Rep. Caroline Harris Davila

Maddy summaryHB 140 would limit local governments' ability to issue new debt by capping annual property tax-based debt payments at 10% of the average property tax revenue from the previous three fiscal years. It directly affects cities, counties, and school districts that issue bonds or public securities, preventing them from authorizing new debt if payments exceed this 10% threshold. The bill establishes this statewide cap, overriding local charters or other provisions that might allow higher debt levels. The law would take effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryHB 134 establishes a program providing eligible Texas teachers with an annual $1,000 grant to purchase classroom supplies. To qualify, teachers must be certified, employed by a public school or charter school, and teach at least four hours daily in an academic or career/tech instructional setting. The funds can be used for classroom supplies at their school, with unused balances rolling over for future supplies or professional development costs. Teachers must retain receipts for two years, and the program begins in the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 136 requires specific training for school board trustees, candidates for school board positions, judges, court personnel, and government officials handling open meetings. It mandates that training must cover open meetings laws, including meeting procedures, notice requirements, and penalties for noncompliance, and be research-based for school boards. Providers must certify completion, and at least one free training option must be available via video or similar medium. The bill updates existing law to standardize training content and accessibility across multiple government roles.

Maddy summaryHB 130 requires the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to perform rapid DNA tests (using buccal swabs) on individuals detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Texas-Mexico border who are suspected of human trafficking offenses under Texas Penal Code Chapter 20A. The bill mandates that DPS destroy all biological samples after testing and prohibits Texas from storing DNA results in any database or sharing them with federal systems like CODIS. Results may only be provided to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for immigration enforcement purposes. The program requires DHS funding to operate and explicitly bans Texas from building a DNA database or using the results for any purpose beyond federal immigration enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 143 requires that local governments hold elections to authorize bond issuances on the standard November uniform election date, rather than other dates. It prohibits holding such elections as emergency elections and overrides any existing law requiring a different date for bond elections. This directly affects counties, cities, and school districts that issue bonds for projects like infrastructure or facilities. The change applies only to elections ordered after the bill's effective date (91 days after the legislative session ends).

Maddy summaryHB 141 establishes that a Texas state legislator (senator or representative) must vacate their office if absent from all legislative sessions for seven consecutive days without approved leave from their chamber. The rule applies only to days when the legislature is actively meeting, and does not affect absences with prior approval. This bill sets a clear threshold for automatic vacancy due to extended absence, without altering existing policies for approved leave. The rule would take effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote, or 91 days after the legislative session if not.

Maddy summaryHR 63 is a concurrent resolution to formally congratulate Ronald Paul Werner of Taylor on his 90th birthday. This procedural bill does not create any policy changes, legal obligations, or financial impacts - it serves solely as a ceremonial tribute from Congress. It directly honors Mr. Werner, a Taylor resident, with no effect on laws or government operations. As a symbolic gesture, it follows standard practice for recognizing individuals' milestones without substantive legislative action.

Maddy summaryHB 4 establishes new congressional district boundaries for Texas voters to be used in the 2026 U.S. House elections. It adopts the PLANC2308 redistricting plan based on 2020 Census data (TIGER/Line Shapefiles) to define district lines. The bill replaces all prior Texas congressional district maps, including those from 2021, and applies to elections starting with the 120th Congress (2026). This is a procedural redistricting bill directly affecting Texas residents' voting districts for federal elections beginning in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 183 requires developers to include certified proof of groundwater availability when submitting land subdivision maps for properties where groundwater is the intended water source. This applies to all subdivision plats in Texas, directly affecting developers, landowners, and local planning authorities. The bill mandates certification by a licensed Texas engineer or geoscientist and specifies that local governments (municipalities or commissioners courts) must reject applications lacking this evidence. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will establish the exact rules for certification forms and acceptable evidence of groundwater supply.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 24) honoring Irene Kaye Michna of Taylor, Texas, who passed away on July 14, 2025. The resolution recognizes her life as a community volunteer, realtor, agricultural clerk, and devoted family member, highlighting her service to organizations like the Taylor Main Street Advisory Board and her receipt of two Volunteer of the Year awards. It formally pays tribute to her memory and extends sympathy to her family, with no policy changes or direct effects on constituents or legislation.