Rep. Cody Vasut

Maddy summarySB 1267 amends Texas Parks and Wildlife Code to clarify vessel registration requirements by adding definitions for terms like "certificate of title," "hull identification number," and "owner of record." It updates exemptions for vessel numbering, specifying that vessels do not need a number if covered by federal or out-of-state numbering, temporarily operating under foreign rules, owned by government entities, used as lifeboats, or classified as amphibious vehicles with a Transportation Code certificate. These changes standardize record-keeping for the Parks and Wildlife Department and affect vessel owners who must comply with updated registration rules. The bill focuses on regulatory clarity without specifying a criminal offense in the provided text.

Maddy summaryHCR 40 is a Texas legislative resolution urging Congress to reimburse the state for border security costs incurred under Operation Lone Star. It states Texas has spent billions since 2021 on this initiative - including surveillance, law enforcement support, and managing migration - resulting in over 516,000 apprehensions and 45,300 arrests. The resolution formally requests Congress assume responsibility for border security costs, directing Texas officials to send copies to the U.S. President and congressional leaders. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create law but serves as a formal request to federal lawmakers.

Maddy summarySB 3073 requires magistrates in Texas to provide written findings within 24 hours when determining no probable cause exists for a criminal arrest. This affects individuals arrested for crimes and the magistrates reviewing their cases. The bill mandates that magistrates document their reasons for finding no probable cause in the official record. It applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with prior cases governed by existing law. The change aims to increase transparency in early criminal proceedings.

Maddy summarySB 455 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (for risks wholly located in Texas) include arbitration agreements conducted in Texas under Texas law, unless both insurer and policyholder agree to change the venue after the insurer provides written notice and a premium credit for added costs. This applies to new or renewed contracts on or after January 1, 2026, affecting insurers and policyholders purchasing specialized insurance for high-risk properties in Texas. The bill ensures arbitration venues and legal interpretations remain tied to Texas, preventing out-of-state arbitration without financial compensation to policyholders. It becomes effective September 1, 2025, but the new rules apply to contracts delivered after 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1927 would have amended Texas law to prevent municipalities from banning the removal of Ashe juniper trees on residential properties or charging fees for such removals, except in specific areas. The exception applies to regions within 15 miles of active military bases (as defined in state law) and in counties with populations exceeding 2 million. This bill directly affects homeowners in those designated areas who might otherwise face restrictions on removing Ashe juniper trees. The bill was reported adversely by the Senate Local Government Committee on April 14, 2025, and did not advance further.

Maddy summarySB 1531 would allow Texas property owners to pay ad valorem (property) taxes electronically using credit cards, debit cards, or electronic checks. County collectors could charge a processing fee of up to 5% of the tax amount, which must be reasonably related to their costs and paid in addition to the tax itself. The bill requires counties to display online payment options on their websites and establish procedures for electronic payments. This change directly affects property owners who choose electronic payment methods and county tax collectors who would implement these systems.

Maddy summarySB 2539 amends Texas tax law to establish new requirements for municipalities issuing tax increment bonds within designated tax increment reinvestment zones. It requires municipalities to provide written notice to all property owners in the zone about a public hearing and obtain a majority vote from the governing body before adopting such an ordinance. The bill does not change the bond issuance process itself but adds transparency and local approval steps. It directly affects municipalities with reinvestment zones and property owners within those zones. The changes apply only to ordinances adopted after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote).

Maddy summarySB 2541 amends Texas property tax code to change how local taxing units (like cities and counties) calculate their "unused increment rate," which affects how they determine property tax revenue limits. The bill updates the calculation formula to include three years of historical revenue data instead of two, using the previous three tax years' "foregone revenue" amounts divided by current property values. This change applies only to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, with prior years governed by the old rules. The bill directly affects local governments' property tax calculations but does not create new taxes or revenue.

Maddy summarySB 2188 requires spaceflight operators in specific Texas counties (bordering the Gulf of Mexico with FAA-approved spaceports) and small municipalities (under 150,000 population) to submit proposed launch dates to local officials. It allows county commissioners courts or municipal governing bodies to temporarily close beaches near launch sites during designated times - Monday 8 a.m. to Friday 12 p.m., or Friday 12 p.m. to Monday 8 a.m. - to protect public safety. The bill directly affects spaceport operators and coastal communities with approved launch facilities, while prohibiting local governments from banning spaceflight activities outside these specific closure procedures. It clarifies that spaceflight regulation falls under federal and state jurisdiction, not local ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals to submit proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must provide a copy of specific documents, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate, with their voter registration application. If initial proof is not provided, voter registrars must attempt to verify citizenship using various databases. If citizenship cannot be verified or proof is not ultimately provided, the applicant will only be eligible to vote a limited federal ballot. The bill also creates a state jail felony offense for registrars who knowingly fail to reject applications that do not meet these new requirements.