Rep. Terry Wilson

Maddy summarySJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that non-U.S. citizens cannot vote in Texas. It amends Article VI, Section 1(a) of the Texas Constitution by adding "persons who are not citizens of the United States" as a prohibited voting class. This would clarify existing voting eligibility rules by making citizenship a constitutional requirement, directly affecting non-citizen residents. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 4, 2025, election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 2702 prohibits governors from restricting the operations or hours of veteran-focused organizations during a declared state of disaster. Specifically, it amends Texas Government Code Section 418.012 to exclude organizations exempt under IRS 501(c)(19) (which benefit veterans) from operational restrictions in executive orders, except during natural disasters. The law applies only to disaster declarations made on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote). It directly affects veteran service organizations that rely on state disaster declarations for operational continuity. The bill does not change existing rules for natural disasters.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would allow cities and other local governments (excluding counties, school districts, and municipalities) to limit property taxes on primary homes for disabled or elderly low-income residents. Homeowners qualifying under the amendment would have their taxes frozen at current levels, even if their home's value increases due to major improvements (not routine repairs). Surviving spouses meeting income and age criteria would automatically retain the tax cap after the homeowner's death. Local governments could implement this limit voluntarily or via a vote triggered by a petition from 5% of registered voters.

Maddy summaryHB 5151 prohibits new mines, quarries, or rock crushing facilities within specific distances of sensitive locations: four miles of lakes with fish hatcheries operated by Texas river authorities, four miles of state park caverns designated as National Natural Landmarks, and two miles of licensed youth camps founded in 1975. The bill applies to facilities seeking new air quality permits but excludes sites already operating legally before January 1, 2025. It takes effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote, otherwise on September 1, 2025. This directly affects developers seeking to establish new aggregate operations near these protected sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas Education Code Section 85.24 to expand the Texas A&M University System's board of regents authority over utility systems. It directly affects Texas A&M's operations, specifically allowing the board to construct, acquire, improve, and equip power, water, and sewer systems on university property - particularly in Brazos County. Key provisions include enabling the board to charge for these services to campus buildings (like dorms and athletic facilities), allocate costs to revenue-producing facilities, and issue bonds backed by future service fees to fund projects. The law creates a clear process for financing infrastructure upgrades without requiring new state appropriations.

Maddy summaryHB 982 allows certain taxing units (like special districts, not school districts, counties, municipalities, or junior college districts) to set a cap on property taxes for primary residences owned by low-income disabled or elderly homeowners. Eligible homeowners must have household income below 200% of the federal poverty level and be disabled or 65+ years old, or their surviving spouses. The bill requires that property taxes on these homes cannot exceed a fixed annual amount, which is locked at the tax level from the first year the homeowner qualified for the exemption, with exceptions only for major home improvements.

Maddy summaryHB 5459 exempts small food businesses with less than $1.5 million in annual revenue from requiring multiple permits for temporary food service operations. It also eliminates the need for separate permits or fees if the business is already licensed as a food manufacturer under existing regulations. The bill directly affects farmers and small-scale food producers who operate temporary food service establishments or retail food stores under the revenue threshold. This policy change simplifies permit requirements for qualifying small businesses by reducing administrative barriers.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill (HB 4899) clarifies and strengthens consumer protections against deceptive telephone solicitation practices. It expands the definition of "telephone solicitation" to explicitly include text messages, images, and responses to mail solicitations, and amends laws to treat violations as deceptive acts under Chapter 17. The bill ensures consumers can pursue private lawsuits for violations without being barred from future claims if they've previously recovered damages. It applies only to conduct occurring on or after September 1, 2025, and takes effect on that date.

Maddy summaryHB 1091 amends Texas election code provisions for mail-in ballots. It shortens the deadline for submitting mail ballot applications from the 15th to the 11th day before an election (adjusting for holidays), and requires mail ballots to arrive by 5 p.m. the day before election day. These changes directly affect voters requesting or returning mail ballots in Texas elections. The bill modifies specific code sections (84.007, 86.0015, 86.007, 87.0221) to implement these timing requirements. The bill was pending in committee as of May 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1228 allows homeowners to immediately begin emergency repairs on damaged residential buildings if the repairs protect public safety, prevent further damage, or preserve structural integrity. Homeowners must apply for an emergency permit within three business days of starting repairs or when the municipality/county can accept the application. The bill requires cities and counties to permit these immediate repairs and prohibits them from blocking such work. If a local government violates this law, homeowners can sue for damages and recover attorney fees. This directly affects homeowners needing urgent repairs and local governments managing building permits.