Rep. Cody Vasut

Maddy summaryHJR 161 proposes amending the Texas Constitution to explicitly prohibit non-citizen residents from voting in Texas elections. The bill would add "persons who are not citizens of the United States" as a new category barred from voting, alongside existing restrictions for minors, those declared mentally incompetent, and convicted felons. If approved by voters in November 2025, this constitutional change would formally enshrine the current legal standard - non-citizens already cannot vote in Texas - into the state constitution. The amendment requires voter approval at the 2025 general election, with ballot language specifying the change. This is a procedural constitutional amendment, not a new voting law.

Maddy summaryHB 1387 amends Texas law to expand eligibility pathways for taking the bar exam to become a licensed attorney. It adds two new options beyond traditional law school: completing a two-year apprenticeship under a licensed Texas attorney or gaining two years of full-time paralegal work experience in Texas. The bill specifically defines "approved law school" and requires the Texas Supreme Court to establish rules ensuring candidates meet character, education, and practical experience standards. This change directly affects individuals seeking to practice law in Texas who do not attend a traditional law school. The bill is currently pending in committee as of May 2025.

Maddy summaryTexas House Bill 1544 requires the state treasurer to annually calculate Texas' border security spending from the previous biennium, prepare an invoice for reimbursement from the federal government, and submit it within 30 days of each biennium's start. The bill mandates that invoices must be due 6-8 months after submission, with payments deposited into the general revenue fund if paid on time. If unpaid, the attorney general can sue the federal agency for the amount certified by the treasurer. The bill includes a temporary $20 billion cap on recoverable costs for the 2021-2025 period and expires in 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 200 requires courts to provide specific written instructions to juries during the penalty phase of felony trials for defendants convicted of crimes committed before age 18 (excluding certain violent offenses like mass shootings). The instructions clarify that parole eligibility typically begins only after 20 years of actual time served in prison (not counting good conduct credits), and that parole eligibility does not guarantee release. Juries must consider parole laws generally but cannot speculate on how they might apply to the specific defendant. This change directly affects sentencing decisions for juvenile offenders in Texas felony cases, ensuring juries understand parole timelines without influencing their verdict.

Maddy summaryHB 3061 increases penalties for certain criminal offenses committed while wearing masks or disguises specifically to hide the offender's identity. It applies to offenses under Texas law covering assault, robbery, public disorder (Title 5, Chapters 28-30, or Sections 42.01/42.02). If proven, the punishment escalates to the next higher offense category, with a minimum 180-day jail term for Class A misdemeanors. Exceptions allow the penalty increase to be avoided if the disguise was for events like Halloween, proven by a preponderance of evidence.

Maddy summaryHB 3741 requires foreign students and employees at Texas public universities to sign a sworn affidavit stating they are not agents of a "foreign adversary" (defined as a nation hostile to the U.S. or Texas). The affidavit must include the exact statement: "I affirm that I am not an agent of a foreign nation hostile to the United States of America or the State of Texas." This applies to all non-citizen, non-permanent-resident students and employees enrolled or hired at public institutions, regardless of when they were admitted or hired. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board may create rules to implement the requirement, but the bill itself mandates the affidavit as a direct condition of enrollment or employment.

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 summaryHB 2914 designates a specific segment of U.S. Highway 69 in Smith County - from its intersection with South State Loop 323 to the northern municipal limits of Bullard - as the "Veterans Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the route and at appropriate intermediate points to indicate the designation. This is a symbolic, commemorative measure with no substantive policy changes or funding impacts. It does not affect any existing laws or regulations beyond the highway signage.

Maddy summaryHB 3605 creates a franchise tax credit for Texas businesses that hire apprentices in broadband utility engineering or construction jobs. To qualify, businesses must employ at least one apprentice for three months in a certified apprenticeship program, provide specific training in skills like pole climbing or fiber splicing, and obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Texas Workforce Commission. The credit directly benefits taxable entities (businesses) in the broadband sector by reducing their franchise tax liability. It applies to apprentices working in roles classified under 2022 NAICS code 237130, requiring programs to meet U.S. Department of Labor standards or be registered under Texas Education Code Chapter 133. The bill is currently pending in committee after being favorably reported with a committee substitute.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Texas Employees Retirement System to make a one-time supplemental payment in January 2026 to eligible retirees and beneficiaries. The payment equals the lesser of $2,000 or the retiree’s regular December 2025 annuity amount, added to their existing monthly benefit. It excludes certain disability retirees, elected officials’ families, and other specific categories listed in the bill. The payment is in addition to regular benefits and subject to standard tax withholdings.