Rep. Hillary Hickland

Maddy summaryHB 158 repeals specific provisions in Texas property tax law that previously allowed local taxing units (like cities, counties, and school districts) to use an "unused increment rate" when calculating certain property tax rates. The bill removes this rate from the formulas used to determine the "voter-approval tax rate" for property tax levies. This change simplifies the calculation process by eliminating the need to account for unused increment rates in tax rate computations. The bill directly affects how local governments calculate property tax rates for voter approval, though it does not change the underlying tax rates themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 159 requires cities, counties, and other local governments (excluding school districts) to conduct an efficiency audit if they set a property tax rate above the rate that would not generate new revenue for five consecutive tax years, excluding tax years before 2022 (this exclusion ends January 1, 2027). The audit must be completed by an independent auditor within three months, with results shared at a public meeting and posted online within 30 days. Local governments must cover audit costs and provide all necessary records to the auditor. An exception allows a tax rate above that threshold without an audit for two years after a disaster declaration if voters approve.

Maddy summaryHB 128 establishes a $1,000 annual grant program for eligible Texas teachers to purchase classroom supplies through an online account system managed by the comptroller. It directly affects certified teachers employed full-time (at least four hours daily) in public school districts or charter schools. Teachers may use funds for classroom supplies or professional development costs, with unused balances rolling over to the next school year. The program begins for the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 106 requires the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to partner with U.S. Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct DNA testing via rapid tests on individuals crossing the Texas-Mexico border between ports of entry who are detained by DHS and suspected of human trafficking offenses under Texas Penal Code Chapter 20A. The bill mandates DPS destroy all biological samples after testing and prohibits DPS from maintaining a DNA database, entering results into federal CODIS systems, or searching existing DNA databases. DHS must cover all costs for this program, and any agreement between DPS and DHS must include these destruction and prohibition requirements. The law directly affects DPS operations, DHS enforcement, and individuals detained for suspected trafficking-related activity.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would give Texas' Attorney General concurrent authority with county and district attorneys to prosecute criminal violations of election laws. It specifically adds a provision to the state constitution stating the AG "shall have concurrent jurisdiction" to handle these cases alongside local prosecutors. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2025 election to take effect. This change directly affects how election-related criminal cases are handled across Texas, clarifying the AG's role in enforcing election law violations.

Maddy summaryHB 98 amends Texas law to require judges to disqualify district or county attorneys who consistently refuse to prosecute violations of election laws. If an attorney has a pattern of declining to pursue such cases, a judge must remove them from handling those specific prosecutions. The Attorney General then gains authority to step in and prosecute these election-related offenses when a local prosecutor is disqualified. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with prior cases governed by existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 87 prohibits Texas school districts and their employees from using public funds to hire lobbyists or support organizations that hire lobbyists. It specifically bans spending taxpayer money to influence legislation through direct communication with lawmakers or their staff. Taxpayers can sue to stop violations and recover legal fees if they win such cases. The law applies to all public fund usage for lobbying activities after its effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 88 changes Texas law to allow courts to order retroactive child support beginning as early as the date of a child's conception, rather than just from birth. It requires courts to use medical evidence (per standard practice) or strong testimony from parents to establish the earliest possible conception date. The bill also permits courts to order paying parents to cover a fair share of prenatal and postnatal medical costs for the mother and child. These changes apply only to new paternity orders or acknowledgments signed on or after the law's effective date, not to existing cases.

Maddy summaryHB 34 revises the definition of "eligible school district" for the comptroller's study of school district property values. A district qualifies only if, in the most recent study, its local property value was invalid (not meeting standards) but did not exceed the state value, and for the two prior studies, its local value was valid (met standards). This change applies exclusively to property value studies for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, meaning it will not affect past studies. The bill focuses on clarifying eligibility criteria for the comptroller's ongoing assessment process.

Maddy summaryHB 83 prohibits cities, counties, and other local governments from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofits that lobby on their behalf. It specifically bans spending taxpayer money to employ registered lobbyists or support organizations that primarily represent local governments and hire lobbyists. Taxpayers or residents can sue to stop violations and recover legal fees if public funds are improperly used for lobbying. The bill restricts how local governments spend public money on influencing state legislation.