Rep. Matt Morgan

Maddy summaryHR 801 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Texas House of Representatives to honor radio personality Josh "Rowdy Yates" Holstead for his induction into the Country Radio Hall of Fame. The resolution recognizes his career spanning over 25 years, including his work as a Houston radio host, syndicated show creator, and recipient of multiple industry awards. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is a non-binding expression of congratulations. The Texas House formally congratulated Holstead and committed to delivering a copy of the resolution to him as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution (HR 800) expressing the Texas House of Representatives' appreciation for George David Scott III, a sixth-generation cattle rancher from Richmond. It recognizes his decades of service to Texas's cattle industry, including leadership roles in the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and conservation efforts through the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Council. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it simply commends Mr. Scott for his contributions and will be presented to him as a formal expression of respect. It was adopted unanimously by the House on May 23, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage, limiting coverage, or charging higher rates to individuals who are widowed or whose marital status reflects the death of a spouse, compared to married individuals. It directly affects widowed people applying for or renewing insurance policies. The law requires insurers to treat widowed customers the same as married customers for rate-setting and coverage availability. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not apply to policies delivered or renewed before that date.

Maddy summaryHB 871 adopts the International Residential Code (as of May 1, 2021) and International Building Code (as of May 1, 2021) as the baseline standards for residential and commercial building codes across Texas municipalities. It freezes the baseline codes at their 2021 versions, requiring municipalities to use these specific editions for new construction starting on or after January 1, 2026. Municipalities must adopt implementing rules by December 1, 2025, but may review future updates from the International Code Council after that date. The bill directly affects cities, towns, and developers working on new residential or commercial construction projects beginning in 2026 or later.

Maddy summaryHB 3569 prohibits property and casualty insurers from terminating, suspending, or refusing to renew contracts with licensed insurance agents based on direct written premium volume or the amount of losses associated with policies the agent sold. The law specifically bans these actions as a reason for contract changes, protecting agents from being penalized for their business performance. It applies only to contracts entered into on or after September 1, 2025, and does not cover captive agents or terminations made for reasons outside the prohibited criteria. This bill directly affects licensed agents selling property/casualty insurance and insurers who must comply with these new restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 4074 establishes licensing requirements for insurance umpires and appraisers in Texas. It requires individuals to obtain a state license by completing a 40-hour course, passing an exam, passing a background check, paying fees, and maintaining a $10,000 surety bond. The bill also mandates 24 hours of continuing education every two years, including ethics training and insurance appraisal topics, with a $50 administrative penalty per deficient hour for non-compliance. These requirements apply directly to professionals serving as neutral third parties in insurance disputes. The bill creates a new regulatory framework under the Texas Department of Insurance to oversee these roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.