Rep. Oscar Longoria

Maddy summarySB 1734 establishes a legal presumption that certain documents claiming to transfer real property titles or create liens are fraudulent under Texas law. It specifically targets documents that: (1) mimic court judgments from unrecognized courts/entities, (2) create unauthorized liens, (3) are filed by inmates, or (4) relate to convictions under specific Texas Penal Code sections (Title 7/8) or unchallenged owner affidavits. Property owners can now file a court motion with documentary proof (like a conviction record or uncontroverted affidavit) to challenge such documents in the county where the property is recorded. The bill creates a streamlined process for courts to review these documents and determine if they should be disregarded as fraudulent conveyances, without invalidating legitimate property transfers.

Maddy summarySB 1931 names a specific segment of Business U.S. Highway 83-S in Hidalgo County (between its intersections with U.S. Highway 83 relief route near La Joya) as the "SP4 Rodolfo Valdez Memorial Highway." This commemorative bill does not change laws or policies but honors SP4 Rodolfo Valdez, a military veteran. The Texas Department of Transportation will install markers at each end of the highway segment and at intermediate points to display the memorial designation. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHCR 59 is a ceremonial resolution designating April as "Promise Month" in Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it is solely a symbolic recognition intended to honor religious and historical perspectives on promises. The resolution references biblical principles and the founding of the U.S. on "Biblical principles," but the designation itself has no legal or policy impact on residents or state operations. This is a procedural, commemorative resolution with no concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1899 lowers the minimum age requirement for obtaining licenses and permits to conduct public fireworks displays in Texas. It amends the Occupations Code to reduce the age from 21 to 18 years for both pyrotechnic operator licenses (Section 2154.101) and public fireworks display permits (Section 2154.201). This change directly affects individuals under 21 who previously could not legally operate such displays. The bill took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed into law by the Governor on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 37 requires hospitals with maternal care designations to provide bereavement counseling options and perinatal bereavement devices (which delay tissue deterioration for up to 72 hours after pregnancy loss or infant death) to families following intrauterine fetal demise, neonatal death, or stillbirth. The Texas Department of State Health Services must establish a perinatal bereavement care initiative offering hospitals training for staff on compassionate communication and resources like devices with maintenance support. This law directly affects designated hospitals and families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss in Texas. The initiative aims to improve access to supportive care during this difficult time, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 21 amends Texas Local Government Code provisions affecting housing finance corporations that develop or manage low- and moderate-income housing. It defines qualifying residential developments as those where at least 90% of units are intended for households with adjusted gross income below state-defined moderate income levels. The bill also requires these corporations to follow open meetings and public records laws (Chapter 551 and 552, Government Code) and restricts their development to areas within the boundaries of their sponsoring local governments - unless approved by those governing bodies. These changes clarify operational rules and transparency requirements for housing finance corporations serving low- and moderate-income residents.

Maddy summarySB 1080 requires Texas licensing authorities to issue either a full occupational license or a provisional license (valid for six months) to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses, instead of automatically denying their applications. The provisional license begins on the date an applicant is released from prison if they were incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This bill directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (such as for nursing, contracting, or other licensed professions) who meet all other qualification requirements. It aims to reduce barriers to employment by providing a temporary licensing pathway for these applicants.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 2411 amends the Texas Business Organizations Code to clarify jurisdiction for business disputes and simplify filing requirements for certain business entities. It establishes that references to district courts in the code include business courts under Chapter 25A of the Government Code, allowing those specialized courts to handle relevant cases. The bill also clarifies that Texas law governing business formations and governance takes precedence over other states' laws, while permitting business leaders to consider other states' practices without breaching Texas law. Finally, it streamlines certificate of formation filings for corporations, professional associations, and LLCs by allowing omissions of outdated director information and clarifying that such updates don’t require shareholder or member approval.

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 summarySB 2322 amends Texas law to clarify the specific findings the comptroller of public accounts must make before recommending approval of tax limitation applications under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act. It requires the comptroller to confirm: (1) the project is eligible, (2) it will generate sufficient state/local tax revenue to offset school district losses, (3) the agreement is a "compelling factor" for the project's location in Texas (meaning the company would not invest here without it), and (4) projects in qualified opportunity zones are actually located there. This directly affects school districts that may lose ad valorem tax revenue if projects receive approved tax limitations. The bill establishes clear, measurable criteria for the comptroller to apply, ensuring tax abatements are justified by economic benefits to the state.