Rep. Denise Villalobos

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 summaryHR 833 is a ceremonial resolution commending the 2025 Robstown Volunteer Fire Department Cook Off. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it simply expresses the Texas House's support for this annual event. The resolution highlights the cook-off's role in celebrating Texas barbecue culture, drawing pitmasters statewide, and fostering community spirit. It directly honors the organizers and participants of this specific event, with no legislative impact beyond recognition.

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 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 summarySB 1268 requires the Texas Water Development Board to review and update its guidelines for the state water plan and state flood plan at least every five years, aligning with the existing cycle for adopting new plans. This directly affects the Board's planning processes, ensuring guidelines reflect current state needs and incorporate input from agencies like the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Parks and Wildlife. The bill specifically exempts these water and flood plan rules from a standard government requirement that most rules be reviewed every four years. This change streamlines the Board's planning cycle while maintaining regular updates to water resource management strategies.

Maddy summaryHB 1738 repeals the criminal penalty for homosexual conduct (previously codified in Section 21.06 of the Penal Code). It simultaneously amends health education requirements in Texas schools to mandate that materials for minors include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law. The bill affects public school health curricula for students under 18, requiring this specific language to be included in sexual education programs. The legislation passed the Texas legislature on May 16, 2025, and would take effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summaryHB 3631 creates a credit against required recapture payments for school districts in designated coastal counties (first or second tier under Texas Insurance Code). The bill reduces a district's annual recapture payment by the amount it spent the previous year on windstorm and hail insurance. This credit applies after other applicable reductions under the public school finance system. The bill is pending and would take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1373 designates a specific 3.5-mile segment of Farm-to-Market Road 70 in Nueces County (between State Highway 44 and Farm-to-Market Road 1833) as the "Los Robles Trail." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of this segment and at appropriate intermediate points along the road. This is a naming designation only, adding "Los Robles Trail" to the road's existing name without altering any transportation policies or funding. The measure takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3453 limits the liability of nonprofit organizations contracted by Texas' Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or a single source continuum contractor to provide foster care or adoption services. To qualify for this protection, nonprofits must meet five specific requirements: conduct background checks on staff, confirm they are not barred from child care, report misconduct, take action on misconduct, and provide required training in child abuse prevention and reporting. The bill does not shield nonprofits from liability for gross negligence. This change modifies how civil lawsuits against these organizations are handled, focusing on ensuring safety standards are met before holding nonprofits accountable.