Rep. Todd Hunter

Maddy summaryHB 1939 creates a 4% credit for Texas school districts that prepay attendance credit costs under the public school finance system. Specifically, districts that elect to pay for attendance credit using a specified payment method and pay the full amount by February 15 each school year receive this credit. The bill directly affects all Texas public school districts required to purchase attendance credit under Chapter 49 of the Education Code. The credit applies after other applicable reductions and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 455 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (for risks wholly located in Texas) include arbitration agreements conducted in Texas under Texas law, unless both insurer and policyholder agree to change the venue after the insurer provides written notice and a premium credit for added costs. This applies to new or renewed contracts on or after January 1, 2026, affecting insurers and policyholders purchasing specialized insurance for high-risk properties in Texas. The bill ensures arbitration venues and legal interpretations remain tied to Texas, preventing out-of-state arbitration without financial compensation to policyholders. It becomes effective September 1, 2025, but the new rules apply to contracts delivered after 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 112 creates a legal framework for establishing science park districts in Texas counties with populations of 800,000 or more, or adjacent to such counties. It requires property owners to petition the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office to form a district, which would be governed by a board and overseen by the Texas Science Park Commission. The bill aims to support technology companies, scientific research, workforce development, and infrastructure through collaboration between universities, industry, and government. Districts must operate without acting as agents for private interests, focusing on public benefits like strengthening domestic supply chains and innovation ecosystems.

Maddy summaryHB 23 allows applicants for property development permits and landowners to hire qualified third parties to review plans or inspect improvements if local government agencies miss 15-day deadlines for approvals or inspections. It requires these third parties to be licensed engineers, International Code Council-certified inspectors, or employees of other government agencies approved for the role. The bill mandates that third-party reviews and inspections follow the same standards as the local agency and must be reported to the agency within 15 days of completion. This directly affects developers, property owners, and local government agencies handling land development approvals in Texas.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (HR 1142), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It honors Jared Dale Hunt, a Corpus Christi resident who died in 2024 at age 25. The resolution recognizes his life - his education at Texas A&M, work in healthcare, community service, and family ties - and extends condolences to his family. It was adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on May 23, 2025, as a formal tribute. No policy changes or affected groups are involved.

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 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 summaryHB 3093 requires taxing units in Gulf Coast counties with fewer than 500,000 residents to use electronic forms that automatically calculate property tax rates based on certified appraisal values when a property owner notifies them they intend to appeal an appraisal review board decision. The bill ensures tax calculations match the values in the official appraisal roll or certified estimate, preventing discrepancies during appeals. It directly affects property owners filing appeals and taxing units in designated Gulf Coast counties. The key mechanism is mandating electronic forms that incorporate certified valuation data to maintain accuracy throughout the appeal process.

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 summaryHCR 117 is a concurrent resolution designating Port Aransas as Texas' official Fishing Capital for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic designation directly affects Port Aransas, recognizing its established role in the state's fishing industry and tourism. The resolution cites the city's history of hosting major fishing tournaments, diverse marine ecosystems, and its economic reliance on fishing-related businesses. It references Section 391.003(e) of the Texas Government Code to establish the 10-year duration. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new regulations or funding but formally acknowledges Port Aransas' cultural and economic connection to fishing.