Rep. Richard Raymond

Maddy summaryHB 5243 would prohibit SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) beneficiaries in Texas from using their benefits to purchase energy drinks, sweetened beverages, carbonated drinks, candy, potato/corn chips, and packaged cookies. The bill defines "energy drink" as containing at least 65mg caffeine per 8oz and "sweetened beverage" as any nonalcoholic drink with added sweetener. Exceptions include milk products, milk substitutes (like soy milk), unsweetened juices, infant formula, and certain fortified products containing protein or vitamins. This policy change directly affects SNAP recipients who would no longer use benefits for the listed items, while allowing coverage for specified healthier alternatives.

Maddy summaryHB 4660 establishes that space flight activities in Texas fall under both federal and state jurisdiction, prohibiting counties, municipalities, or other local entities from banning or regulating these activities (except as specified in Section 61.132 of the Natural Resources Code). The bill specifically applies to counties bordering the Gulf of Mexico with FAA-approved spaceports and smaller municipalities (under 150,000 population) that have beach access plans. It requires advance notice to local governments for launch dates between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (to the municipality) or 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. (to the commissioners court), and allows temporary beach closures near launch sites for public safety during those dates. The bill does not create new regulations but clarifies local governments' limited authority over space flight activities near coastal areas.

Maddy summaryHB 153 amends Texas law to expand eligibility for veterans treatment court programs, directly affecting service members and veterans facing criminal charges. The bill removes the requirement for state prosecutors' consent to participate, instead allowing courts to admit veterans or active military members who: (1) have military-related brain injuries, mental illness, or trauma (like PTSD) that influenced their criminal conduct, or (2) would benefit from the program based on their background and history, with the goal of public safety through rehabilitation. It applies to misdemeanor or felony cases and would take effect September 1, 2025, if enacted. The bill was withdrawn from committee in April 2025 and has not advanced further.

Maddy summaryHB 8 reduces the maximum tax rate school districts can collect for the 2025-2026 school year by $0.0331, calculated using a new method in Section 48.2554 of the Education Code. It directly affects all Texas public school districts by adjusting how their maximum tax rates are determined, ensuring rates don’t drop below 90% of neighboring districts’ rates. The bill updates references to "maximum compressed tax rate" in multiple education funding laws to reflect this change and expires on September 1, 2027. It takes effect September 1, 2025, with no additional funding or program changes beyond the tax rate adjustment.

Maddy summaryHB 1547 would exclude the value of accessibility improvements (like ramps or accessible entrances) from property tax calculations if their primary purpose is meeting ADA standards. It directly affects property owners who make such upgrades to buildings or facilities. The bill requires that the improvement or feature must comply with the 2010 ADA Standards (or future standards) for accessible design. This exclusion applies only to improvements made on or after January 1, 2025, and takes effect January 1, 2026, contingent on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment.

Maddy summaryHJR 83 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing Texas property owners to exclude the value of accessibility improvements from property tax calculations. Specifically, it would permit excluding the cost of building features (like ramps or widened doorways) if their primary purpose was meeting the 2010 ADA Standards for accessible design or future successor standards. This applies only to upgrades made for accessibility compliance, not general renovations. The amendment would require voter approval before taking effect, with a proposed election date in November 2025. It directly affects property owners who make accessibility-focused improvements to their buildings.

Maddy summaryHB 5455 creates the Texas Health Insurance Exchange, a marketplace where individuals and small employers can shop for qualified health insurance plans. It directly affects Texans seeking coverage in the individual or small group markets (defined as employers with 2-50 employees), as well as small businesses offering health benefits. The bill authorizes a fee to fund the exchange’s operations but does not detail specific fee amounts or collection methods in the provided text. Key provisions include establishing the exchange’s purpose to simplify enrollment in qualified health plans and requiring the board to follow federal Affordable Care Act standards. The bill is currently in committee referral.

Maddy summaryHB 5254 creates the Texas Innocence Inquiry Commission to review claims of actual innocence by people convicted of felony crimes. The commission will examine claims supported by new evidence not available during the original trial, filed by courts, attorneys, convicted individuals, or commission members. It cannot consider claims from deceased individuals or codefendants without specific procedures for timely filing. The bill establishes rules for the commission’s procedures, requiring it to include state and defense attorneys in hearings.

Maddy summaryHB 5126 removes the requirement for a specific ground (like a close margin) to request a recount of paperless electronic voting system ballots in Texas elections. It directly affects candidates who were not elected or whose opposing candidates initiated a recount covering only some precincts. The bill amends election code to allow any candidate to seek an initial recount without justification, while specifying eligibility conditions under Section 212.0241(b). The Secretary of State must establish procedures to implement this change. This is a procedural update to election recount rules, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5075's title indicates it would allow school districts in specific counties to create their own alternative education programs instead of sending students to juvenile justice alternative education programs. However, the full bill text is unavailable in the provided context, so specific provisions, affected parties, or implementation mechanisms cannot be detailed. The bill was filed on March 13, 2025, and referred to the Public Education committee on April 7, 2025. Without access to the bill's content, a complete policy summary cannot be generated.