Rep. Brad Buckley

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. It formally congratulates Jaelyn Jade Phillips of Troy High School for winning the 2025 Texas High School Women's Powerlifting Association (THSWPA) 3A Division 1 state championship in the 165-pound weight class. The resolution highlights her record-breaking total lift (1,130 pounds) and three consecutive state appearances, including three regional awards and academic honors. It serves solely as a symbolic recognition from the Texas House of Representatives, with no policy impact or cost to taxpayers.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis Texas concurrent resolution urges Congress to preserve Sections 45U, 45Y, and 48E of the federal tax code, which provide tax incentives for nuclear and natural gas energy projects. It directly addresses Texas' energy sector, which relies on these provisions to maintain existing operations and support new development, employing over 12,000 workers in nuclear/gas plants and supplying nearly half the state's electricity. The resolution requests Congress preserve these tax incentives to sustain affordable energy production and Texas' leadership in electricity generation.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summarySB 27 modifies Texas education law to protect public school educators' rights and provide financial support. It requires salary reductions for unpaid leave to be calculated using annual salary divided by expected workdays (affecting teachers, counselors, and librarians), waives certification exam fees for first-time applicants in special education and bilingual programs, and prevents sanctions against educators who leave probationary contracts after the 45th day before school starts due to serious illness or spouse relocation. The bill directly impacts educators seeking certification and those on probationary contracts, while also directing the Texas Education Agency to cover exam fees for qualifying applicants. These changes aim to reduce financial barriers and provide clearer protections for educators during employment transitions.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 1249 allows Texas public school districts to use writing portfolio assessments instead of multiple-choice writing portions in certain state-mandated tests. School districts must design these portfolios with input from higher education institutions and get state approval, ensuring they measure students' writing mastery through timed samples, skill improvement over time, writing process understanding, and diverse writing styles. Districts may have classroom teachers score portfolios and are exempt from administering the non-multiple-choice writing sections of existing assessments during implementation. The bill takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 2658 amends Texas Special District Local Laws Code to update governance and operational rules for Kimble County Hospital District. It reduces the residency requirement for board members from two to one year, removes the requirement for directors to post a $1,000 bond, and clarifies the district’s duty to provide hospital services through facilities like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing centers, and community health centers. The bill also adjusts budget preparation procedures, requiring annual budgets detailing expenditures, revenue estimates, and tax needs. These changes directly affect Kimble County residents who rely on the district’s healthcare services and the board members governing it. The legislation focuses on administrative clarity without creating new funding mechanisms or altering service eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis Texas House resolution (HR 559) expresses support for residents from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau - known as COFA islanders - who live in Texas. It affirms their rights under the U.S. agreements with these Pacific island nations (Compacts of Free Association) and designates March 18, 2025, as "COFA Day" in Texas. The resolution does not create new laws or alter existing policies; it is a symbolic recognition of the 5,000 COFA residents in Texas who contribute to the state’s economy and military. It follows federal COFA amendments (effective March 18, 2024) that restored benefits like VA care and in-state tuition for COFA islanders.

Maddy summaryHB 4505 establishes a special state fund to finance workforce housing development for households earning 30-80% of the area median income. The fund will be financed through gifts, grants, legislative appropriations, fees, and loan repayments, and will be administered by a contracted nonprofit housing organization. This program aims to increase housing options for working households, stabilize local economies, and reduce demand for other state services. The bill passed the Texas legislature in May 2025, creating a dedicated funding mechanism for workforce housing projects.