Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson

Maddy summaryHB 115 restricts Texas local governments (like cities and counties) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay organizations that hire lobbyists to influence state legislation. The bill specifically prohibits spending public money to contract with registered lobbyists or fund associations primarily representing local governments if those associations employ registered lobbyists, with exceptions for sheriffs' associations and certain staff activities. It allows local government employees to provide information to lawmakers, advocate for policies without registering as lobbyists, and cover direct travel expenses for such activities. Taxpayers or residents can sue to stop prohibited spending and recover legal fees if they win the case. The law aims to prevent public funds from being used to directly lobby the state legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 9 amends Texas tax code to change how local taxing units calculate voter-approval tax rates, directly affecting special districts, small municipalities/counties (under 75,000 population), and other taxing units. It establishes three distinct formulas: special units use a 1.08 multiplier on maintenance rates, small municipalities/counties use 1.035, and other units use 1.025, all combined with current debt and unused increment rates. The bill also adds a "sales tax gain rate" adjustment for the first year a taxing unit collects new sales tax revenue. These changes aim to standardize rate calculations while accounting for revenue shifts from new tax collections. The bill is currently in committee referral after initial reading.

Maddy summaryHB 95 establishes minimum training and certification standards for Emergency Management Coordinators in Texas counties with populations over 500,000. It requires these coordinators, appointed by Emergency Management Directors, to meet qualifications set by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The bill directly affects county emergency management staff in larger jurisdictions who handle disaster response coordination. Key provisions mandate that coordinators' qualifications be defined through division rules, ensuring standardized emergency management capacity across qualifying counties.

Maddy summaryHB 160 prohibits the application of treated sewage sludge (biosolids) to non-agricultural land, such as public parks, golf courses, and athletic fields. It requires permits for any land application of biosolids on non-agricultural sites, with strict conditions including quarterly reporting on sludge source, location, metals content, and application dates. The bill amends Texas Health and Safety Code Section 361.121 to define "land application unit" and adds new reporting requirements for permit holders. It directly affects municipalities, park departments, and private entities managing non-agricultural land where biosolids might otherwise be used. The law does not restrict agricultural land applications, which are addressed in a separate new section (361.1211).

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Governor Greg Abbott to return federal reconciliation funds to Texas taxpayers by implementing property tax relief. The Texas House of Representatives passed this non-binding resolution to formally request the Governor use the funds for property tax cuts, directing the chief clerk to forward a copy to the Governor's office. It does not require legal action or change existing tax policy, as resolutions like this serve only as a formal expression of legislative opinion.

Maddy summaryHB 140 would limit local governments' ability to issue new debt by capping annual property tax-based debt payments at 10% of the average property tax revenue from the previous three fiscal years. It directly affects cities, counties, and school districts that issue bonds or public securities, preventing them from authorizing new debt if payments exceed this 10% threshold. The bill establishes this statewide cap, overriding local charters or other provisions that might allow higher debt levels. The law would take effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryHB 134 establishes a program providing eligible Texas teachers with an annual $1,000 grant to purchase classroom supplies. To qualify, teachers must be certified, employed by a public school or charter school, and teach at least four hours daily in an academic or career/tech instructional setting. The funds can be used for classroom supplies at their school, with unused balances rolling over for future supplies or professional development costs. Teachers must retain receipts for two years, and the program begins in the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 121 amends Texas law to define which school districts qualify for a property value study conducted by the comptroller. An "eligible school district" must have had invalid local property values (but not exceeding state values) in the most recent study, while maintaining valid local values in the two prior studies. The bill does not change the study process but sets specific eligibility criteria based on historical valuation compliance. This definition applies only to studies for tax years starting on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 136 requires specific training for school board trustees, candidates for school board positions, judges, court personnel, and government officials handling open meetings. It mandates that training must cover open meetings laws, including meeting procedures, notice requirements, and penalties for noncompliance, and be research-based for school boards. Providers must certify completion, and at least one free training option must be available via video or similar medium. The bill updates existing law to standardize training content and accessibility across multiple government roles.

Maddy summaryHB 89 prevents local governments (like cities or counties) from asking voters to approve the same or very similar bond proposal for a specific project within two years after voters previously rejected it. The bill adds a rule to Texas law stating that if voters turned down a bond vote for a particular purpose in the past two years, the government cannot resubmit that identical or nearly identical proposal. This applies only to bond elections ordered on or after the bill's effective date. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 2 sentences.)