Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson

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 summaryBased on the provided context, no substantive details about HB 348's content are available. The bill text section states the version is "not currently available," and the summary field is blank. While the title suggests it relates to the comptroller's state expenditure database and it was referred to the "Delivery of Government Efficiency" committee, no specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties are described in the available information. A complete summary cannot be generated without access to the bill's text or official summary.

Maddy summaryHB 436 prohibits certain governmental entities in Texas from requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statements or training from employees, applicants, or contractors. It specifically bans mandates tied to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation (except for federal compliance training), affecting state agencies, local governments, courts, and school districts. Exceptions include academic instruction, scholarly research, student organizations, guest speakers, and programs focused on academic achievement without regard to protected characteristics. The bill requires entities to discipline employees who violate these prohibitions but does not apply to institutions of higher education. This legislation aims to restrict DEI-related requirements in public employment contexts.

Maddy summaryHB 427 would allow drivers who are pregnant to use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes without needing to have another passenger in the vehicle. This bill directly affects pregnant drivers operating motor vehicles in jurisdictions with HOV lanes, providing them with an exception to standard occupancy rules. The key provision would amend existing transportation law to add pregnancy as a qualifying condition for HOV lane access. The bill was filed in November 2024 and referred to the Transportation committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 477 requires Texas birth certificates to list a child's biological sex (male or female) based on sex organs, chromosomes, or medical determination at birth. It prohibits changing this information on minors' birth certificates except in three specific cases: correcting clerical errors, completing missing biological sex data, or updating after a later medical determination for children born with atypical sex characteristics. The bill directly affects parents, medical providers reporting births, and local registrars who issue birth certificates. It does not apply to adults or allow changes to gender identity on birth records.

Maddy summaryHB 309 restricts local governments (such as cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to hire lobbyists for state legislative advocacy or to pay nonprofit associations that represent local governments and employ registered lobbyists. The bill prohibits political subdivisions from spending taxpayer money to: (1) hire individuals required to register as lobbyists under Texas law, or (2) support organizations that primarily represent local governments and contract with registered lobbyists. It allows taxpayers or residents to sue to stop violations and recover legal fees if they win such cases. The bill directly affects how local governments can fund advocacy efforts and clarifies that county officials cannot use public funds to join associations in ways that violate these restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 414 creates criminal penalties for unauthorized entry, occupancy, or sale/lease of real property, particularly targeting individuals occupying dwellings without permission. It increases penalties for these offenses and authorizes a fee related to enforcement. The bill directly affects people who occupy or attempt to occupy residential properties without legal right. Key provisions include criminalizing unauthorized occupancy, raising penalties for violations, and establishing a fee for related processes. This legislation focuses on strengthening legal remedies for property owners facing unauthorized occupants.

Maddy summaryThe full text of HB 239 is not available in the provided context, only its title and basic status. The title indicates the bill relates to regulations for entering or using private spaces and authorizes civil penalties, but specific provisions, affected parties, or mechanisms cannot be described without the bill text. Recent actions show it was filed in November 2024 and referred to State Affairs in February 2025. Without access to the bill's content, a detailed summary of its policy changes cannot be generated. For accurate details, consult the official bill PDF or legislative database.

Maddy summaryHB 196 requires Texas public school districts to include in health curriculum a specific lesson stating "human life begins at conception and has inherent dignity and immeasurable worth from the moment of conception." This applies to all K-12 public schools starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill amends the Education Code to mandate this instruction as part of the required health curriculum under "mental health" provisions. It directly affects public school students and curriculum content in Texas, without altering other health topics like nutrition or suicide prevention.

Maddy summaryHB 162 prohibits Texas state and local entities (including courts, law enforcement, and government agencies) from recognizing, serving, or enforcing "extreme risk protective orders" (orders that temporarily restrict firearm access to prevent harm). The bill creates a criminal offense for anyone who attempts to enforce such an order within Texas, and bans acceptance of federal grants for implementing these orders. It directly affects Texas law enforcement, courts, and government agencies by preventing them from complying with these orders, which are typically issued to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk. The bill defines these orders as court-issued directives not based on criminal charges, focusing on firearm restrictions for safety.