Rep. Richard Raymond

Maddy summaryHB 1210 would require counties with 355,000+ residents or those operating under a county civil service system (per Chapter 158 of the Local Government Code) to establish uniform work hour rules for certain employees. It specifically applies to department heads, assistants, deputies, and similar staff whose pay is set by the county commissioners court, excluding sheriff's or constable's office employees in smaller counties (under 350,000 population) with civil service systems. The bill amends existing law to standardize these work rules and takes effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote, or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

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.

Maddy summaryHJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. The bill would transfer $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026, for research, prevention, and treatment of dementia and related disorders. The institute would award grants to Texas research institutions, medical facilities, and collaboratives to develop treatments, prevention programs, and address access to care. This initiative directly affects Texans living with dementia and their families, as well as researchers and healthcare providers in the state.

Maddy summaryThis Texas constitutional amendment proposal would guarantee individuals the right to refuse vaccinations without facing restrictions on employment, school attendance, business access, or government services. If approved by voters in November 2025, it would add a new constitutional provision stating vaccination status cannot be required for these activities. The amendment would apply statewide to all residents and government interactions. It is currently pending in the State Affairs committee after being introduced in 2024.

Maddy summaryHJR 78 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit Texas from taxing the sale or use of certain food, drinks, medicine, and child-care services that were not taxed under current state law as of January 1, 2025. The amendment would prevent the state legislature from enacting new taxes on these specific items, directly affecting future tax policy for those categories. It includes a temporary provision that expires December 31, 2027, and requires voter approval in a November 2025 election. The bill does not change current tax status but blocks future taxation of these items if approved. This is a constitutional proposal, not an existing law, and remains pending voter approval.

Maddy summaryHJR 77 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas to label certain state charges - such as fees for specific services, licenses, or regulatory costs - as "regulatory taxes" to prevent hidden tax increases. It would ban the legislature from labeling these charges as "fees," "fines," or other non-tax terms after November 2025, and mandate all such references be updated to "regulatory tax" by January 2028. After that date, charges still labeled as non-tax terms would become void and uncollectible. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 4, 2025 election.

Maddy summaryHJR 81 proposes a constitutional amendment to Texas' Article VIII, creating Section 26 that regulates how state funds can be dedicated. It allows the legislature to designate specific funds (from particular sources or accounts) for particular purposes through general law, but prohibits changing these dedications without a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers. This amendment would take effect for fiscal years beginning September 1, 2027, and requires voter approval in the November 2025 election. It directly affects how Texas manages state funds previously dedicated by law, ensuring such funds cannot be redirected for other purposes without strict legislative approval.

Maddy summaryHJR 82 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a property tax exemption for parents or guardians of disabled individuals who live with them. It would exempt $3,000 of a home's market value from local property taxes (ad valorem taxes) for qualifying households, where the disabled person receives federal disability benefits. This exemption would apply to counties, cities, school districts, or other local political subdivisions that choose to adopt it. The amendment would require local governing bodies to either implement this exemption or hold a voter referendum if 20% of eligible voters petition for it. This change specifically affects disabled individuals and their caregivers living together, not the disabled person directly.

Maddy summaryHJR 79 proposes a constitutional amendment to cap Texas state sales and use tax rates at 6.25% and prohibit new taxes on items not already taxed as of January 1, 2025. It directly affects all Texas consumers and businesses selling taxable goods or services by limiting the state’s ability to raise rates or expand taxable items. Key provisions include a permanent 6.25% rate ceiling and a freeze preventing new taxes on products/services not subject to tax on the 2025 start date. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 4, 2025 election.

Maddy summaryHB 1166 modifies Texas law to change when school districts must pay certain amounts to the Teacher Retirement System for retirees who return to work. It exempts school districts from these payments for retirees who retired before September 1, 2005, or for those who retired on or after that date if they qualify for an exception under existing retirement rules and the district proves it cannot fill the position without a temporary hire. The bill directly affects school districts' payroll obligations for certain returning retirees. The changes apply to all retirees regardless of retirement date and take effect for the 2025-2026 school year.