Rep. Dade Phelan

Maddy summaryHB 234 makes permanent a 20% annual limit on increases to the appraised value of non-homestead property (such as commercial or rental properties) for property tax purposes. Currently, this limit expires after 2026, but the bill repeals temporary provisions that would allow it to end, ensuring the cap continues indefinitely. It directly affects property owners of non-primary residences by preventing large annual tax increases tied to rising property values. The bill replaces the temporary 2026 expiration with a permanent policy, though it requires voter approval of a related constitutional amendment to take effect.

Maddy summaryHJR 29 proposes a constitutional amendment to make permanent a current limit on the appraised value used to calculate property taxes for non-homestead real estate (such as rental properties, commercial buildings, or second homes) in Texas. It repeals Section 1(n-1) of Article VIII of the Texas Constitution, which currently sets a temporary cap on these appraisals. If approved by voters in the May 2, 2026 election, this change would eliminate the need for the legislature to periodically renew this limit. The bill directly affects property owners of non-primary residences subject to ad valorem (property) taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 214 restricts out-of-state political contributions to Texas candidates by setting dollar limits based on office type: $5,000 for statewide, $2,500 for district, and $1,000 for county offices. Candidates must return violations within specified timeframes (reporting period end or five days after acceptance), and political committees cannot receive over 50% of contributions from a single out-of-state donor. Violators face civil penalties up to three times the contribution amount, enforced after a formal hearing. The bill applies only to contributions accepted on or after its effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 141 restricts political donations from out-of-state contributors to Texas candidates. It limits donations to $5,000 for statewide offices, $2,500 for district offices, and $1,000 for county offices. Candidates must return any excess donations within specified deadlines (by the end of the reporting period or within five days of receipt). Violators face civil penalties up to three times the amount of the prohibited contribution, enforced through a formal hearing process. The bill applies only to contributions accepted after its effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 142 requires political advertisers (including candidates, officeholders, and committees) who spend over $100 on political ads containing altered media - such as AI-generated images, videos, or audio - to include a clear disclosure stating the content did not occur in reality. The bill exempts superficial edits (like brightness or color changes) but mandates disclosures for all other alterations, with the Texas Election Commission setting the required disclosure format. Violating this law is a Class A misdemeanor, though platforms like social media, internet services, and broadcasters are exempt from liability under Section 230. The bill applies to ads intended to influence elections and takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryHB 143 regulates political advertising sent via mass text message campaigns in Texas. It defines a "mass text message campaign" as an organized effort sending texts to multiple recipients for political purposes (supporting/opposing candidates, parties, or measures) where costs exceed basic tech expenses. The bill requires clear disclosures in such ads and specifies that all texts in one campaign count as a single violation for civil penalties. This directly affects political campaigns, candidates, and organizations using text messaging for political outreach. The law applies only to ads distributed after its effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 32, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires that certain facilities - such as restrooms, locker rooms, and family violence shelters - be designated and used based on biological sex, defined as the physical condition of being male or female at birth as determined by sex organs, chromosomes, and original birth records. The law applies to correctional facilities, family violence shelters, institutions of higher education, local governments (political subdivisions), and state agencies. It authorizes civil penalties for violations and creates a private right of action, allowing individuals to file lawsuits if they believe the law has been breached. The bill does not apply to state agencies as political subdivisions but covers them separately under the law's definition of "state agency."

Maddy summarySB 1255 establishes regulations for mold assessors and remediators in Texas by defining "mold" to include fungi, spores, hyphae, and mycotoxins. The bill creates exemptions for routine cleaning, plumbing repairs, real estate inspections, and government custodial work, clarifying that these activities are not subject to the new rules. It also establishes an advisory board to advise on licensing standards, training requirements, and technical practices for mold assessment and remediation. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to conduct occurring after that date.

Maddy summarySB 1184 amends Texas law to require wine collection sellers (businesses specializing in aged wine collections) to sell only wine that is at least 20 years old when sold to permitted restaurants. The bill specifically changes the minimum age requirement from 10 to 20 years for wine sold under this category, applying to wine in original manufacturer-sealed containers lawfully owned by the seller. This policy change directly affects wine collection sellers and permitted restaurants purchasing aged wine, with the requirement taking effect September 1, 2025. The bill does not alter wine sales to consumers or general retail.

Maddy summarySB 917 shortens the deadline for boiler inspection agencies to submit reports from 30 to 10 days after an inspection. It directly affects inspection agencies that perform boiler safety checks and the executive director who receives these reports. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code to require agencies to file reports within 10 days using the method specified by the executive director. This change streamlines reporting requirements without altering boiler safety standards or creating new obligations.