Rep. Greg Bonnen

Maddy summaryHB 4806 modifies Texas law governing medical billing disputes in civil cases. It establishes that medical providers can submit an affidavit stating their charges were reasonable and services necessary, which courts must accept as evidence unless the defendant serves written notice contesting it within strict deadlines (120 days after filing an answer or by expert witness deadlines). If a defendant contests the affidavit, the original affidavit loses evidentiary value except to verify medical records. The bill also clarifies that such affidavits cannot prove causation in the underlying lawsuit. This affects medical providers seeking payment and defendants disputing medical bills in civil trials.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas licensing authorities to issue provisional occupational licenses for six months to applicants with criminal convictions who are otherwise qualified for the license, unless they have specific serious convictions listed in the Occupations Code. The provisional license begins upon the applicant's release from incarceration if they were imprisoned. It applies to most occupational licensing fields (like healthcare or trades) but excludes applicants convicted of offenses under Section 53.021(a). The bill provides a pathway for certain applicants to obtain licenses without full revocation of eligibility.

Maddy summaryHJR 4 proposes a constitutional amendment that would prohibit Texas from imposing an occupation tax on financial firms regulated by federal agencies (like stock exchanges, brokers, and clearinghouses) or taxing their securities transactions. It directly affects entities such as stock exchanges, broker-dealers, and other registered securities market operators. The amendment explicitly allows existing taxes like sales taxes, insurance premiums, and general business taxes but blocks new state taxes targeting securities transactions or these specific firms. This is a constitutional change, not a regular law, requiring voter approval after legislative passage.

Maddy summarySB 2 establishes a state-funded education savings account program in Texas, allowing eligible families to use public funds for approved educational expenses. The program directly affects Texas families with children who have disabilities or who live in low-income households (at or below 500% of the federal poverty level). The comptroller administers the program, funding accounts with state money that can cover approved education costs like tuition, books, or tutoring. The bill becomes effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 3, 2025. This creates a new state-funded option alongside public schools for participating families.

Maddy summaryHB 4066 would end the Texas Research Incentive Program by removing it from the state's Education Code. This program currently provides tax credits to companies conducting research and development in Texas. The bill would eliminate this specific incentive, directly affecting businesses that currently qualify for these tax credits. The repeal would take effect on September 1, 2027, if passed. The bill is procedural and focuses solely on removing the program, not on creating new policies.

Maddy summaryHB 5333 establishes the STEM Excellence Graduate Fellowship Program to provide merit-based scholarships for high-achieving doctoral students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields at Texas public research institutions. The program, administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board using state funds, awards fellowships to eligible U.S. citizen students who meet institutional merit criteria and pass background checks. It aims to retain top STEM talent at Texas' tier one and tier two research universities to support the state's economic growth goals. The bill defines eligibility requirements, including enrollment in a STEM doctoral program and institutional assessment of academic achievement.

Maddy summaryHB 54, titled "Relating to the display of and allowance for non-human behaviors in Texas schools," is a procedural bill that amends school discipline requirements. It mandates that Texas public school districts include specific factors in their student conduct codes, such as self-defense, intent, disability considerations, and homelessness status, when making disciplinary decisions like suspensions or expulsions. The bill requires schools to post these codes prominently and consider these factors in all disciplinary actions. It does not ban specific activities but standardizes how schools evaluate student behavior. The bill is currently pending in the Education Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 5293 establishes a pilot program to create forensic analyst apprenticeships in Texas, aiming to increase the state's forensic science workforce capacity. The Texas Forensic Science Commission will set eligibility rules for applicants and accredited crime laboratories that can sponsor apprentices, prioritizing long-term retention of analysts. The program partners with specific universities - University of North Texas Health Science Center (DNA training), Sam Houston State University (drug chemistry), and Texas A&M (firearms analysis) - to develop standardized training curricula. This initiative directly affects new apprentices, crime laboratories, and forensic science training institutions, with the pilot set to expire after a designated period.

Maddy summaryHB 118 establishes the Texas Advisory Committee on Pacific Conflict to advise the state on preparing for potential conflicts in the Pacific Ocean region. The bill defines "Pacific conflict" as threats involving U.S. allies in the Pacific, including attacks on U.S. homeland or disruptions to supply chains with China or Taiwan. The committee will focus on reducing security vulnerabilities in Texas, protecting critical infrastructure (like oil/gas systems, water supply, and communications networks), and ensuring critical procurement for state operations. This is a procedural bill creating an advisory body, not a direct policy change, with no voting record yet as it remains pending in committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 2025 as Rett Syndrome Awareness Month in Texas. It does not create new laws, funding, or programs, but formally recognizes the condition through a symbolic resolution. The bill encourages Texans to learn more about Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder primarily affecting females, which causes developmental regression and requires lifelong care. It references ongoing research and the work of the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, but the resolution itself has no binding effect.