Rep. Richard Raymond

Maddy summaryHB 1738 repeals the criminal penalty for homosexual conduct (previously codified in Section 21.06 of the Penal Code). It simultaneously amends health education requirements in Texas schools to mandate that materials for minors include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law. The bill affects public school health curricula for students under 18, requiring this specific language to be included in sexual education programs. The legislation passed the Texas legislature on May 16, 2025, and would take effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summaryHB 3694, known as the Exploitation Protection Act, prohibits the non-consensual production and distribution of intimate visual depictions (such as photos or videos of a person in a private moment) and requires online platforms to remove such content upon request. It directly affects platforms hosting user-generated content (like social media sites) by mandating a clear process for victims to report unauthorized intimate images, while excluding email and pre-selected content platforms. The bill also increases criminal penalties for violating these provisions, making non-consensual sharing a more serious offense. This law aims to protect individuals from exploitation by holding platforms accountable for removing unauthorized intimate content.

Maddy summaryHB 158 requires the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to study whether unused government property (like underused buildings) could be used to provide housing for veterans and low-income families. The study must evaluate available property, feasibility of development, and potential funding sources - including federal tax credits, private donations, and tenant rent payments. It mandates a report to the legislature by November 1, 2026, detailing findings on this approach. The bill does not create new housing but assesses a potential solution for housing needs.

Maddy summaryHB 1373 designates a specific 3.5-mile segment of Farm-to-Market Road 70 in Nueces County (between State Highway 44 and Farm-to-Market Road 1833) as the "Los Robles Trail." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of this segment and at appropriate intermediate points along the road. This is a naming designation only, adding "Los Robles Trail" to the road's existing name without altering any transportation policies or funding. The measure takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5014 creates a new "SPECIAL FORCES VETERAN" designation for handgun license holders in Texas. It requires applicants to list qualifying military service (12+ consecutive months in specific Army Special Forces roles like 18A detachment commander or 18B weapons sergeant) and provide proof of eligibility. The bill amends license forms to include this designation alongside existing categories like "VETERAN." It directly affects Texas veterans who served in designated Special Forces positions at E5-E9, W1-W5, or O1-O10 pay grades.

Maddy summaryHB 3918 requires Texas municipalities to publish two specific items online: (1) all local rules governing where political signs can be placed, and (2) a map showing areas where signs are regulated or banned. It also mandates that municipal clerks send these materials to local candidates, elections officers, and county political party officials. The law aims to increase transparency about sign placement rules, directly affecting municipalities' public information practices and political candidates' access to local regulations. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and is currently pending in the State Affairs committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1730 requires the University of Houston to lead a study on how perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (common in products like food packaging and firefighting gear) affect public health. The study must examine these chemicals in food and drink products, drinking water sources, and workplace materials used by firefighters and manufacturing workers. The University of Houston, working with Texas environmental agencies, must complete the study and submit a report to the legislature by December 1, 2026. The bill expires December 31, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 2702 prohibits governors from restricting the operations or hours of veteran-focused organizations during a declared state of disaster. Specifically, it amends Texas Government Code Section 418.012 to exclude organizations exempt under IRS 501(c)(19) (which benefit veterans) from operational restrictions in executive orders, except during natural disasters. The law applies only to disaster declarations made on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote). It directly affects veteran service organizations that rely on state disaster declarations for operational continuity. The bill does not change existing rules for natural disasters.

Maddy summaryHB 3154 creates the Wise Regional Water District to provide water and wastewater services in Wise County, Texas. It grants the district limited power to acquire private land for infrastructure (eminent domain), authority to issue bonds for funding, and the ability to charge fees to users. The bill directly affects participating governments (like cities and counties) that provide utility services within the district's boundaries, requiring them to contract with the district for infrastructure projects. The district must serve public water and wastewater needs across its defined service area, with specific rules for cost-sharing among participating entities.