Rep. Dade Phelan

Maddy summaryHB 5601 delays the implementation of Texas' school choice programs (like education savings accounts) until the state confirms federal reimbursement for border security costs from 2015 to present. The bill requires the comptroller to certify to the legislature that federal funds have covered these border expenses before any school choice program can begin. It directly affects the timeline for state-funded programs allowing families to use public funds for private or homeschooling. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, but implementation hinges entirely on federal reimbursement status.

Maddy summaryHB 4855 requires Texas healthcare providers to give patients or their authorized representatives electronic copies of health records within 15 business days of a written request, if the provider uses an electronic system capable of fulfilling the request. The bill prohibits "information blocking" that violates federal health data access rules and allows providers to charge fees up to $100 for record copies, aligning with federal limits. It directly affects patients seeking their health data and healthcare providers managing electronic records. The law also defines "information blocking" using federal standards and mandates compliance with federal privacy and data-sharing regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 4618 requires school districts to include specific details in written agreements for minor boundary adjustments between contiguous districts. Starting January 1, 2025, these agreements must list any ongoing restrictions or covenants affecting property after the transfer and explain each district's rights and responsibilities regarding those terms. The bill applies to all new agreements executed on or after that date, with existing agreements from 2025 onward automatically adopting these requirements as of January 1, 2025. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4770 updates Texas licensing requirements for audiologists by requiring that all degrees in audiology (master's or doctoral) must come from programs accredited by a nationally recognized body approved by the Texas Commission and recognized under the federal Higher Education Act. This applies to all new applicants seeking licensure after September 1, 2025, with an exception for master's degrees earned before December 31, 2007. The bill does not change existing requirements for coursework in communication disorders or supervised clinical experience. It directly affects prospective audiologists applying for licensure in Texas who must now verify their program's accreditation status meets these new standards.

Maddy summaryHB 4407, the Property Tax Relief Act, reduces school district property tax rates by $0.15 for the 2025-2026 school year to provide immediate tax relief for homeowners. It modifies how school districts calculate their maximum tax rates, ensuring no district’s rate falls below 90% of another district’s rate. The bill also changes escrow account rules to make them optional for property owners when paying taxes. These provisions apply only through the 2026-2027 school year, with the bill expiring September 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 17 would prohibit citizens of designated countries (China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or others named by the governor) from purchasing real property in Texas. It creates criminal penalties for violations, making such purchases illegal under state law. Exceptions apply to U.S. citizens, lawful residents, and businesses owned by them. The law would override existing property rights for these foreign buyers, directly affecting individuals and entities from designated countries seeking to buy land in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 4399 allows Texas appraisal review boards to adjust property tax values for homestead residences when sold below appraised value. If a homeowner sells their primary residence for at least 10% less than its appraised value and the board confirms the sale price reflects market value, the board can reduce the property's tax value for the current year and the previous two years. This directly affects homeowners who sell their qualifying homesteads below appraisal, providing a mechanism to correct tax assessments based on actual sale prices. The bill modifies existing tax code procedures to enable this adjustment through written board orders and hearing processes.

Maddy summaryHJR 169 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish two special funds within the Texas State University System for capital projects. The "permanent fund" (funded by appropriations, investments, and donations) and "available fund" (funded by distributions from the permanent fund) would provide dedicated financing for capital needs like construction and equipment at specific Texas State University System institutions. This amendment would require voter approval and create a constitutional mechanism to fund capital projects outside the general state revenue fund, directly affecting eligible component institutions of the Texas State University System.

Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, contain only the specific text listed in the bill (including the full biblical wording), and be legible from any point in the classroom. Schools may accept privately donated displays meeting these requirements or use district funds to purchase compliant displays if needed. This law applies to all public schools and explicitly states they cannot claim exemption from this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia and related disorders. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and other eligible organizations for research into dementia causes, prevention strategies, treatments, and symptom mitigation. It establishes oversight committees to manage grants, ensure compliance, and requires annual public reports detailing funded projects and recipients. The institute is set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless extended under Texas Sunset Act procedures.