Rep. Erin Gámez

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Texas Employees Retirement System to make a one-time supplemental payment in January 2026 to eligible retirees and beneficiaries. The payment equals the lesser of $2,000 or the retiree’s regular December 2025 annuity amount, added to their existing monthly benefit. It excludes certain disability retirees, elected officials’ families, and other specific categories listed in the bill. The payment is in addition to regular benefits and subject to standard tax withholdings.

Maddy summaryHB 2783 requires certain Texas counties to automatically enroll eligible county employees in the county’s deferred compensation plan (a retirement savings program) unless the employee opts out. Employees would contribute 3% of their pay automatically through payroll deductions to a default investment option chosen by the plan administrator, replacing the previous requirement for employees to actively consent. This applies to counties that choose to adopt the automatic enrollment policy through a commissioners court order, and counties must inform new employees about their participation options and responsibilities. Employees can later adjust their contribution amount, switch investment options, or opt out entirely through the county’s designated process.

Maddy summaryHB 2777 would prohibit the death penalty for defendants found to have had "severe mental illness" (defined as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder with active psychotic symptoms impairing judgment or understanding of wrongfulness) at the time of a capital offense. The bill requires defendants to file a 30-day notice before trial to present evidence of this condition, which they must prove by "clear and convincing evidence." If notice is not filed, such evidence becomes inadmissible unless the court finds "good cause" for the delay. The law would directly affect defendants in Texas capital cases who qualify under this mental health definition, altering sentencing eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 5218 establishes designated routes for permits allowing larger cargo vehicles to move through specific areas near deepwater seaports on the U.S.-Mexico border. It directly affects commercial trucking companies transporting goods to and from these border ports by requiring permits for oversized or overweight vehicles traveling along these pre-approved routes. The bill's key provision is creating a formal system for route designation, streamlining permit issuance for vehicles serving border seaports while ensuring designated paths are used. This focuses on logistical efficiency for freight movement without altering vehicle size limits or creating new taxes. The bill is currently pending in the Transportation committee after a public hearing.

Maddy summaryHB 1127 protects mothers' right to breastfeed or express milk in any location where they and their child are authorized to be, such as public spaces, workplaces, or state facilities. It requires state agencies to develop "mother-friendly" worksite policies and mandates annual notifications about these rights through tax newsletters and seminars. The bill creates a civil remedy allowing mothers to sue for violations, with potential damages up to $500 per day of interference and recovery of attorney fees. This law directly affects breastfeeding mothers, businesses, state agencies, and public venues by prohibiting discrimination and ensuring access to breastfeeding support.

Maddy summaryHB 1136 mandates the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to conduct a study on parking needs for individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans and those with mobility impairments who qualify for special parking permits under state law. The study will compile data on the current and projected population eligible for these permits, review existing parking laws and enforcement, and gather local citation data on parking violations. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles must submit a report by December 1, 2026, to state leaders with findings on current parking allocation efficiency and recommendations for future needs. This bill does not change existing parking laws but requires data-driven analysis to inform potential future policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1126 amends Texas law to allow certain sunscreening devices (like tinted films) on vehicles displaying judicial specialty license plates, which would otherwise be restricted under existing window tint regulations. It specifically permits these devices if they meet requirements such as allowing 25% or more light transmission, reflecting 25% or less light, and not using red/blue/amber colors. The bill affects judicial personnel (e.g., judges, court staff) who use vehicles with specialty license plates by clarifying exceptions for their windshield, side window, and rear window sunscreening. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not change general window tint rules for other vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 77) urges the U.S. Department of State and the International Boundary and Water Commission to ensure Mexico complies with the 1944 Treaty on shared water resources from the Rio Grande. It specifically addresses Mexico's failure to deliver the treaty-mandated minimum of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually (averaged over five years), leaving a current deficit of 984,814 acre-feet. The resolution highlights that Texas communities, agriculture, and industries - relying heavily on Rio Grande water - face economic harm due to these shortfalls, including lost crops, closed facilities, and higher water costs. It does not create new law but formally requests federal action to enforce the existing treaty.

Maddy summaryHB 1154 requires workforce boards in Gulf Coast counties with 400,000+ residents to create a 17-member skilled labor task force. The task force must include local government officials, education representatives, business leaders, and two nonvoting legislative members appointed by the lieutenant governor and House speaker. It will study workforce training gaps, youth career preparation, and industry needs in the region, then submit biennial reports to the legislature. The bill directly affects workforce development in these specific Gulf Coast counties, focusing on improving local workforce education and addressing skills shortages.

Maddy summaryHB 1147 establishes a six-week workplace soft skills training pilot program in Cameron County, administered by the Texas Workforce Commission. The program teaches workplace ethics, communication, leadership, and time management, awarding certificates upon completion to eligible participants. The Commission must set training content and eligibility rules, then evaluate the program’s effectiveness by December 1, 2026, including a recommendation on statewide expansion. The pilot expires September 1, 2027, and takes effect September 1, 2025. It directly affects workers in Cameron County during the pilot period.