Rep. Vikki Goodwin

Maddy summaryHB 196 creates a Texas Redistricting Commission to manage the state's redistricting process following each census. It establishes a formal application process where the state auditor opens applications to all registered voters each census year, with a three-member review panel (representing majority party, minority party, and independent viewpoints) screening applicants. The bill also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for attending commission meetings and requires commissioners courts to adjust precinct boundaries by October 1 each redistricting year.

Maddy summaryHJR 26 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Texas Redistricting Commission, which would redraw boundaries for Texas Senate, House, congressional districts, and State Board of Education seats after each U.S. census. The 14-member commission (5 majority party, 5 minority party, and 4 bipartisan members) must be appointed by December 31 following a census year and follow specific criteria for drawing districts. The bill requires the commission to conduct an open, transparent process with public input and ensure districts are single-member, while aiming to reduce legislative influence over redistricting. This would directly affect all Texas voters and elected officials by changing how district lines are determined. The amendment, if approved, would replace current legislative redistricting procedures with this new commission model.

Maddy summaryHJR 23 proposes a constitutional amendment reserving initiative and referendum powers to Texas citizens. It would allow residents to directly propose new laws or constitutional changes by submitting a petition with a $1,000 fee (refundable if successful), two representative names, and a single-topic measure. The Texas Legislative Council would review petitions for constitutionality and fiscal impact, requiring a fiscal note if state funds are involved. If approved, the measure would proceed to a statewide voter referendum. This directly affects Texas citizens seeking to bypass legislative action to enact policies.

Maddy summaryHJR 24 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Texas law that would establish a fundamental right to personal reproductive autonomy for all individuals residing in Texas. This right would protect decisions about pregnancy, contraception, and other reproductive health care, with any government restriction only allowed if justified by a "compelling state interest" using the "least restrictive means." The amendment would require voter approval on the May 2, 2026 ballot, with the question phrased as "The constitutional amendment establishing an individual's right to personal reproductive autonomy." If approved, this would become part of the Texas Constitution, directly affecting all Texas residents' legal rights regarding reproductive health.

Maddy summaryHB 413 would have limited pretrial detention for defendants charged with Class B misdemeanors or more serious offenses, preventing jail stays longer than the maximum sentence they could receive if convicted. It required courts to calculate whether a defendant’s cumulative time in jail before trial exceeded the potential sentence for their offense, mandating release if it did. Exceptions included defendants undergoing competency evaluations or subject to Chapter 46B commitment orders. The bill was vetoed by the governor on June 22, 2025, and never took effect.

Maddy summaryHCR 9 designates the first Saturday of every month as "Small Business Saturday" in Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution, which does not create new laws or funding, aims to encourage Texans to support local small businesses. It directly affects all Texas small businesses (defined as those employing fewer than 500 people) by promoting community shopping. The designation expires 10 years after the resolution's final passage, per Section 391.004(d) of the Texas Government Code.

Maddy summaryHB 27 requires all Texas public high school students to complete at least one-half credit in personal financial literacy as part of their social studies graduation requirements under Education Code Section 28.025(b-1)(4). The bill directs the State Board of Education to develop a list of free, open-source curricula for these courses and allows Advanced Placement courses meeting specific standards to count toward the requirement. This policy change affects all public high school students in Texas, mandating practical financial education alongside traditional subjects like history and government. The law, signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025, is now effective immediately for all public school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 1481 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt written policies prohibiting student use of personal communication devices (such as cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day on school property or at school events. Exceptions allow device use for students with documented medical needs, individualized education plans (IEPs), or health/safety protocols. Schools may implement either a full device ban or a secure storage system for devices during school hours, and must return confiscated devices or dispose of them after providing parents 90 days' written notice. The law takes effect immediately upon the governor's signature.

Maddy summaryHB 4361 requires Texas public institutions of higher education to establish standardized emergency notification procedures that comply with the federal Jeanne Clery Act. It mandates that institutions, in consultation with students, faculty, and staff, adopt clear protocols for timely emergency alerts through required systems. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board must adopt these rules promptly after the bill's effective date. The law took effect immediately on June 20, 2025, after being signed by the Governor. This directly affects all public colleges and universities in Texas, ensuring consistent emergency communication practices.

Maddy summaryHB 824 requires Texas public high schools to include specific civics content in their government curriculum starting with the 2025-2026 school year. It mandates that the State Board of Education adopt standards covering the roles of elected officials (statewide, county, city), Texas voting processes and election laws, eligibility requirements for office, basic parliamentary procedures, and identifying local representatives. This directly affects all Texas public high school students and educators implementing the social studies curriculum. The bill became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature on June 20, 2025.