Rep. J.M. Lozano

Maddy summaryHB 2121 creates a grant program to help Texas public school districts offset funding losses caused by using the state's property value (instead of local value) for school finance calculations. It provides grants equal to the difference between what districts would receive under the local value formula and the actual state-funded amount for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. The program prioritizes districts with the largest funding reductions, caps total annual grants at $175 million, and excludes open-enrollment charter schools. The program expires on September 1, 2027, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2122 adjusts state funding for Texas school districts that use the state-determined property value (instead of local property value) for tax calculations, which can reduce their revenue. It requires the Texas Education Agency to compare a district's funding under both valuation methods. If using local property value would provide higher funding, the district receives a phased adjustment: 75% of the difference in the first year, 50% in the second, and 25% in the third, for up to three consecutive years. After three years, the district must switch back to using local property value to qualify for the adjustment again.

Maddy summaryHB 1703 changes how Texas school districts calculate enrollment for state funding by replacing "average enrollment" with "daily attendance" in the finance system. It requires districts to use actual daily attendance numbers instead of enrollment counts to determine funding levels. Districts with a 2% or greater enrollment decline due to a military base closure receive full funding based on the previous year's attendance, while others get funding capped at 98% of the prior year's level. The bill also allows adjustments for districts with high numbers of migratory students or those affected by disasters like floods, ensuring funding accounts for specific enrollment disruptions.

Maddy summaryHB 2125 provides financial adjustments to Texas school districts that use the state-determined property value (instead of local value) for school funding calculations under current law. The bill requires the state agency to compare funding levels using both methods; if local value would generate higher state aid, districts receive partial compensation over three years (75% the first year, 50% the second, 25% the third). This adjustment applies only to districts affected by the state value method, with a maximum of three consecutive years before eligibility resets if they switch back to using local value calculations. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1702 amends Texas education law to expand eligibility for the Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund grant program. It adds a new definition for "qualifying general academic teaching institution" to include smaller colleges (under 10,000 students) in counties with under 35,000 residents that are federally designated minority-serving institutions (MSIs). To qualify, these institutions must operate workforce training programs aligned with high-demand jobs, developed with employer input, and demonstrate proven success in recruiting participants, training for living-wage jobs, and placing graduates in those roles. The bill directly affects small, rural colleges with MSI status by allowing them to apply for competitive grants supporting job training programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2388 amends Texas law to clarify which organizations must follow public information laws by updating the definition of a "governmental body." It adds 16 specific entities to the definition, including school boards, county commissions, special districts, water service nonprofits, Alamo management entities, and local workforce boards. The bill also excludes certain economic development groups from this definition if they receive under $1 million in public funds from a single government source in a fiscal year. This change directly affects transparency requirements, ensuring more organizations must share public records while exempting smaller economic development entities.

Maddy summaryHB 1758 limits how long a member can serve as Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives by prohibiting candidates who have already served two complete regular sessions as Speaker from filing a declaration of candidacy with the Texas Ethics Commission. This bill directly affects potential Speaker candidates who have held the position for two full legislative terms. The key provision amends Texas Government Code Section 302.0121 to add subsection (f), which blocks such candidates from running. The law takes effect September 1, 2025. This is a procedural change affecting leadership eligibility, not a substantive policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1744 modifies the Texas Securities Act by removing the application of proportionate responsibility (a legal principle that reduces liability based on fault share) for claims against control persons (like company executives) and material aiders (such as financial advisors who assist in violations). This means defendants in securities lawsuits under this law may be held fully liable for the entire harm, rather than having their responsibility reduced by their share of fault. The bill directly affects executives, directors, and financial professionals who hold control or provide material assistance in securities matters. This policy change shifts liability standards to prioritize full accountability for key individuals in securities enforcement cases.

Maddy summaryHB 2327 updates the definition of "Veteran" for eligibility for loans from Texas' Veterans' Land Board. It adds a new category for Texas National Guard members who completed 184 days of active service on the Texas-Mexico border mission, while maintaining existing requirements like 90 days of active duty or 20 years of service. The bill requires applicants to have been a Texas resident at enlistment and currently reside in Texas, and explicitly excludes current state legislators from eligibility. This change directly affects Texas veterans, including National Guard members with border service, who apply for these loans. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2220 creates a new 6.72% state value added tax (VAT) on businesses supplying services or property in Texas. The tax is calculated as the difference between a business's "output tax" (tax collected on sales) and "input tax" (tax paid on purchases), with the net amount due. It exempts small businesses, government entities, and religious/educational organizations from the tax, while excluding financial services, intercompany transactions, and property already taxed under other laws. The bill directly affects most Texas businesses engaged in commercial activity, with revenue directed to state funds as specified in the text.