Rep. Janie Lopez

Maddy summaryHB 133 creates two new criminal offenses in Texas law. It criminalizes acting as an agent of a foreign government or terrorist organization to commit certain crimes (like assault or harassment) with the intent to force someone to leave the U.S., discourage protected speech, or retaliate for such speech. It also criminalizes unauthorized enforcement of foreign law within Texas, such as investigating or surveilling residents to prevent them from violating foreign laws without state approval. Penalties are increased (e.g., a Class A misdemeanor becomes a misdemeanor with 180 days minimum jail time). The bill also mandates a study and law enforcement training on transnational repression.

Maddy summaryHB 3061 increases penalties for certain criminal offenses committed while wearing masks or disguises specifically to hide the offender's identity. It applies to offenses under Texas law covering assault, robbery, public disorder (Title 5, Chapters 28-30, or Sections 42.01/42.02). If proven, the punishment escalates to the next higher offense category, with a minimum 180-day jail term for Class A misdemeanors. Exceptions allow the penalty increase to be avoided if the disguise was for events like Halloween, proven by a preponderance of evidence.

Maddy summaryHB 4661 authorizes local county officials to temporarily close beaches near space launch sites during launch operations to protect public safety. It requires evacuations from FAA-defined hazard areas and allows beach closures on launch or backup dates, based on federal safety calculations. Violating these closure orders is a criminal offense, punishable as a Class B misdemeanor (or Class A if previously convicted). The bill directly affects beachgoers near launch sites, local governments managing closures, and spaceflight operators coordinating safety protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas licensing authorities to issue provisional occupational licenses for six months to applicants with criminal convictions who are otherwise qualified for the license, unless they have specific serious convictions listed in the Occupations Code. The provisional license begins upon the applicant's release from incarceration if they were imprisoned. It applies to most occupational licensing fields (like healthcare or trades) but excludes applicants convicted of offenses under Section 53.021(a). The bill provides a pathway for certain applicants to obtain licenses without full revocation of eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 1773 allows certain Texas school districts to appoint a nonvoting student trustee to their board of trustees. This position enables students to attend board meetings, participate in discussions, and provide student perspectives, but the student trustee cannot vote or count toward meeting quorums. The bill applies only to school districts not covered by existing rules (Section 11.0511 of the Education Code). It takes effect September 1, 2025, and creates a formal mechanism for student input without altering voting authority.

Maddy summaryHB 5337 requires Texas voters to submit proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must provide documents like a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or citizenship papers to county registrars. If proof isn't submitted, voters would only qualify for a limited federal ballot under Chapter 115. The bill creates criminal penalties for failing to provide required documentation and amends election code sections to implement these requirements. This directly affects all new voter registrants in Texas seeking full voting rights.

Maddy summarySB 503 requires Texas livestock owners (cattle, hogs, sheep, goats) to register their animal identification marks - such as brands, tattoos, or electronic tags - electronically with county clerks. County clerks must maintain these records electronically and send copies to the Texas Animal Health Commission within 30 days of receipt. The bill updates existing law to mandate electronic record-keeping instead of paper, specifying details like the date of registration and placement location on animals. This law takes effect September 1, 2025, directly impacting all livestock owners who must comply with the new registration system.

Maddy summarySB 2 establishes a state-funded education savings account program in Texas, allowing eligible families to use public funds for approved educational expenses. The program directly affects Texas families with children who have disabilities or who live in low-income households (at or below 500% of the federal poverty level). The comptroller administers the program, funding accounts with state money that can cover approved education costs like tuition, books, or tutoring. The bill becomes effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 3, 2025. This creates a new state-funded option alongside public schools for participating families.

Maddy summaryHB 2615 requires Texas municipalities and counties to post public improvement district service plans and assessment documents on their official public websites within seven days of approval or updates. It directly affects local governments that manage public improvement districts, which fund infrastructure projects like roads or parks through property assessments. Key provisions mandate posting service plans (including required notice forms) online and submitting assessment rolls to appraisal districts in electronic format, showing parcel-level assessments, annual amounts, and installment details. These changes aim to increase transparency by making district funding information publicly accessible online. The bill does not change assessment amounts or eligibility but standardizes how local governments share this information.

Maddy summaryHB 137 designates specific routes for permits allowing oversize and overweight vehicles to travel from international border crossings to ports and industrial areas in Cameron and Hidalgo counties. The bill specifies exact roadways, including State Highways 48 and 4, U.S. Highways 77 and 83, and Farm-to-Market Roads 509 and 106, that must be used for these movements. It also grants the transportation commission authority to approve alternative routes after consulting with port authorities. This bill directly affects commercial trucking companies transporting large cargo across the U.S.-Mexico border in these counties.