Rep. Janie Lopez

Maddy summarySB 2284 limits Texas municipalities and counties from regulating specific firearm-related activities. It prohibits local governments from adopting rules about firearm transfers, possession, storage, transportation, licensing, registration, or commerce - covering firearms, air guns, archery equipment, and related supplies. The bill also bans requirements for liability insurance for negligent firearm use. However, it allows local regulations on discharge at non-shooting-range locations, zoning, fire codes, and carrying restrictions at public parks or events. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on May 28, 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 summaryHCR 40 is a Texas legislative resolution urging Congress to reimburse the state for border security costs incurred under Operation Lone Star. It states Texas has spent billions since 2021 on this initiative - including surveillance, law enforcement support, and managing migration - resulting in over 516,000 apprehensions and 45,300 arrests. The resolution formally requests Congress assume responsibility for border security costs, directing Texas officials to send copies to the U.S. President and congressional leaders. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create law but serves as a formal request to federal lawmakers.

Maddy summarySB 2183 modifies Texas law to define specific time periods when retail fireworks permit holders can sell fireworks to the public. The bill establishes seven distinct sales windows, including periods around Independence Day (June 24-July 4), the May holiday week, Diwali, and the December 20-January 1 holiday period. It repeals a previous subsection (h) that allowed additional sales near the Texas-Mexico border under certain conditions. This bill directly affects businesses holding retail fireworks permits by restricting their sales to these designated dates, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1708 creates an exception to county platting requirements for land gifted between close family members. Specifically, it removes the need for platting when property is transferred as a gift between relatives within the third degree of kinship (e.g., siblings, nieces/nephews, or grandparents). The bill clarifies that this exception applies only to the initial gift transfer, not to subsequent sales of the land. This change directly affects property owners in Texas counties who transfer land to close relatives as gifts, streamlining the process for these specific transactions.

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 summarySB 2188 requires spaceflight operators in specific Texas counties (bordering the Gulf of Mexico with FAA-approved spaceports) and small municipalities (under 150,000 population) to submit proposed launch dates to local officials. It allows county commissioners courts or municipal governing bodies to temporarily close beaches near launch sites during designated times - Monday 8 a.m. to Friday 12 p.m., or Friday 12 p.m. to Monday 8 a.m. - to protect public safety. The bill directly affects spaceport operators and coastal communities with approved launch facilities, while prohibiting local governments from banning spaceflight activities outside these specific closure procedures. It clarifies that spaceflight regulation falls under federal and state jurisdiction, not local ordinances.

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 1349 creates new criminal offenses in Texas for "transnational repression" and "unauthorized enforcement of foreign law." It targets individuals acting as agents of foreign governments or terrorist organizations who commit specific crimes (like assault or harassment) with the intent to force someone to act for a foreign entity, restrict their movement, suppress protected speech, or retaliate for exercising free expression. The law increases penalties for these offenses, making them one category higher than the underlying crime (e.g., a first-degree felony becomes a first-degree felony with a 15-year minimum sentence). This bill directly affects foreign agents operating within Texas who engage in such conduct, aiming to protect First Amendment rights and prevent foreign interference in U.S. affairs. It became effective on September 1, 2025.