Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson

Maddy summaryHB 226 limits local governments' ability to issue new debt by capping annual debt payments from property taxes at 10% of the average property tax collections from the previous three fiscal years. It directly affects cities, counties, and other political subdivisions that rely on property tax revenue to service bonds or public securities. The bill prohibits these entities from authorizing additional debt if the resulting annual debt service exceeds this 10% threshold, regardless of existing charters or local laws. This rule applies to all debt payable through property taxes and takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryHB 225 requires specific public officials - including school board trustees, judges, court personnel, and others - to complete mandatory training on open meeting laws and governance. The training must cover topics like meeting procedures, notice requirements, penalties for noncompliance, and legal background, and must be provided by approved entities. Officials must receive a certificate of completion and maintain public records of their training for inspection. The bill also mandates that at least one training course be available at no cost in video or similar widely accessible format.

Maddy summaryHR 35 is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) that commemorates the 2026 Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 3719 Charity BBQ Cook-Off in Crystal Beach. It recognizes the event as a sanctioned Texas state championship cook-off supporting local schools, fire departments, and charities. The resolution extends the Texas House's "sincere best wishes" for the event's success but creates no new policies, funding, or legal obligations. It directly affects no individuals or entities beyond symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 209 prohibits political subdivisions (like cities, counties, or school districts) from using public funds to hire registered lobbyists or pay nonprofits that primarily represent such entities and employ lobbyists. It specifically bans spending public money for activities like lobbying state legislators or contracting with registered lobbyists, with key exceptions for sheriff associations, employees providing factual information to legislators, and certain nonprofit services like bill tracking. The bill allows taxpayers to sue to stop violations and recover legal fees if public funds are improperly used for lobbying. This directly affects how local governments and their affiliated organizations can advocate for policy changes using taxpayer money.

Maddy summaryHB 184 reduces the maximum compressed tax rate school districts can levy for the 2026-2027 school year by directing federal border security funds to the Texas Education Agency for this purpose. It modifies the Education Code to require the commissioner to calculate each district's rate and reduce it by an equal amount using the appropriated funds, while ensuring no district's rate falls below 90% of another district's rate. The bill directly affects all Texas public school districts by lowering their allowable tax rates for one school year. This policy change uses federal funds specifically designated under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. L. No. 119-21) and expires September 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryHR 27 is a commemorative resolution honoring John Wilbur Franklin of Galveston, who passed away on July 8, 2025. The resolution pays tribute to his life and service, including his 30+ years as a deck hand with the Texas Department of Transportation Galveston Ferry System and his work with the U.S. Merchant Marine. It extends condolences to his family and directs that an official copy be provided to them, while the Texas House of Representatives adjourns in his memory. This symbolic gesture does not create legal obligations or affect public policy.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. It formally congratulates Bryleah N. Collins, a high school sophomore from Scouting America Troop No. 1105 in Mont Belvieu, on achieving the Eagle Scout rank. The resolution highlights her earning 41 merit badges and completing a project installing shade structures at a local animal shelter. It has no policy impact or effect on laws, as it solely serves to honor an individual's achievement.

Maddy summaryHB 173 prohibits political subdivisions (like cities, counties, or school districts) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that primarily represent such entities and hire lobbyists. It specifically bans spending public money to: (1) contract with registered lobbyists, or (2) support organizations that hire registered lobbyists for legislative advocacy. Exceptions include activities by sheriffs' associations, employees providing basic information to legislators, or nonprofits offering bill tracking or non-lobbying legislative services. The bill allows taxpayers to seek court injunctions and recover legal fees if a subdivision violates these restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 128 establishes a $1,000 annual grant program for eligible Texas teachers to purchase classroom supplies through an online account system managed by the comptroller. It directly affects certified teachers employed full-time (at least four hours daily) in public school districts or charter schools. Teachers may use funds for classroom supplies or professional development costs, with unused balances rolling over to the next school year. The program begins for the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 106 requires the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to partner with U.S. Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct DNA testing via rapid tests on individuals crossing the Texas-Mexico border between ports of entry who are detained by DHS and suspected of human trafficking offenses under Texas Penal Code Chapter 20A. The bill mandates DPS destroy all biological samples after testing and prohibits DPS from maintaining a DNA database, entering results into federal CODIS systems, or searching existing DNA databases. DHS must cover all costs for this program, and any agreement between DPS and DHS must include these destruction and prohibition requirements. The law directly affects DPS operations, DHS enforcement, and individuals detained for suspected trafficking-related activity.