Rep. Cody Vasut

Maddy summaryHB 911 designates June 24 as "Celebration of Life Day," adding it as a state holiday in Texas. The bill amends the Government Code to include this date in the list of official state holidays, alongside existing observances like Texas Independence Day and San Jacinto Day. This change affects state government operations, requiring agencies to close on June 24 each year starting September 1, 2025. The bill does not alter other holiday provisions or provide additional funding.

Maddy summaryHB 922 clarifies residency requirements for voting and candidacy in Texas. It defines "habiting" a residence as sleeping overnight, eating, and keeping personal belongings (like clothing or furniture) there, and prohibits claiming a new homestead exemption while still claiming one for another property. The bill also requires candidates for office to certify they have inhabited their claimed residence address in their ballot application. These changes directly affect voters and candidates seeking office by tightening rules for proving residency. The bill is currently in the Elections Committee (referred March 6, 2025).

Maddy summaryHB 925 repeals two sections (46.15(n) and (o)) of the Texas Penal Code that previously established a defense for carrying handguns in certain prohibited locations and required specific notice to prosecutors. The bill eliminates these provisions, meaning future offenses involving handguns in those locations will no longer have this defense available. The repeal applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with prior offenses governed by the previous law. This is a procedural change to the penal code, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 920 exempts sales and use taxes on firearms, ammunition, firearm accessories, and specific firearm safety equipment (like gun safes, locks, and training materials) from Texas sales and use taxes. This directly affects consumers and retailers purchasing these items, removing a tax burden that currently applies. The exemption applies to the sale, storage, use, or consumption of these items, effective September 1, 2025. The bill does not change taxes owed before this date or impact other tax categories.

Maddy summaryHB 892 would require Texas voters to submit proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. The bill specifies five acceptable documents for proof, including a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate from a U.S. state, or U.S. citizenship papers. Registrars would verify citizenship using these documents during the registration process. The law would take effect on January 1, 2026, but only if a related constitutional amendment is approved by Texas voters in 2025; otherwise, it would not be implemented.

Maddy summaryHB 764 (Lauren and CJ's Law) increases the minimum prison sentence for intoxication manslaughter convictions to five years. It requires courts to impose at least 120 days in jail before granting probation for these offenses, with a potential reduction to two years only under strict conditions. The bill also bars parole eligibility until an inmate serves five full years without credit for good behavior, and prevents release to mandatory supervision before completing the full sentence. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of causing death while driving under the influence, changing their sentencing and release options.

Maddy summaryHB 779 sets a 15% maximum margin of error for the Texas comptroller when conducting property value studies to verify school district local valuations. If a 15% margin isn't feasible due to sample size requirements, the comptroller may use a larger margin. This bill directly affects school districts by determining how their local property values are validated against state-determined values for tax purposes. The rule applies only to studies for tax years beginning January 1, 2026, or later.

Maddy summaryHB 818 adds mifepristone and misoprostol to Texas' Schedule IV controlled substances under the Texas Controlled Substances Act. However, it specifically exempts pregnant women from possession prohibitions for these medications, allowing them to legally possess mifepristone or misoprostol for their own use. The bill does not change medical prescribing rules but modifies criminal penalties for unauthorized possession. It takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 839 limits Texas state lottery prize payments to no more than 40% of ticket sales revenue in any two-year budget period. This directly affects lottery players by capping how much prize money can be paid out, while redirecting excess funds to state programs. The bill requires lottery operational costs to stay under 12% of revenue, with remaining funds split between veterans' assistance and the foundation school fund. It takes effect for the 2025-2026 fiscal biennium. The law changes how lottery revenue is allocated but does not alter ticket prices or prize structures.

Maddy summaryHB 789 requires school districts to obtain written parental consent before school staff conduct psychological or psychiatric assessments, tests, or treatment for students. It applies to all school personnel, including contractors, and defines "mental health activities" broadly to include surveys, check-ins, or screenings disguised as academic exercises. Exceptions include mandated special education evaluations, safety recordings (like discipline footage), classroom instruction, and student safety programs. The bill also clarifies it does not override existing child counseling consent rules or mandatory child abuse reporting requirements. This law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.