Rep. Christian Manuel

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1201 creates a two-year Medicaid pilot program in Texas to cover doula services for eligible pregnant individuals. The program, launching in 2026 in the most populous county and the county with the highest maternal health needs, provides nonmedical childbirth support like emotional and physical coaching during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. The Health and Human Services Commission must report annually on costs and birth outcomes, and submit a final evaluation by 2030 to determine if the program should continue or expand. The pilot expires September 1, 2031, after which coverage would not automatically continue.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the duration of emergency protection orders in Texas criminal cases. Orders issued under most circumstances now remain effective for 61 to 91 days (up from 31-61 days), while certain orders (under Subsection b(2)) last 91 to 121 days (up from 61-91 days). The law requires courts to modify orders only after notice, a hearing, and finding that changes won't endanger victims or increase risk. These changes apply only to orders issued on or after September 1, 2025, affecting defendants subject to these orders and victims protected under them.

Maddy summarySB 769 requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to produce a report by September 1, 2027, on enrollment and success rates for students with disabilities in Texas colleges and universities. The report must identify enrollment numbers, barriers to access, supportive institutional policies, available accommodations, and how schools inform students about their disability rights under federal law. It directly affects all public and private Texas institutions of higher education, which must provide requested data to the Board. The law, effective September 1, 2025, expires September 1, 2028, and aims to inform future policy based on documented needs and practices.

Maddy summaryHB 5302 establishes the Texas Post-Adoption Assistance Account Program to help adoptive parents cover post-adoption expenses like counseling or medical costs. The program allows certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (meeting specific eligibility criteria) to accept donations and distribute grants to eligible adoptive parents. Certified organizations must partner with the state, undergo annual audits, and follow guidelines set by the comptroller. This directly affects adoptive parents in Texas foster care and the nonprofit organizations administering the grants.

Maddy summaryHB 4669 proposes increasing the monthly pay for commissioners of the Port of Beaumont Navigation District in Jefferson County, Texas. It would raise regular commissioners' pay from $500 to $750 per month and increase the president's pay from $550 to $850 per month. The bill amends state law to reflect these changes, effective September 1, 2025. This directly affects the 10 commissioners serving on the Port of Beaumont Navigation District board.

Maddy summaryHB 3339 mandates a study by Texas' Maternal Mortality Review Committee and the Department of State Health Services to examine maternal mortality and morbidity rates specifically among Black women in Texas. The study requires comparing these rates to other racial/ethnic groups, analyzing socioeconomic factors, evaluating healthcare coverage types (Medicaid, private insurance, uninsured), and assessing impacts of specific health conditions (like preeclampsia and obesity) and implicit biases in healthcare. It also requires evaluating social determinants of health and pregnancy-related complications. The committee must submit a report with recommendations to address disparities by September 1, 2026, including provider training on cultural competency and successful programs from other states. This bill directly affects Black women in Texas by focusing on data collection to inform future policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1738 repeals the criminal penalty for homosexual conduct (previously codified in Section 21.06 of the Penal Code). It simultaneously amends health education requirements in Texas schools to mandate that materials for minors include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law. The bill affects public school health curricula for students under 18, requiring this specific language to be included in sexual education programs. The legislation passed the Texas legislature on May 16, 2025, and would take effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 3744 amends Texas law to define "intervenor" as an individual injured or killed while attempting to prevent crimes, apprehend suspects, or assist police. This affects people seeking crime victims' compensation for actions taken on or after September 1, 2025. The bill specifies three qualifying scenarios for compensation eligibility: stopping criminal acts, arresting suspects, or aiding peace officers. It does not apply to incidents occurring before the effective date, which will follow the previous legal definition.