Rep. Terry Wilson

Maddy summaryHB 5676 repeals Section 8141.0307 of the Special District Local Laws Code, which previously governed the eminent domain authority of Williamson County Municipal Utility District No. 40. This bill directly affects the utility district by removing a specific legal provision related to its power to take private property for public infrastructure projects. The key change is the elimination of this statutory reference, meaning the district will no longer operate under this particular code section regarding property acquisition. The bill does not create new rules but removes an existing legal framework for the district's eminent domain authority.

Maddy summarySB 856 amends Texas labor law to clarify how specific entities can use the skills development fund for workforce training. It directly affects public community colleges, workforce boards, and Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station/Extension Service by allowing them to recover costs for customized training programs when there’s a local labor shortage and wages meet prevailing rates. Key provisions require that training programs address unmet workforce needs and that Texas A&M entities prioritize statewide initiatives or programs unavailable through local colleges. The bill also permits fund use for business networks and consortiums, effective September 1, 2025.

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 5639 requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to establish a housing program for inmates who are veterans with at least 180 days of active-duty service and an honorable discharge. The program must dedicate specific cellblocks or dormitories for eligible veterans, verify their status during intake, and allow them to opt into the dedicated housing. TDCJ may not place veterans in these areas if safety risks exist, and non-veteran inmates may use the space if needed. The program must be implemented by September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2314 creates "My Texas Future," an electronic platform (MyTexasFuture.org) to help Texas public high school students apply to colleges using a common application. It requires students to opt-in to share their data with colleges for direct admissions programs, with specific opt-out options for parents, emancipated students, or with counselor authorization. The platform must include links to the common application, direct admission listings, financial aid information, and post-secondary value assessments. Schools must annually notify students about creating profiles during registration, and colleges must prominently link to the platform on their admissions websites. This affects all Texas public high school students and institutions of higher education.

Maddy summaryHB 1794 amends Texas law to permit licensed handgun carriers to carry concealed handguns on polling place premises during elections or early voting. It specifically allows holders of valid concealed handgun licenses (CHL) to possess only a concealed handgun at these locations, provided no other weapons are carried. The bill removes the current prohibition against concealed weapons at polling places for CHL holders, aligning with existing exceptions for other locations like schools. This change directly affects licensed handgun carriers participating in elections but does not permit open carry or other weapons. The amendment modifies Section 46.03(a)(2) of the Penal Code to create this specific exception.

Maddy summaryHB 5430 prohibits candidates from filing for a general primary election ballot or convention nomination with more than one political party in the same election cycle. If a candidate does so, they become ineligible to appear on any primary ballot, be nominated by convention, or run as an independent, party nominee, or write-in candidate in the following general election. The secretary of state must omit the candidate’s name from all primary ballots within 10 days of the filing deadline and provide written notice explaining the ineligibility and withdrawal options. This bill directly affects candidates seeking multi-party nominations, altering ballot access rules under Texas Election Code sections 162.0151 and related provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 5014 creates a new "SPECIAL FORCES VETERAN" designation for handgun license holders in Texas. It requires applicants to list qualifying military service (12+ consecutive months in specific Army Special Forces roles like 18A detachment commander or 18B weapons sergeant) and provide proof of eligibility. The bill amends license forms to include this designation alongside existing categories like "VETERAN." It directly affects Texas veterans who served in designated Special Forces positions at E5-E9, W1-W5, or O1-O10 pay grades.

Maddy summaryHB 113 modifies Texas law on how courts interpret statutes. It restricts courts from considering legislative intent (like statements from lawmakers or committee reports) when reading laws, requiring them to focus only on the plain text of the statute. The bill also prohibits courts from automatically deferring to state agencies' interpretations of laws, though reasonable agency views that match the statute's wording may still be considered. This directly affects courts, state agencies, and anyone involved in legal cases interpreting Texas laws. The changes aim to limit judicial interpretation methods and emphasize the written text of statutes.

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.