Rep. Cecil Bell

Maddy summaryHB 747 requires the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners to adopt two specific plumbing codes: the Uniform Plumbing Code (as of May 31, 2001) and the 2015 International Plumbing Code. This affects plumbers, contractors, and local governments in Texas, as they must follow these adopted codes for plumbing system design, installation, and maintenance. The bill updates existing law to specify these exact codes and sets a deadline for the Board to adopt implementing rules by December 1, 2025. It takes effect September 1, 2025, ensuring consistent plumbing standards across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 733 requires sellers of residential homes in platted subdivisions to verify a buyer’s U.S. citizenship or legal residency before finalizing certain contracts, including those allowing immediate possession or lease-options. Sellers must obtain specific proof, such as a U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card, or a combination of Social Security Number with photo ID. Failure to verify or file documentation within 30 days of contract signing would constitute a criminal offense. The bill applies only to residential transactions (excluding commercial property) in subdivided neighborhoods, not all home sales.

Maddy summaryHB 704 prohibits utilities and propane retailers from disconnecting service to residential customers on weekends, Texas-observed holidays, or the day before such days. It also bans disconnections during "extreme weather emergencies," defined as periods with sustained sub-32°F temperatures for 24+ hours or issued heat advisories. During these emergencies, utilities must defer full bill payments and work with customers to establish payment plans. The bill applies to electric, natural gas, propane, and water providers, directly affecting residential customers in Texas who rely on these services during weather events.

Maddy summaryHJR 43 proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt the full market value of primary homes from property taxes for Texans aged 72 or older who have held this exemption for at least 10 years, and for surviving spouses who were 55 or older when their spouse died (and met other conditions). The amendment would require voters to approve it in November 2025, with implementation set for January 2026. It includes provisions allowing taxing entities to continue collecting property taxes on homesteads with pledged debts until those debts are paid, and mandates the legislature to create formulas protecting school districts from revenue loss. This change would directly affect qualifying elderly homeowners and their surviving spouses by eliminating their property tax burden on their primary residence.

Maddy summaryHJR 50 proposes a constitutional amendment to let Texas lawmakers set a cap on how much a primary residence's taxable value can increase annually for property tax purposes. It would allow the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of a homestead (primary residence) to 105% (or a higher percentage) of the previous year's value, or the current market value, whichever is lower. This directly affects homeowners who qualify for Texas homestead exemptions, protecting them from sudden tax spikes during rapid property value increases. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2025 election.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to let Texas lawmakers limit how much a property's taxable value can increase annually for homeowners. Specifically, it would allow the legislature to cap annual increases at 105-110% of the previous year's value (instead of full market value), directly affecting residential homeowners, especially those with rising property values. The cap would apply to homesteads (primary residences) and potentially mobile homes, taking effect after ownership begins and expiring if the property is sold (though spouses may continue coverage). The amendment requires voter approval in November 2025 and would replace existing constitutional rules about property tax limits.

Maddy summaryBased on the provided context, HB 598's text is unavailable (not yet published, with a note directing users to a PDF that isn't accessible in this view). The bill title indicates it relates to financial assistance for survivors of certain Texas military members, but no specific provisions, eligibility criteria, or mechanisms are described in the available information. The bill was filed on November 12, 2024, and referred to the House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs on March 3, 2025. Without the bill text or summary details, a factual description of its policy changes cannot be provided.

Maddy summaryBased on the provided context, the bill text for HB 572 is unavailable ("This version is not currently available"). The title indicates it relates to allowing the purchase of military service credit within the Employees Retirement System of Texas, which would directly affect Texas state employees with military service who may want to count that time toward their retirement benefits. The bill was filed on November 12, 2024, and referred to the Pensions, Investments & Financial Services committee on March 3, 2025, but no specific provisions or mechanisms are described in the available information. Without access to the bill's full text or summary details, a substantive policy description cannot be provided.

Maddy summaryHB 515 requires Texas public school districts to adopt written policies banning student use of personal electronic devices (like smartphones) during school hours. Students must store devices in lockable containers provided by the district, with exceptions for medical needs requiring written documentation from a healthcare provider. Districts must also report on policy effectiveness to the Texas Education Agency, including impacts on student behavior, mental health, and feedback from students and staff. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 442 limits annual increases in the appraised value of Texas residence homesteads for property tax purposes. It caps yearly increases at either 5% of the prior year's appraised value plus the base value, or the most recent market value determined by the appraisal office - whichever is lower. The bill directly affects Texas homeowners with homestead properties, preventing steep tax hikes on primary residences. It requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment (proposed by the 89th Legislature) to take effect on January 1, 2026, otherwise the bill has no impact.