Rep. Cody Vasut

Maddy summaryHB 4240 would expand Texas property tax exemptions for charitable organizations that provide financial support for medical care at certain institutions of higher education. Specifically, it amends the Tax Code to include these organizations as qualifying charitable entities under Section 11.18, allowing them to claim exemptions on their owned property (like buildings and land) used exclusively for this purpose. The bill directly affects nonprofits that fund medical services at universities - such as campus health centers or student wellness programs - by enabling them to avoid local property taxes on qualifying assets. This change modifies existing tax exemption criteria without altering how organizations qualify for other charitable exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 113 modifies Texas law on how courts interpret statutes. It restricts courts from considering legislative intent (like statements from lawmakers or committee reports) when reading laws, requiring them to focus only on the plain text of the statute. The bill also prohibits courts from automatically deferring to state agencies' interpretations of laws, though reasonable agency views that match the statute's wording may still be considered. This directly affects courts, state agencies, and anyone involved in legal cases interpreting Texas laws. The changes aim to limit judicial interpretation methods and emphasize the written text of statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 3231 increases criminal penalties for human trafficking in Texas by expanding the definition of the offense. The bill specifically prohibits trafficking children or disabled individuals for forced labor or services without requiring the trafficker to know the victim's age or disability status. It also broadens the offense to include trafficking that results in prohibited acts like prostitution or sexual abuse, and receiving benefits from such trafficking ventures. These changes directly affect traffickers who exploit vulnerable victims, raising penalties for these expanded scenarios under Texas law.

Maddy summaryHB 2879 protects condo owners, tenants, and their guests from penalties like fines or eviction for using justified force (including deadly force) on residential property, as defined under Texas Penal Code Chapter 9. The bill creates an "irrebuttable presumption" that force was justified if the person was acquitted, a grand jury declined to indict, or prosecutors declined to file charges for the same incident. It applies to condominiums (via Property Code Section 82.122) and leased residential properties (via Sections 92.027 and 94.258), preventing associations or landlords from taking adverse action based on legally justified force. The law overrides any conflicting terms in property declarations or leases, regardless of when they were adopted.

Maddy summarySJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that non-U.S. citizens cannot vote in Texas. It amends Article VI, Section 1(a) of the Texas Constitution by adding "persons who are not citizens of the United States" as a prohibited voting class. This would clarify existing voting eligibility rules by making citizenship a constitutional requirement, directly affecting non-citizen residents. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 4, 2025, election to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 384 allows hunters and anglers to voluntarily donate $1, $5, $10, or $20 to the Operation Game Thief Fund when applying for a Texas hunting or fishing license. The bill requires the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to include donation options on license applications and its website. Funds collected must be deposited into the Operation Game Thief Fund within 14 days of receipt, after deducting reasonable administrative costs. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects all applicants for these licenses.

Maddy summaryHB 1954 amends Texas Estates Code provisions related to guardianship proceedings. It clarifies that courts may appoint a "guardian ad litem" (a court-appointed representative) to advocate for the best interests of incapacitated persons or proposed wards during guardianship cases, and provides these representatives immunity from civil liability for recommendations made in that role. The bill also prohibits individuals with adverse interests (e.g., potential beneficiaries) from filing guardianship applications, contesting appointments, or challenging guardianship modifications. Additionally, it requires guardians of estates to preserve a ward’s existing estate plan (including probate and nonprobate arrangements) when consistent with the ward’s best interests, considering factors like estate value, maintenance needs, tax minimization, and eligibility for government benefits. These changes directly affect incapacitated persons, courts, and guardians in Texas guardianship proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 5187 creates new regulations for converting office buildings to residential use in specific large Texas cities and counties. It applies only to municipalities over 90,000 population in counties over 300,000 population, requiring that converted buildings meet strict criteria: at least 65% residential space overall and per floor, with buildings constructed at least five years prior to conversion. The bill defines "mixed-use residential" (65% residential space) and "multifamily residential" (three or more dwelling units), while explicitly exempting historic preservation rules and short-term rentals from its requirements. This legislation standardizes conversion processes but does not override existing private property restrictions or historic district protections.

Maddy summarySB 1426 transfers management of Texas' First Capitol State Historic Site and its replica in West Columbia to the Texas Historical Commission (THC). The bill requires the THC to preserve, maintain, and operate the site, including relocating the replica building to a historically accurate location, constructing a replica of the first Republic of Texas senate building, and building a visitor center for educational programs. It also mandates the THC to manage site infrastructure, historical artifacts, and interpretive programming to enhance public access and historical accuracy. The law took effect on September 1, 2025, directly affecting site operations and visitors.

Maddy summaryHB 370 amends Texas law to restrict eligibility for funding from the Events Trust Fund. It prohibits funding for events that allow biological males to compete in sports designated for female athletes. The bill defines "biological male" using official birth certificates or government records stating biological sex, requiring statements entered near birth or corrected for clerical errors. This applies only to events seeking trust fund support and does not affect biological males serving as coaches or support staff. The policy change directly affects sports events applying for state funding under the Events Trust Fund.