Rep. Janie Lopez

Maddy summaryHB 1876 creates a grant program for Texas school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to improve data collection and reporting on career and technical education (CTE) programs. The Texas Education Agency will award grants to fund software, training, and strategies for tracking student participation in CTE activities - including work-based learning, industry certifications, and career readiness - while breaking down data by race, ethnicity, gender, and special populations. Schools can also use grants to integrate CTE data with the state’s education information system. This program aims to enhance CTE program effectiveness and student outcomes through better data-driven decision-making.

Maddy summarySB 2312 creates the Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict to prepare for potential international crises that could disrupt Texas' supply chains or critical infrastructure. The committee, composed of nine members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house, will develop pre-conflict security strategies and gather information to support state response during emergencies. It defines "critical infrastructure" to include systems like oil/gas, water, power, and emergency services, and "geopolitical conflict" as events threatening these systems through war, diplomatic breakdowns, or supply chain disruptions. The bill aims to enhance Texas' defensive posture and protect citizens by making proactive preparations, without altering existing laws or funding.

Maddy summarySB 1035 allows agricultural operations (like farms and ranches) to sue local governments if those governments enforce rules that violate Texas agriculture laws. It creates a new legal right for affected businesses to seek court orders blocking enforcement of such rules and to recover legal fees if they win their case. The bill applies only to disputes arising after its effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote). This changes the process for resolving conflicts between local regulations and state agricultural law, giving farmers a direct legal remedy.

Maddy summaryHB 3679 temporarily allows vehicles to use dyed motor fuel (typically for off-road use) on public roads during declared disasters like hurricanes or floods. It permits this fuel use for 30 days after a disaster declaration ends, provided the vehicle operates in the declared disaster area or where the fuel was added. The bill also creates a new permit allowing oversized agricultural vehicles to deliver farm products (like crops, livestock, or processed foods) during disasters, bypassing standard weight restrictions. This applies to vehicles transporting "agricultural commodities" as defined in the bill, specifically for disaster-related deliveries. The policy directly affects commercial fuel users and agricultural transporters operating during emergency periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary sales tax exemption for clothing and footwear priced under $100 during a specific three-day window each year. The exemption applies only to purchases made from 12:01 a.m. Friday before the first Saturday following July 30 until 12 midnight Sunday. It directly affects Texas residents buying qualifying items for school during this period, as the timing aligns with the start of the school year. The exemption is not permanent and takes effect September 1, 2025.

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 3142 sets new requirements for school marshals in Texas public and private schools. To qualify, a person must either hold a specific license under Texas law or be a volunteer who is a veteran, active military member, peace officer, reserve officer, or retired peace officer. School districts, charter schools, private schools, and public junior colleges must appoint marshals meeting these standards. The bill also allows school districts to reimburse volunteers for training costs related to the marshal role. This directly affects school districts, volunteers, and individuals seeking to serve as school marshals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas municipalities and counties to post public improvement district service plans and assessment documents online within seven days of approval or updates. It directly affects local governments (which must post the information) and property owners in improvement districts (who can access these documents online). Key provisions mandate that service plans and assessment rolls be published on the government's official website, with specific formatting requirements for electronic submission to appraisal districts. The law aims to increase transparency by making this financial information publicly accessible without requiring physical mailings.

Maddy summaryHB 3231 increases criminal penalties for human trafficking in Texas by expanding the definition of the offense. The bill specifically prohibits trafficking children or disabled individuals for forced labor or services without requiring the trafficker to know the victim's age or disability status. It also broadens the offense to include trafficking that results in prohibited acts like prostitution or sexual abuse, and receiving benefits from such trafficking ventures. These changes directly affect traffickers who exploit vulnerable victims, raising penalties for these expanded scenarios under Texas law.

Maddy summaryHB 1630 adds licensed social workers to the list of eligible professionals for Texas's Homes for Texas Heroes home loan program. The bill amends the Government Code to explicitly include "social worker" in the eligibility criteria, defining the term per the Occupations Code. This change directly affects licensed social workers in Texas who meet other program requirements, such as residing in the state, having income below 115% of area median family income, and using the home as their primary residence. The program provides low-interest mortgage loans to qualifying public service workers, including firefighters, police officers, educators, and veterans. The bill does not alter loan terms or funding but expands who can apply for this existing home loan program.