Rep. Cody Vasut

Maddy summaryHB 52, titled the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires certain facilities - including restrooms, locker rooms, shelters, correctional facilities, and colleges - to be designated for use based on biological sex (male or female) as defined by reproductive anatomy. The bill authorizes civil penalties for violations and allows private lawsuits to enforce compliance. It specifically applies to "multiple-occupancy private spaces" like shared restrooms and "family violence shelters," but excludes state agencies. The law defines "female" as individuals with a reproductive system for egg production and "male" as those with a system for sperm production.

Maddy summaryHB 167 restricts local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofits that lobby on their behalf. It prohibits spending taxpayer money to contract with registered lobbyists or support organizations representing local governments that employ lobbyists, though exceptions exist for direct communication by government employees or advocacy by elected officials. The bill allows reimbursement for travel expenses related to permitted activities and lets taxpayers sue to stop violations and recover legal fees. It directly affects how local governments allocate public funds for legislative advocacy efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 115 restricts Texas local governments (like cities and counties) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay organizations that hire lobbyists to influence state legislation. The bill specifically prohibits spending public money to contract with registered lobbyists or fund associations primarily representing local governments if those associations employ registered lobbyists, with exceptions for sheriffs' associations and certain staff activities. It allows local government employees to provide information to lawmakers, advocate for policies without registering as lobbyists, and cover direct travel expenses for such activities. Taxpayers or residents can sue to stop prohibited spending and recover legal fees if they win the case. The law aims to prevent public funds from being used to directly lobby the state legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 95 establishes minimum training and certification standards for Emergency Management Coordinators in Texas counties with populations over 500,000. It requires these coordinators, appointed by Emergency Management Directors, to meet qualifications set by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The bill directly affects county emergency management staff in larger jurisdictions who handle disaster response coordination. Key provisions mandate that coordinators' qualifications be defined through division rules, ensuring standardized emergency management capacity across qualifying counties.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Governor Greg Abbott to return federal reconciliation funds to Texas taxpayers by implementing property tax relief. The Texas House of Representatives passed this non-binding resolution to formally request the Governor use the funds for property tax cuts, directing the chief clerk to forward a copy to the Governor's office. It does not require legal action or change existing tax policy, as resolutions like this serve only as a formal expression of legislative opinion.

Maddy summaryHB 267 requires Texas public school districts to include in the health curriculum for K-12 students the statement that "human life begins at conception and has inherent dignity and immeasurable worth from the moment of conception." This instruction must be part of the health curriculum's enrichment component, which also covers topics like nutrition, mental health, and suicide prevention. The requirement will take effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 265 creates a temporary joint committee (composed of five House members and five Senators) to study how to replace local property tax revenue if ad valorem taxes (commonly called property taxes) are eliminated. The committee must examine alternative tax methods, assess how political subdivisions (like cities and counties) could implement them, and determine if revenue redistribution would be needed to address disparities. It must report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by November 1, 2026, and the committee will dissolve on January 1, 2027. The bill does not eliminate property taxes itself but sets up a structured study to evaluate the feasibility of such a change.

Maddy summaryHJR 33 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a "property tax reduction fund" that would use surplus state sales tax revenue to lower school district property taxes. The fund would receive 60% of annual sales tax revenue exceeding a growth limit for state spending, with all funds required to reduce school district property taxes. Any surplus beyond school tax reductions could be used by the legislature to lower other state taxes. This amendment must be approved by voters in a May 2026 election and would take effect for the 2027 fiscal biennium.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits registered lobbyists from representing local government entities that impose taxes, members of those entities' governing bodies, or nonprofit organizations that primarily advocate for such entities. The restriction applies only to new contracts entered into after the bill takes effect. The law will become effective 91 days following the end of the legislative session. This change directly affects lobbyists seeking to work with specific government and advocacy groups.

Maddy summaryHB 268 prohibits youth camps from using structures with their lowest floor located within a 100-year floodplain and below the base flood elevation as overnight accommodations. This bill directly affects youth camps operating in designated flood-prone areas across Texas. The key provision amends the Health and Safety Code to require the executive commissioner to establish this specific floodplain safety standard, adding it to existing health and safety requirements for camps. The bill would take effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote, otherwise on the 91st day after the legislative session.