Rep. Keith Bell

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2000, titled "Audrii's Law," amends Texas law to require sex offender registration for individuals convicted of certain child grooming offenses. Specifically, it adds Section 43.021 (Solicitation of Prostitution) of the Penal Code to the list of offenses triggering registration, but only when the offense is punishable as a second-degree felony. This change directly affects people convicted of soliciting minors for sexual purposes under this specific statute. The law expands existing registration requirements to cover these grooming-related acts, aligning them with other serious sexual offenses. It became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

Maddy summaryHB 2198 designates a specific section of State Highway 34 in Kaufman County (between Kings Creek Drive and North Frances Street) as the "Officer Jacob Candanoza Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of this highway segment and at intermediate points along the route. This is a commemorative measure honoring Officer Jacob Candanoza, with no policy changes or affected parties beyond the highway designation. The law became effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 467 provides a legal process for dissolving the Cedar Creek Hospital District and using its remaining funds to establish a nursing scholarship. The bill allows Kaufman, Van Zandt, and Henderson County judges to call an election if the district no longer provides medical care, has vacant board positions, no debt, and only money as assets. If voters approve, the district dissolves, and funds are split equally among the three counties to create the Andrew Gibbs Memorial Nursing Scholarship. This directly affects the hospital district and the counties involved, replacing district operations with a scholarship program. The bill became law immediately after the governor signed it on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a substantive bill), honoring former Texas State Representative Fred Charles Head of Athens. It memorializes Head, who served 15 years in the Texas House (1967-1982), represented districts 15 and 14, chaired committees, and was part of the "Dirty Thirty" anti-corruption coalition. The resolution formally recognizes his life, career as an attorney, and family legacy, and directs the House to prepare a copy for his family. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely a symbolic tribute.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a legislative bill with policy changes) congratulating Josh Edwards on his 2025 induction into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. It formally recognizes his 25-year career as a rodeo pickup rider, including his roles as a two-time National Finals Rodeo Pickup Man and PRCA Pickup Man of the Year, as well as his community involvement. The resolution expresses the Texas House of Representatives' "high regard" through formal congratulations and a copy of the resolution presented to Edwards. It has no policy impact or effect on laws or regulations.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 4212 establishes the Texas Land, Water, and Wildlife Conservation Account and creates a dedicated conservation board to manage it. The board, composed of eight members including agency leaders and public appointees, will oversee funding allocation for habitat management, wildlife population restoration, and conservation practices on public and private lands. It will administer the account to support projects protecting Texas' natural resources, including public access areas like state parks. The bill directs the conservation board to manage funds in coordination with the Texas General Land Office.