Rep. Wes Virdell

Maddy summaryHJR 161 proposes amending the Texas Constitution to explicitly prohibit non-citizen residents from voting in Texas elections. The bill would add "persons who are not citizens of the United States" as a new category barred from voting, alongside existing restrictions for minors, those declared mentally incompetent, and convicted felons. If approved by voters in November 2025, this constitutional change would formally enshrine the current legal standard - non-citizens already cannot vote in Texas - into the state constitution. The amendment requires voter approval at the 2025 general election, with ballot language specifying the change. This is a procedural constitutional amendment, not a new voting law.

Maddy summaryHB 1387 amends Texas law to expand eligibility pathways for taking the bar exam to become a licensed attorney. It adds two new options beyond traditional law school: completing a two-year apprenticeship under a licensed Texas attorney or gaining two years of full-time paralegal work experience in Texas. The bill specifically defines "approved law school" and requires the Texas Supreme Court to establish rules ensuring candidates meet character, education, and practical experience standards. This change directly affects individuals seeking to practice law in Texas who do not attend a traditional law school. The bill is currently pending in committee as of May 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3061 increases penalties for certain criminal offenses committed while wearing masks or disguises specifically to hide the offender's identity. It applies to offenses under Texas law covering assault, robbery, public disorder (Title 5, Chapters 28-30, or Sections 42.01/42.02). If proven, the punishment escalates to the next higher offense category, with a minimum 180-day jail term for Class A misdemeanors. Exceptions allow the penalty increase to be avoided if the disguise was for events like Halloween, proven by a preponderance of evidence.

Maddy summaryHB 3741 requires foreign students and employees at Texas public universities to sign a sworn affidavit stating they are not agents of a "foreign adversary" (defined as a nation hostile to the U.S. or Texas). The affidavit must include the exact statement: "I affirm that I am not an agent of a foreign nation hostile to the United States of America or the State of Texas." This applies to all non-citizen, non-permanent-resident students and employees enrolled or hired at public institutions, regardless of when they were admitted or hired. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board may create rules to implement the requirement, but the bill itself mandates the affidavit as a direct condition of enrollment or employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas licensing authorities to issue provisional occupational licenses for six months to applicants with criminal convictions who are otherwise qualified for the license, unless they have specific serious convictions listed in the Occupations Code. The provisional license begins upon the applicant's release from incarceration if they were imprisoned. It applies to most occupational licensing fields (like healthcare or trades) but excludes applicants convicted of offenses under Section 53.021(a). The bill provides a pathway for certain applicants to obtain licenses without full revocation of eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 5337 requires Texas voters to submit proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must provide documents like a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or citizenship papers to county registrars. If proof isn't submitted, voters would only qualify for a limited federal ballot under Chapter 115. The bill creates criminal penalties for failing to provide required documentation and amends election code sections to implement these requirements. This directly affects all new voter registrants in Texas seeking full voting rights.

Maddy summaryHB 1194 extends the duration of emergency protection orders in Texas criminal cases. For most orders (under Subsections (a) or (b)(1)), the order now remains effective for up to 91 days (minimum 31 days) instead of the previous 61 days (minimum 31 days). For specific orders under Subsection (b)(2), the duration increases to up to 121 days (minimum 61 days) from the prior 91 days (minimum 61 days). The bill also allows courts to modify orders after a hearing if the change won’t increase risk to the victim or endanger protected persons. This applies only to orders issued on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5008 allows public community colleges, workforce boards, community-based organizations (with college partnerships), and Texas A&M Engineering entities to use the Skills Development Fund for tailored job training programs. It requires that training addresses actual or projected local labor shortages and that wages for trained workers match local averages. The bill specifies that A&M entities must prioritize statewide programs or those not offered by local colleges. This policy directly affects workforce training providers seeking state funding for business-specific training initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 1832 increases criminal penalties for non-citizens who illegally enter or remain in Texas. It amends Texas Penal Code sections to upgrade offenses from misdemeanors to felonies based on prior convictions involving immigration violations, drug crimes, or crimes against persons. For example, a prior misdemeanor under immigration law can elevate a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony, and multiple prior offenses can trigger third-degree or higher felonies. The bill specifically targets individuals removed under federal law (citing 8 U.S.C. sections) or convicted of related crimes. The bill is pending in committee and has not yet been enacted.

Maddy summarySB 2 establishes a state-funded education savings account program in Texas, allowing eligible families to use public funds for approved educational expenses. The program directly affects Texas families with children who have disabilities or who live in low-income households (at or below 500% of the federal poverty level). The comptroller administers the program, funding accounts with state money that can cover approved education costs like tuition, books, or tutoring. The bill becomes effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 3, 2025. This creates a new state-funded option alongside public schools for participating families.