Rep. Christian Manuel

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 summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

Maddy summaryHCR 6 designates Galveston, Texas, as the state's official Juneteenth Capital for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution recognizes Galveston's historical role as the site where Union forces announced the end of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, under General Order No. 3. The designation, authorized under Section 391.003(e) of the Texas Government Code, does not create new programs or funding but formally honors the city's significance in Juneteenth's origin story. It follows Texas becoming the first state to make Juneteenth a holiday in 1979 and the federal recognition of Juneteenth National Independence Day in 2021.

Maddy summaryHB 3750 would require the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to reimburse current employees for certain legal costs related to their work. Specifically, it allows reimbursement of up to $10,000 in attorney fees for employees acquitted or cleared in criminal cases involving their job duties (protecting children, elderly, or disabled individuals), and up to $5,000 for employees seeking protective orders while on duty. The bill amends the Human Resources Code to establish these reimbursement limits and requires DFPS to create implementing rules. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

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 summaryHR 894 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the West Brook High School boys' basketball team for winning the 2025 UIL 5A Division 1 state championship. It directly recognizes the team members, coaches (including head coach Michael Thomas), and staff who achieved a 38-2 season record and a 63-57 championship victory. The resolution contains no policy changes or funding provisions - its sole purpose is to formally express the Texas House of Representatives' congratulations and provide the team with an official copy. As a non-binding resolution, it affects only the school team and has no legal or financial impact.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Augusta McCray Dixon, a second-grade math and science teacher at Booker T. Washington Elementary School in Port Arthur ISD. It formally congratulates her on her 40th anniversary of teaching at the school and acknowledges her career achievements, including being named 2014 Teacher of the Year. The resolution extends the Texas House of Representatives' appreciation for her contributions to students and the school community. It has no policy impact or effect on laws, regulations, or funding - it is purely a symbolic expression of recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 807 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing May 18-24, 2025, as "National PEO Week" in Texas. It formally honors professional employer organizations (PEOs) for supporting small and mid-sized businesses through payroll, benefits, and human resources services. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses recognition and extends well-wishes to PEOs and their business partners. It was adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on May 23, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1524 prohibits child-placing agencies and state departments from requiring foster homes to disclose specific types of firearms present in their homes or to report changes in firearm types. It also restricts agencies from using any existing firearm information for purposes beyond verifying weapon presence, and mandates that such information remains confidential under Texas law. Violations by agencies could result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per incident, enforceable by the attorney general. The bill directly affects foster care agencies, state departments, and foster parents by limiting how firearm information is handled and shared. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

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.