian consent before allowing minors to check out or view these materials. The bill imposes civil penalties for violations, including fines. It directly affects municipal public libraries, minors, and their guardians by changing how libraries manage content access in designated youth areas.