Rep. Cecil Bell

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals to submit proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must provide a copy of specific documents, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate, with their voter registration application. If initial proof is not provided, voter registrars must attempt to verify citizenship using various databases. If citizenship cannot be verified or proof is not ultimately provided, the applicant will only be eligible to vote a limited federal ballot. The bill also creates a state jail felony offense for registrars who knowingly fail to reject applications that do not meet these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 1253) is a symbolic gesture by the Texas House of Representatives to honor the Magnolia Historical Society for its 30+ years of work preserving local history. It specifically recognizes the society’s management of the Magnolia Depot Museum Complex - including the 1902 railroad depot (a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark), a 19th-century sawmill, and other historic artifacts - and its role in promoting community heritage. The resolution formally acknowledges the society’s efforts and includes a copy of the resolution as a gift to the organization. As a commemorative resolution, it contains no policy changes or funding provisions.

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific segment of Farm-to-Market Road 1097 in Montgomery County - between Interstate 45 and Lake Conroe Hills Drive - as the "Army Specialist Joey Lenz Memorial Highway." It requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the highway and at appropriate intermediate locations. The bill is purely commemorative and does not alter road maintenance, funding, or transportation policy. It honors Army Specialist Joey Lenz, with no direct impact on public services or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 3016 establishes state control over certain local regulations in Texas, preventing cities and counties from enacting rules on land use, business operations, structures, or municipal boundaries that conflict with state law. It allows the Attorney General to sue local governments for violations, with potential consequences including withheld state funds, restrictions on tax rates, and penalties from suspended revenue accounts. The bill explicitly preserves local authority for road maintenance, taxation, home-rule city services, public awareness campaigns, and revising ordinances that violate the law. It aims to create statewide regulatory consistency, citing concerns about conflicting local rules creating a "patchwork" of regulations. The law does not affect general tax authority or prohibit municipalities from providing services authorized by existing statutes.

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 summaryHB 767 designates a specific segment of State Highway 249 in Montgomery County as the "Paul P. Mendes Memorial Parkway" to honor Paul P. Mendes. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the highway segment and at appropriate intermediate locations along the route. This is a ceremonial naming resolution with no substantive policy changes or funding impacts. The designation took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 996 allows retail fireworks permit holders in Texas to sell fireworks to the public only on July 5, 2026 (from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.), replacing previous sales windows. This rule directly affects licensed fireworks retailers and applies specifically to that single day in 2026. The provision expires on September 1, 2026, and does not change general fireworks sale rules outside this date. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHR 814 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing April 8, 2025, as Texas County Treasurers Day at the State Capitol. It honors the 244 elected county treasurers across Texas - particularly those serving rural counties with fewer than 25,000 residents - who manage county finances, oversee funds, and provide key services like payroll and auditing. The resolution does not create new laws or alter existing policies; it simply designates a day for treasurers to engage with legislators at the Capitol. This is a symbolic gesture to acknowledge their role in local governance.