Rep. Gary Gates

Maddy summaryHB 1490 would create a new criminal offense for specific unauthorized uses of vehicles, targeting conduct like driving a vehicle without permission in certain circumstances. The bill aims to address unauthorized vehicle use through defined legal penalties, though the exact scope of prohibited conduct isn't detailed in the available information. Currently in committee, the bill's full text is not accessible, so precise mechanisms or who would be directly affected cannot be confirmed from the provided context. For complete details, the full bill text would need to be reviewed when available.

Maddy summaryHB 3533 defines "multifamily residential development" as any rental property with four or more units (regardless of attached/detached units). It restricts school district-related developments: for projects financed or operated by a school district or its public housing entity, at least 75% of units must be reserved for district employees, or the property must have served as a school campus for 10+ years. The bill applies only to new developments or contracts entered after the effective date (September 1, 2025, or earlier if passed by two-thirds vote). It directly affects school districts and public housing corporations operating multifamily housing.

Maddy summaryHB 3532 modifies tax exemption rules for multifamily housing developments owned by public facility corporations in Texas. It requires these developments to reserve at least 10% of units for low-income housing and 40% for moderate-income housing to qualify for property tax exemptions. The bill also mandates 30-day written notice to local governments before development approval and requires governing body (municipality or county) approval for new projects. These provisions directly affect public facility corporations developing income-targeted housing, changing how they access tax benefits under Local Government Code Section 303.0421.

Maddy summaryHB 3534 modifies Texas law to set requirements for public facility corporations seeking tax exemptions on multifamily residential developments. It mandates that at least 10% of units be reserved for low-income housing and 40% for moderate-income housing, as defined by existing code. Corporations must provide 30 days' written notice to local governing bodies before development approval and obtain local government approval. These rules apply to both new developments and acquisitions of existing properties, with additional rehab cost or unit-reservation requirements for acquired buildings.

Maddy summaryHB 3404 requires certain large Texas cities (population over 60,000 in counties with over 420,000 residents) and counties (population over 420,000) to allow mixed-use residential and multifamily residential development in zoning areas already permitting commercial uses. It prohibits local governments from demanding zoning changes, variances, or special approvals before permitting such projects, which include conversions of commercial buildings to housing. The bill defines "mixed-use residential" as developments where residential space makes up at least 65% of total square footage and "multifamily residential" as projects with three or more dwelling units (including condos). This law aims to reduce regulatory barriers for housing development in designated high-population areas.

Maddy summaryHB 76 prohibits local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to pay nonprofit organizations that accept public donations to post bail bonds for defendants. It directly affects political subdivisions that might fund such bail programs through public money. The bill bans this spending and allows taxpayers or residents to sue to stop it, with successful plaintiffs able to recover legal fees. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHJR 15 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing judges to deny bail to individuals accused of specific serious crimes - including first-degree sexual offenses, violent offenses, or continuous human trafficking - pending trial. Judges may deny bail only after a hearing where they find, by clear and convincing evidence, that bail would not ensure the defendant’s court appearance or community safety. The amendment requires judges to issue a written order detailing their findings and reasoning. It does not restrict defendants’ rights to challenge bail denials under existing law and specifies that judges must consider standard bail factors when making decisions. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the 2025 election.

Maddy summaryHJR 16 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas courts to deny bail to non-citizens (defined as "illegal aliens" under the bill) charged with felony offenses if a judge finds probable cause they committed the crime. The amendment specifies that bail denial applies only after a hearing where probable cause is established, not automatically. This change would require voter approval in November 2025 before taking effect, as it seeks to amend the Texas Constitution. The bill directly affects non-citizens facing felony charges in Texas courts who meet the defined "illegal alien" criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, contain only the specific text listed in the bill (including the full biblical wording), and be legible from any point in the classroom. Schools may accept privately donated displays meeting these requirements or use district funds to purchase compliant displays if needed. This law applies to all public schools and explicitly states they cannot claim exemption from this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 1595 authorizes public housing authorities in Texas to pay a fee instead of property taxes or special assessments for improvements, services, or facilities provided by local governments. This applies specifically to multifamily residential developments owned by housing authorities that reserve at least 20% of units for "public housing" (rented at income levels below 60% of area median income). The fee amount must equal the actual cost to the municipality or county for those services and cannot exceed that cost. The bill does not change existing tax exemptions but creates a new payment option for housing authorities meeting these conditions.