Rep. Keith Bell

Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, contain only the specific text listed in the bill (including the full biblical wording), and be legible from any point in the classroom. Schools may accept privately donated displays meeting these requirements or use district funds to purchase compliant displays if needed. This law applies to all public schools and explicitly states they cannot claim exemption from this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 2519 requires property sellers and buyers (grantors and grantees) to submit a completed "notice of real property title transfer" form when recording property deeds in Texas. This form must include both parties' full names, addresses, telephone numbers, citizenship status, and social security numbers or taxpayer identification numbers. The county clerk must keep this notice separate from public property records, making it confidential under state law, though it may be shared with state agencies for government purposes. The bill directly affects all individuals or entities buying or selling real property in Texas by adding new disclosure requirements for property transfers.

Maddy summaryHB 1746 authorizes the Texas Real Estate Commission to establish standards for real estate training courses offered by private institutions, excluding public high schools and accredited colleges. It requires the Commission to set minimum education and experience requirements for real estate instructors. The law applies only to non-university training programs and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects private real estate education providers and their instructors who must comply with the new standards.

Maddy summaryHB 2361 requires Texas local law enforcement agencies to either enter into written agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under federal Section 287(g) to enforce immigration law or document all efforts to secure such an agreement. Agencies must dedicate a minimum number of officers to immigration enforcement if an agreement is signed and maintain records indefinitely. Failure to comply may result in the Attorney General issuing a notice, followed by potential legal action and denial of state grant funds for the political subdivision. This bill directly affects all Texas county and municipal law enforcement agencies and their local governments.

Maddy summaryHB 1806 prohibits Texas governmental entities (like cities, counties, or state agencies) from using public funds to support abortion-related services. It specifically bans taxpayer money from covering costs for travel, lodging, childcare, food, or counseling that helps individuals obtain an abortion or access abortion providers. The bill defines "abortion assistance entities" broadly to include groups providing financial aid, travel planning, or abortion-inducing drugs, and "abortion providers" as facilities performing over 50 abortions annually. This law directly affects government agencies and any organization receiving public funds that facilitates abortion access. The bill does not apply to federal programs conflicting with its provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1549 bans businesses in Texas from selling, offering for sale, or holding for sale "obscene devices" (as defined in the Penal Code), except for sexually oriented businesses operating under existing local licensing rules. The bill creates a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation for non-compliant businesses and allows county or district attorneys to seek injunctions and recover investigation costs. It directly affects businesses selling such devices, including retailers and vendors, while exempting licensed sexually oriented businesses. Enforcement is handled through civil lawsuits filed by local prosecutors, with penalties applying per violation.

Maddy summaryHB 3 establishes an education savings account program in Texas, allowing families to use state funds for approved educational expenses for children enrolled in public schools. The program, administered by the state comptroller, provides funding for costs like tuition at private schools, curriculum materials, or tutoring, with funds drawn from general revenue appropriations. Eligibility includes any child attending a public school who is not enrolled in a participating private school, with priority given to children with disabilities. The bill defines key terms and sets funding limits based on the previous biennium's allocation or the cost per participating child, creating a new option for families seeking alternatives to traditional public schooling.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 1497 is not currently available in the provided context, only the title and basic action timeline are accessible. The title indicates it relates to the placement of a nativity scene on Capitol grounds, but without the full text, specific provisions or policy changes cannot be described. The bill was recently filed and referred to the Culture, Recreation & Tourism committee, but no concrete details about its requirements or affected parties are provided. For an accurate summary, the official bill text or PDF would be needed.

Maddy summaryHB 1425 would allow Texas public school districts and charter schools (not affiliated with religious organizations) to adopt a policy requiring daily periods of voluntary prayer and Bible or religious text reading for students and staff. To participate, parents/guardians or employees must submit a signed consent form acknowledging choice, stating no objection to participation, and waiving legal claims related to religious expression. The policy prohibits using public address systems for prayers, prevents the activity from replacing instructional time, and requires schools to honor revocations of consent while maintaining the legal waiver. This bill directly affects public school students, employees, and parents in Texas school districts that choose to implement such a policy.

Maddy summaryHB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia and related disorders. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and other eligible organizations for research into dementia causes, prevention strategies, treatments, and symptom mitigation. It establishes oversight committees to manage grants, ensure compliance, and requires annual public reports detailing funded projects and recipients. The institute is set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless extended under Texas Sunset Act procedures.