Rep. Gary Gates

Maddy summaryThis bill requires government agencies with eminent domain authority (like cities or utility companies) to send property owners certified mail copies of all appraisals used to value their land within the past 10 years when making an initial offer to buy it. If they fail to disclose these appraisals, they must pay the owner's reasonable attorney fees incurred during the acquisition process. The rule applies only to new acquisition offers made on or after September 1, 2025, not to deals finalized before that date. It directly affects property owners receiving such offers and aims to increase transparency in eminent domain proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 1089 creates a dedicated "Gulf Coast Protection Account" within the state's general revenue fund, managed by Texas' General Land Office. The account is funded by gifts, donations, grants, and legislative appropriations. Money from this account can only be spent on projects to fulfill federal project requirements under the 2021 Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Study, comply with local Gulf Coast Protection District agreements, or fund specific coastal protection projects along the Texas Gulf Coast. The bill explicitly states these expenditures serve a public purpose and are subject to state audit.

Maddy summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

Maddy summarySB 1450 requires local governments (like cities or counties) to allow third-party reviews of development permits or inspections if they miss a 15-day deadline for approval or inspection. It specifies that only licensed engineers, certified inspectors, or government employees (not the applicant or contractor) can perform these third-party reviews or inspections. The bill clarifies that political subdivisions (local governments) are not liable for third-party work done under this process. This bill does not change existing law but explicitly defines who can conduct these reviews and inspections when government agencies delay.

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 summaryThis bill amends Texas Local Government Code Section 21.006 to exempt certain city council and mayoral positions from requiring new elections after redistricting. Specifically, municipalities that elect council members or the mayor at-large (meaning elected by all voters citywide, not by district) will not need to hold new elections for those positions following a redistricting map change - unless the current term of the office would expire under existing law. The change directly affects Texas cities using at-large voting for council or mayoral seats, preventing unnecessary elections solely due to redistricting. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

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 summaryHB 2070 amends Texas Family Code Section 261.002 to require a court finding of abuse or neglect before adding someone to the central child abuse registry. Currently, the Department of Family and Protective Services can add names based on their own findings, but this bill mandates a final court order in a civil, criminal, or juvenile case first. The change applies only to findings made on or after September 1, 2025, with prior cases governed by previous law. This directly affects individuals potentially added to the registry and the Department’s process for doing so.

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 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.