Rep. Oscar Longoria

Maddy summaryHB 4443 establishes a pilot program through the Texas Workforce Commission to train workers for careers in energy-efficient technologies, primarily affecting students and job seekers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The program partners public junior colleges with energy-efficient technology employers to offer dual-credit courses for high school students and college-level training, with standardized curriculum and a completion certificate. It requires tracking participant demographics and post-program employment data to evaluate success. The pilot expires in 2031, with a 2030 evaluation recommending potential statewide expansion.

Maddy summaryHB 2874 requires large social media platforms (with over 1.5 million Texas users monthly) to attach metadata showing a file's origin, creation method, or history ("provenance data") to photos, videos, or audio files created on or posted to their platforms. If platforms cannot determine provenance data for a file, they must add a clear notice instead. The bill mandates that users can easily access this data or notice through the platform. It applies to all content types covered by the law and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects major social media companies operating in Texas, not individual users.

Maddy summaryHB 2343 requires restaurants serving shrimp caught outside Texas waters (defined as Gulf of Mexico shrimp outside state-owned lands) to clearly label the product and provide visible notices to customers about its importation. It also bans state agencies and school districts from serving imported shrimp or contracting with vendors who serve it, with penalties for violations. The bill mandates that food service establishments post notices in accessible locations or include them on menus, and directs health officials to create implementing rules. These provisions directly affect restaurants, school meal programs, and state food service contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 4442 would require Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to offer an elective mindfulness course for all students in middle school, junior high school, and high school. The course must teach specific techniques to enhance focus, manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and build self-awareness and compassion. High school students would be able to count this course toward their elective credit requirements for graduation. The bill would take effect for the 2026-2027 school year, unless it receives a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, in which case it would take effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas business law to give domestic entities more control over internal dispute resolution. It allows businesses formed under Texas law to require that internal disputes (like shareholder disagreements) be filed only in Texas courts and to waive jury trials for these cases. The changes apply to all Texas domestic entities, including corporations and LLCs. The law ensures Texas governance rules take precedence over other states' laws for these internal matters.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies when documents claiming to transfer property ownership are presumed fraudulent. It defines four specific scenarios where such documents (like fake court orders, unauthorized liens, inmate filings, or documents tied to certain convictions) are legally considered fraudulent. Property owners can then file a motion with the district clerk to challenge these recorded documents, attaching evidence like court convictions or proof of proper affidavits. The law directly affects real estate transactions by establishing clear legal standards for identifying invalid property claims. It does not create new criminal penalties but provides a mechanism for owners to contest suspicious documents in court.

Maddy summaryHB 1228 allows homeowners to immediately begin emergency repairs on damaged residential buildings if the repairs protect public safety, prevent further damage, or preserve structural integrity. Homeowners must apply for an emergency permit within three business days of starting repairs or when the municipality/county can accept the application. The bill requires cities and counties to permit these immediate repairs and prohibits them from blocking such work. If a local government violates this law, homeowners can sue for damages and recover attorney fees. This directly affects homeowners needing urgent repairs and local governments managing building permits.

Maddy summaryHB 168 prohibits marriage for anyone under 18 in Texas, eliminating the previous exception that allowed minors to marry with a court order removing the disabilities of minority. The bill amends the Texas Family Code to require county clerks to deny marriage licenses to minors and declare any marriage entered into by a minor void. This change applies to all marriage applications filed and marriages entered into on or after September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects minors under 18 and their families by ending the ability to marry with court approval under prior law.

Maddy summaryHR 863 is a commemorative resolution honoring the late James R. Pitts, a former Texas State Representative from Waxahachie who served from 1993 to 2015. The resolution recognizes his 22 years of public service, including his leadership as chair of the appropriations committee and his contributions to Ellis, Hill, and Henderson Counties. It formally commemorates his legacy following his passing on July 20, 2024, and highlights his work on community projects, education support, and his designation of Waxahachie as Texas' Crape Myrtle Capital. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal tribute to his service.

Maddy summaryHB 4862 clarifies jurisdiction for business disputes and strengthens Texas business law. It requires references to "district courts" in business law to include specialized "business courts" established under Chapter 25A of the Government Code. The bill also prohibits other states' laws from overriding Texas business regulations (Section 1.057(a)) and allows business managers to consider other states' practices without breaching Texas law (Section 1.057(b)). Additionally, it updates corporate formation rules to specify share details and management structures, and permits business entities to mandate that internal disputes be resolved exclusively in Texas courts. This bill directly affects Texas business entities, their managers, and the state's court system.