Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson

Maddy summaryHB 1794 amends Texas law to permit licensed handgun carriers to carry concealed handguns on polling place premises during elections or early voting. It specifically allows holders of valid concealed handgun licenses (CHL) to possess only a concealed handgun at these locations, provided no other weapons are carried. The bill removes the current prohibition against concealed weapons at polling places for CHL holders, aligning with existing exceptions for other locations like schools. This change directly affects licensed handgun carriers participating in elections but does not permit open carry or other weapons. The amendment modifies Section 46.03(a)(2) of the Penal Code to create this specific exception.

Maddy summarySB 1745 officially renamed "Chambers County Improvement District No. 1" to the "Cedar Port Navigation and Improvement District" in Texas law. The bill updates all legal references to the district in the Special District Local Laws Code to reflect this new name, without changing the district's existing powers or responsibilities. This is a purely administrative renaming bill, not a policy change affecting residents or services. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on May 19, 2025, and is now effective.

Maddy summaryHB 5014 creates a new "SPECIAL FORCES VETERAN" designation for handgun license holders in Texas. It requires applicants to list qualifying military service (12+ consecutive months in specific Army Special Forces roles like 18A detachment commander or 18B weapons sergeant) and provide proof of eligibility. The bill amends license forms to include this designation alongside existing categories like "VETERAN." It directly affects Texas veterans who served in designated Special Forces positions at E5-E9, W1-W5, or O1-O10 pay grades.

Maddy summaryHB 4240 would expand Texas property tax exemptions for charitable organizations that provide financial support for medical care at certain institutions of higher education. Specifically, it amends the Tax Code to include these organizations as qualifying charitable entities under Section 11.18, allowing them to claim exemptions on their owned property (like buildings and land) used exclusively for this purpose. The bill directly affects nonprofits that fund medical services at universities - such as campus health centers or student wellness programs - by enabling them to avoid local property taxes on qualifying assets. This change modifies existing tax exemption criteria without altering how organizations qualify for other charitable exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 113 modifies Texas law on how courts interpret statutes. It restricts courts from considering legislative intent (like statements from lawmakers or committee reports) when reading laws, requiring them to focus only on the plain text of the statute. The bill also prohibits courts from automatically deferring to state agencies' interpretations of laws, though reasonable agency views that match the statute's wording may still be considered. This directly affects courts, state agencies, and anyone involved in legal cases interpreting Texas laws. The changes aim to limit judicial interpretation methods and emphasize the written text of statutes.

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 summarySJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that non-U.S. citizens cannot vote in Texas. It amends Article VI, Section 1(a) of the Texas Constitution by adding "persons who are not citizens of the United States" as a prohibited voting class. This would clarify existing voting eligibility rules by making citizenship a constitutional requirement, directly affecting non-citizen residents. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 4, 2025, election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHJR 175 proposes a constitutional amendment to protect Texans' right to own, hold, and use any form of money they agree to use - such as cash, digital currency, coins, or even private scrip - when buying goods or services. It prohibits government from restricting ownership or holding of any currency, though it explicitly states the state may still choose its own payment methods for transactions with itself. The amendment would require voter approval in the November 2025 election, with the ballot asking voters to support recognizing this right. This is a procedural proposal, not a new law, and would amend the Texas Constitution if approved by voters.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 13) urges the U.S. Department of State and the International Boundary and Water Commission to ensure Mexico complies with the 1944 Treaty on shared water resources. It specifically addresses Mexico's failure to deliver the required 350,000 acre-feet of water annually (averaged over five years), with a current deficit of 984,814 acre-feet. The resolution highlights how this shortfall harms Texas water users, including municipal, agricultural, and industrial sectors in the Rio Grande Valley, impacting reservoir levels and causing economic losses like the closure of Texas' only sugar mill. As a non-binding resolution, it formally requests U.S. federal agencies to take action but does not change legal obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 605 amends Texas law to explicitly allow the Harris County Hospital District to hire and commission peace officers, directly affecting the district's security operations. The bill updates Section 281.057 of the Health and Safety Code to include Harris County Hospital District in the list of eligible hospital districts, and revises the Code of Criminal Procedure to add it to the definition of entities that may commission peace officers. This change formalizes the district's existing practice by expanding its legal authority under existing provisions. The bill does not create new security services but clarifies and extends current powers to Harris County Hospital District.