Rep. Christian Manuel

Maddy summaryHB 1187 would allow Texas public high schools to offer a 12th-grade elective course combining community safety education and firearm safety. The course requires two halves: the first half covers family violence prevention, sexual assault prevention, and self-defense tactics; the second half covers firearm safety, relevant laws, and content from a state handgun proficiency course. Students must complete the first half before taking the second. The bill applies starting the 2026-2027 school year and mandates teachers to provide resources if students disclose family violence or sexual assault during the course. It directly affects 12th-grade students in public high schools choosing this elective.

Maddy summaryHB 1040, known as "Joshua's Act," amends Texas Penal Code to prohibit possessing or carrying firearms, location-restricted knives, clubs, or prohibited weapons in facilities or residences providing services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This directly affects staff, visitors, and anyone entering these specific care settings without prior authorization. The bill adds a new provision (Section 46.03(g-2)) making weapon possession in these locations a criminal offense, unless permitted under written regulations. It does not create new penalties but specifies these facilities as prohibited zones under existing weapon laws. The bill is currently in committee for review.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Texas employers from asking job applicants about their criminal history on initial application forms. Employers may only inquire about criminal history after determining an applicant is otherwise qualified and has received a conditional job offer or been invited to an interview. The law does not apply to positions where criminal history checks are required by law, such as certain law enforcement or childcare roles. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1164 creates a new Texas law prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations - such as restaurants, hotels, and retail stores - based on race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military veteran status. It bans businesses from refusing service, displaying discriminatory notices, or denying equal access to customers because of these protected characteristics. The law authorizes civil penalties, allowing individuals who experience discrimination to pursue legal remedies through civil court. This bill directly affects businesses serving the public and protects individuals from unfair treatment in commercial settings.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 would establish a Texas-issued currency backed by physical gold and silver held in a state-managed depository. It authorizes the comptroller to create this currency, representing specific fractions of a troy ounce of gold or silver, and requires it to function as legal tender for debt payments. The bill mandates electronic transfer capabilities for the currency and designates the Texas Bullion Depository as the exclusive issuer. It also authorizes a fee to cover administrative costs, though specific fee amounts are not detailed in the provided text. This bill is procedural in nature, creating a new currency framework rather than altering existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 749 requires food service establishments in Texas serving shrimp imported from outside the U.S. to provide customers with a notice about the shrimp's origin. This notice must be displayed either on menus or in a visible area of the establishment. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, but businesses have until March 1, 2026, to comply. It directly affects restaurants and food venues serving imported shrimp, mandating transparency about the shrimp's import source without altering import regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires meat, poultry, and shrimp products sold in Texas to include a clear label statement indicating whether the product originated in Texas. It directly affects retailers, restaurants, and distributors selling these food items within the state. The law mandates a simple "origin" notice on all relevant product labels, replacing vague or missing origin information. The requirement will take effect on September 1, 2025, following adoption of implementing rules by the Health and Human Services Commission.

Maddy summaryHB 515 requires Texas public school districts to adopt written policies banning student use of personal electronic devices (like smartphones) during school hours. Students must store devices in lockable containers provided by the district, with exceptions for medical needs requiring written documentation from a healthcare provider. Districts must also report on policy effectiveness to the Texas Education Agency, including impacts on student behavior, mental health, and feedback from students and staff. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 161) is a formal expression of congratulations from the Texas House of Representatives to Beyoncé for winning three Grammy Awards at the 2025 ceremony: Album of the Year, Country Album of the Year for *Cowboy Carter*, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (with Miley Cyrus). It recognizes her historic achievements as the first Black woman to win Album of the Year since 1999 and the first Black artist to win Country Album of the Year. The resolution does not create any new laws or affect any policies; it solely honors her accomplishments.