Rep. Ryan Guillen

Maddy summaryHB 2523 designates a specific segment of State Highway 48 in Cameron County (between State Highway 550 and Fishermans Place Road) as the "Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of this highway segment and at appropriate intermediate locations to honor Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia. This is a commemorative designation with no substantive policy changes, focusing solely on naming and signage. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 331 creates a legal presumption that certain heart attacks or strokes suffered by firefighters, peace officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are work-related if they occur within eight hours after a shift involving strenuous physical activity like firefighting, rescue, or training. This means these first responders no longer need to prove their medical condition was caused by their job - instead, the law assumes it was work-related under specific conditions. The bill applies only to claims filed after its effective date (May 24, 2025), not to past claims. It excludes clerical or administrative work from the presumption, focusing solely on active emergency response duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates La Salle County as Texas' official "Wild Hog Capital" for 10 years, ending in 2035. It formally recognizes the county's cultural connection to wild hog hunting and its annual Wild Hog Cook-Off event, which began in 1981 and supports local tourism and ranching. The resolution, passed as a ceremonial designation under state law, does not create new regulations or funding but honors the county's economic and recreational ties to wild hog hunting. It directly affects La Salle County residents and businesses benefiting from this tradition.

Maddy summaryHJR 34 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a property tax exemption for landowners in counties bordering Mexico. The exemption would apply specifically to the increased market value of real property resulting from border security infrastructure (like barriers or roads) and related improvements. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would let the legislature establish rules for qualifying properties and define "border security infrastructure." The change would directly affect property owners in border counties whose land value rises due to such projects. It does not exempt all property, only the value increase tied to border security construction.

Maddy summaryHB 50 requires healthcare providers to obtain patient consent before conducting blood screening tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and to inform patients they can opt out of the test. If a screening test is positive, providers must offer information about available healthcare, prevention, and support services. The bill applies to all medical screenings for STDs in Texas and takes effect January 1, 2026, after the Health and Human Services Commission adopts implementing rules. It does not change existing testing protocols but adds a consent requirement and post-positive support obligation for providers.

Maddy summaryThis Texas House resolution (HR 796) commemorates the 50th anniversary of the commercial use of in-situ recovery (ISR) technology for uranium extraction, specifically marking the April 10, 2025, anniversary. It honors the 1975 launch of the first commercial ISR project at the Clay West site in South Texas and recognizes pioneers from companies like Union Carbide and U.S. Steel. The resolution highlights ISR’s role in providing over half of global uranium production while minimizing surface disruption and emphasizing environmental stewardship through groundwater reclamation. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

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 Texas concurrent resolution urges Congress to preserve Sections 45U, 45Y, and 48E of the federal tax code, which provide tax incentives for nuclear and natural gas energy projects. It directly addresses Texas' energy sector, which relies on these provisions to maintain existing operations and support new development, employing over 12,000 workers in nuclear/gas plants and supplying nearly half the state's electricity. The resolution requests Congress preserve these tax incentives to sustain affordable energy production and Texas' leadership in electricity generation.

Maddy summaryHB 214 amends Texas law to strengthen prosecution of firearm smuggling and terrorism-related offenses. It clarifies that transporting or transferring illegally acquired firearms or ammunition - whether multiple times or for profit - constitutes a crime under Section 46.14 of the Penal Code. The bill also expands terrorism charges by linking specific violent offenses (like murder or assault) to terrorism prosecutions when committed to intimidate the public. This directly affects individuals involved in illegal firearm trafficking and those committing violent acts with terrorism intent. The changes refine existing legal standards without creating new offenses.

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.