Rep. Terry Wilson

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 898) is a symbolic gesture by the Texas House of Representatives to recognize and honor Texas A&M University's Aggie Muster tradition. It formally commemorates Aggie Muster occurring on April 21, 2025, a day when A&M students, alumni, and the global Aggie community gather to honor deceased members through a memorial service and "Roll Call for the Absent." The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it simply expresses the House's support for this longstanding tradition tied to the university's history. It directly affects the Texas A&M community participating in the event, which includes alumni, students, and families.

Maddy summaryHB 5339 creates a grant program administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to fund public colleges and universities conducting research and education on regenerative agriculture. The program supports projects assessing pesticide impacts, helping farmers transition to organic/pesticide-free methods, and providing training for agricultural producers and rural communities. Eligible institutions include all public universities, with priority given to non-land-grant schools with community outreach, active farm partnerships, and minimal funding from pesticide manufacturers. The grants specifically fund multi-year research, soil health studies, farmer education programs, and student projects focused on sustainable farming practices.

Maddy summarySB 1524 prohibits child-placing agencies and state departments from requiring foster homes to disclose specific types of firearms present in their homes or to report changes in firearm types. It also restricts agencies from using any existing firearm information for purposes beyond verifying weapon presence, and mandates that such information remains confidential under Texas law. Violations by agencies could result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per incident, enforceable by the attorney general. The bill directly affects foster care agencies, state departments, and foster parents by limiting how firearm information is handled and shared. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 561 expands eligibility for state grants to specific local entities affected by defense job or facility realignments. It adds seven categories to the existing grant program, including municipalities/county defense communities, regional planning commissions with defense communities, public junior colleges in defense areas, Texas State Technical College campuses in defense communities, defense base development authorities, political subdivisions with similar authority, and municipal utilities in defense communities. The bill amends Government Code Section 436.201(a) to include these entities as eligible for existing grants. The change takes effect September 1, 2025, allowing these local governments to access funding support during defense-related economic transitions.

Maddy summaryHB 1607 allows passenger cars and light trucks not manufactured with a front plate mount to display only a rear license plate instead of two plates. It requires these vehicles to display a license plate windshield insignia (a sticker-like device) in the front windshield and authorizes a fee for this insignia. The bill creates a criminal offense for operators who fail to comply with these requirements, such as not carrying the unmounted rear plate or not displaying the insignia. This directly affects vehicle owners of newer models lacking front mounting points, changing plate display rules while adding a new fee and enforcement mechanism.

Maddy summarySB 2231 requires Texas public colleges and universities to waive application fees during the second full week of October each year, designated as "Free College Application Week." This policy directly affects Texas students applying for undergraduate admission to any public higher education institution in the state. The bill mandates the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to establish this annual fee waiver period, with implementation beginning for the 2025-2026 academic year. The provision applies to all public institutions of higher education in Texas and removes a financial barrier during the designated week. The law took effect immediately after Governor's signature on May 21, 2025.