Rep. Cody Vasut

Maddy summaryHB 1049 would establish a Texas-issued currency backed by physical gold and silver held in a state-managed depository. It authorizes the comptroller to create this currency, representing specific fractions of a troy ounce of gold or silver, and requires it to function as legal tender for debt payments. The bill mandates electronic transfer capabilities for the currency and designates the Texas Bullion Depository as the exclusive issuer. It also authorizes a fee to cover administrative costs, though specific fee amounts are not detailed in the provided text. This bill is procedural in nature, creating a new currency framework rather than altering existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 1158 requires Texas public schools to obtain written parental consent before providing human sexuality instruction to students. The bill mandates that schools give parents a separate, dedicated notice at least 14 days before such instruction begins, prohibiting bundling this request with other consent forms. It directly affects students in public schools receiving human sexuality education and their parents, who must provide written approval. The law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 878 limits zoning restrictions on residential lots in large Texas municipalities (population 85,000+ in counties with 1 million+ residents). It prohibits cities from requiring lots larger than 2,500 sq ft, wider than 16 feet, or deeper than 30 feet, and bans density rules resulting in fewer than 31.1 units per acre. The bill also blocks most restrictions on "small lots" (4,000 sq ft or less), including setbacks over 5 feet, covered parking mandates, and limits on building height or stories. Municipalities may still charge standard permitting fees for small lots and require driveway sharing. This directly affects housing development options in major urban areas by removing barriers to denser housing.

Maddy summaryHB 931 creates a voluntary "covenant marriage" option in Texas, allowing couples to formally commit to a lifelong marriage with specific requirements. To establish a covenant marriage, couples must submit a signed, notarized statement at the time of applying for a marriage license, affirming their commitment to preserve the marriage through counseling if difficulties arise. Existing married couples can later convert their marriage to a covenant marriage by filing a similar signed statement with their marriage license copy at the county clerk's office. The bill requires county clerks to clearly identify covenant marriage licenses and track these designations under Texas Family Code provisions. This change affects only couples who choose this specific marriage type, not the general public.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 91) formally congratulates the Brazoswood High School girls' water polo team for winning the 2024 UIL 6A state championship. It specifically recognizes their 28-2 record, their overtime victory in the championship game against Richmond Foster High School, and key players and coaches. The resolution extends official congratulations from the Texas House of Representatives to the team, coaches, and school staff. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy provisions or direct impact beyond expressing legislative recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 890 amends Texas Education Code sections to change how student assessments are used in school accountability and support. It requires schools to provide accelerated instruction for students who fail end-of-course assessments, partner with colleges to create preparatory courses for students not meeting college readiness standards, and establish clearer procedures for transferring credits between states. The bill directly affects public school students (especially those struggling with assessments), school districts, and higher education institutions. It also updates how student performance on standardized tests is considered in school evaluations, though the bill remains pending in the Public Education committee.

Maddy summaryHB 939 limits non-monetary damages in personal injury lawsuits in Texas. It sets a cap at the greater of five times the economic damages (like medical bills) or $5 million per claimant. This applies only to cases filed on or after January 1, 2026, affecting defendants (such as businesses or healthcare providers) in future personal injury claims. The bill does not change existing cases or economic damage calculations.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Sharron Lea Hoff Stewart of Lake Jackson. It commemorates her life, career as an art educator and environmental advocate, and her contributions to organizations like the Galveston Bay Foundation. The resolution extends condolences to her family and officially records the Texas House's tribute to her legacy. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or laws.

Maddy summaryHR 140 is a memorial resolution honoring Deputy Jesus "Jesse" Vargas of the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, who died in the line of duty on January 15, 2025. The resolution expresses the Texas House of Representatives' condolences to Vargas' family - including his wife, three daughters, parents, siblings, and law enforcement colleagues - and pays tribute to his 17-year career in law enforcement. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a ceremonial tribute adopted by the Texas House on March 6, 2025, to commemorate his service and loss.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a legislative bill) passed by the Texas House of Representatives. It formally congratulates Patricia "Trish" Thompson on becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen on October 26, 2024, recognizing her journey from arriving in Texas in 2006 as a Dow Chemical employee to embracing her life in Brazoria County. The resolution honors her citizenship milestone and her contributions to her community, including her role as a stepmother and her work with MEGlobal. It has no policy impact - it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition.