Rep. Greg Bonnen

Maddy summarySB 1349 creates new criminal offenses in Texas for "transnational repression" and "unauthorized enforcement of foreign law." It targets individuals acting as agents of foreign governments or terrorist organizations who commit specific crimes (like assault or harassment) with the intent to force someone to act for a foreign entity, restrict their movement, suppress protected speech, or retaliate for exercising free expression. The law increases penalties for these offenses, making them one category higher than the underlying crime (e.g., a first-degree felony becomes a first-degree felony with a 15-year minimum sentence). This bill directly affects foreign agents operating within Texas who engage in such conduct, aiming to protect First Amendment rights and prevent foreign interference in U.S. affairs. It became effective on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 22 exempts intangible personal property (such as stocks, bonds, and intellectual property) from Texas property taxes. It removes previous exceptions that required certain intangible assets to be taxed, making all such property fully exempt under the Tax Code. This change directly affects owners of intangible assets and counties that previously collected taxes on these items. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, applying only to tax years beginning after that date.

Maddy summarySB 1073 prevents Texas licensing authorities from imposing rules or penalties that discriminate against or burden applicants or licensed attorneys based on sincerely held religious beliefs, free speech (including religious or political views), religious organization membership, or freedom of association. It prohibits policies that limit license eligibility or renewal due to these protected rights, while allowing exceptions for rules strictly necessary to serve a compelling government purpose or address willful bias in legal proceedings. The bill directly affects law license applicants and holders in Texas by ensuring their constitutional rights cannot be infringed through licensing decisions. Violations can be challenged in administrative or court proceedings, though this defense cannot be used in cases involving sexual misconduct allegations or criminal prosecutions.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

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 summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summarySB 2312 creates the Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict to prepare for potential international crises that could disrupt Texas' supply chains or critical infrastructure. The committee, composed of nine members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house, will develop pre-conflict security strategies and gather information to support state response during emergencies. It defines "critical infrastructure" to include systems like oil/gas, water, power, and emergency services, and "geopolitical conflict" as events threatening these systems through war, diplomatic breakdowns, or supply chain disruptions. The bill aims to enhance Texas' defensive posture and protect citizens by making proactive preparations, without altering existing laws or funding.

Maddy summarySB 2066 repeals the Texas Research Incentive Program, ending a state tax credit program that previously provided financial incentives to businesses conducting research in Texas. This bill directly affects companies and research institutions that previously participated in the program to offset costs for research activities. The law removes the specific legal authority (Subchapter F, Chapter 62 of the Education Code) that established the program, effectively terminating the tax credit. The repeal took immediate effect on May 19, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 5627 creates the Texas Commission on Public School Teacher Retirement Funding Transparency to address how state funding for teacher retirement is handled. The commission, made up of seven members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and House speaker, will develop recommendations to integrate retirement funding into the state’s public school funding formula, ensure retirement contributions prioritize classroom staffing, and guarantee long-term health of the Teacher Retirement System. It does not change current retirement contributions but aims to make funding more transparent and consistent across school districts. The bill establishes the commission’s structure and requires it to submit recommendations to the legislature within one year.