Maddy summaryHB 21 amends Texas Local Government Code provisions affecting housing finance corporations that develop or manage low- and moderate-income housing. It defines qualifying residential developments as those where at least 90% of units are intended for households with adjusted gross income below state-defined moderate income levels. The bill also requires these corporations to follow open meetings and public records laws (Chapter 551 and 552, Government Code) and restricts their development to areas within the boundaries of their sponsoring local governments - unless approved by those governing bodies. These changes clarify operational rules and transparency requirements for housing finance corporations serving low- and moderate-income residents.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 1080 requires Texas licensing authorities to issue either a full occupational license or a provisional license (valid for six months) to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses, instead of automatically denying their applications. The provisional license begins on the date an applicant is released from prison if they were incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This bill directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (such as for nursing, contracting, or other licensed professions) who meet all other qualification requirements. It aims to reduce barriers to employment by providing a temporary licensing pathway for these applicants.
Maddy summarySB 1355 requires distillers and rectifiers (businesses with specific liquor permits) to provide invoices detailing liquor purchases to wholesalers within 30 days of delivery. Wholesalers must pay these invoices within 30 days of receiving the invoice, or the distiller may report the unpaid account to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. The Commission will maintain a public list of delinquent wholesalers and may deny permit renewals, transfers, or cancellations for permit holders with unpaid accounts under this section. This bill directly affects distillers/rectifiers and wholesalers by creating clear payment deadlines and linking permit status to timely payment of liquor purchases.
Maddy summarySB 2540 amends Texas Education Code Section 13.231 to require school districts making minor boundary adjustments to include specific written terms in their agreements. It mandates that agreements executed on or after January 1, 2025, clearly state any ongoing restrictions, covenants, or contracts affecting property after the boundary change, along with each district's rights and responsibilities regarding those terms. This directly affects school districts that adjust shared boundaries with neighboring districts. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies retroactively to agreements made before the law's effective date but after January 1, 2025.
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 summarySB 842 creates legal immunity for ringside physicians working at combative sports events (like boxing or MMA) in Texas, protecting them from civil lawsuits for actions taken within their professional duties. This applies to all such physicians at these events, except when their conduct involves gross negligence. The law takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature, which occurred on May 24, 2025. It does not change medical standards but limits civil liability for routine professional actions during events. The bill directly affects physicians employed at these events by reducing their exposure to lawsuits over standard medical care.
Maddy summaryHB 50 requires healthcare providers to obtain patient consent before conducting blood screening tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and to inform patients they can opt out of the test. If a screening test is positive, providers must offer information about available healthcare, prevention, and support services. The bill applies to all medical screenings for STDs in Texas and takes effect January 1, 2026, after the Health and Human Services Commission adopts implementing rules. It does not change existing testing protocols but adds a consent requirement and post-positive support obligation for providers.
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 summaryThis Texas concurrent resolution urges Congress to preserve Sections 45U, 45Y, and 48E of the federal tax code, which provide tax incentives for nuclear and natural gas energy projects. It directly addresses Texas' energy sector, which relies on these provisions to maintain existing operations and support new development, employing over 12,000 workers in nuclear/gas plants and supplying nearly half the state's electricity. The resolution requests Congress preserve these tax incentives to sustain affordable energy production and Texas' leadership in electricity generation.
Maddy summarySB 383 prohibits Texas' Public Utility Commission from approving interconnection of offshore wind power facilities to the ERCOT grid under specific conditions. The bill requires the Commission to deny approvals if a facility might negatively impact shipping routes, tourism, fishing, wildlife, migratory patterns, or public safety in disaster-prone areas, or if existing services are sufficient. It directly affects offshore wind developers and the Commission's approval process for grid connections. The law takes effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote, or September 1, 2025, otherwise.