Rep. Pat Curry

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal description of Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College in the Texas Education Code by removing the term "upper-level" from its official designation. It directly affects the university's Rio Grande College campuses in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde, which are part of Sul Ross State University. The change takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not alter course offerings, funding, or academic programs. The bill is purely procedural, adjusting how the institution is formally referenced in state law.

Maddy summaryHB 3611 sets fines for unauthorized commercial signs placed on public road right-of-ways in Texas. It directly affects businesses or individuals who place such signs without legal authorization. The bill requires local authorities to issue written notice before imposing a first violation fine of up to $1,000, with penalties increasing to $2,500 for a second violation and $5,000 for third or subsequent violations. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to violations occurring after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds invasive visual recording (Section 21.15 of the Texas Penal Code) to the list of offenses requiring mandatory sex offender registration. It directly affects individuals convicted of recording someone without consent in private areas, such as bathrooms or changing rooms. The law expands existing registration requirements by including this specific crime under the definition of "reportable conviction" in the Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill was signed into law on May 29, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4 restricts Texas public school districts and campuses from obtaining exemptions or waivers for specific requirements, including graduation standards, school accountability measures under Chapters 39 and 39A, health and safety rules, and programs for special education and bilingual students. The bill explicitly prohibits waivers for federal mandates, essential knowledge/skills, class size limits (except as allowed by law), extracurricular activities, and other key areas listed in the legislation. It also changes the appeal process for challenges to the commissioner's decisions, requiring appeals to be filed in Travis County district court with specific procedural steps. This bill directly affects school districts, the Texas Education Agency, and individuals seeking to challenge educational decisions.

Maddy summarySB 618 prohibits public and election officials from altering election procedures without legal authorization. If officials fail to comply after being notified by the Secretary of State, they face escalating daily fines: $1,000 per day for days 3-7 and $5,000 per day after day 7. The bill requires officials to immediately cease non-compliant actions and provides a process for the Secretary of State to investigate violations and refer cases to the Attorney General. These fines, collected into the general revenue fund, directly affect election officials who change procedures without proper legal approval.

Maddy summaryHB 37 requires hospitals with maternal care designations to provide bereavement counseling options and perinatal bereavement devices (which delay tissue deterioration for up to 72 hours after pregnancy loss or infant death) to families following intrauterine fetal demise, neonatal death, or stillbirth. The Texas Department of State Health Services must establish a perinatal bereavement care initiative offering hospitals training for staff on compassionate communication and resources like devices with maintenance support. This law directly affects designated hospitals and families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss in Texas. The initiative aims to improve access to supportive care during this difficult time, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 21 amends Texas Local Government Code provisions affecting housing finance corporations that develop or manage low- and moderate-income housing. It defines qualifying residential developments as those where at least 90% of units are intended for households with adjusted gross income below state-defined moderate income levels. The bill also requires these corporations to follow open meetings and public records laws (Chapter 551 and 552, Government Code) and restricts their development to areas within the boundaries of their sponsoring local governments - unless approved by those governing bodies. These changes clarify operational rules and transparency requirements for housing finance corporations serving low- and moderate-income residents.

Maddy summaryHB 3225 requires municipal public libraries in Texas to restrict minors (under 18) from accessing sexually explicit materials in sections designated for younger audiences. Libraries must remove such materials from "minor's sections" and obtain legal guardian consent before allowing minors to check out or view these materials. The bill imposes civil penalties for violations, including fines. It directly affects municipal public libraries, minors, and their guardians by changing how libraries manage content access in designated youth areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas judges to deny bail to individuals classified as "illegal aliens" charged with felony offenses, if a judge determines probable cause exists. It defines "illegal alien" as someone who entered the U.S. without inspection or violated nonimmigrant visa terms. The amendment would automatically deny bail pending trial for such individuals, without requiring additional proof of flight risk or danger. If approved by voters in 2025, it would become part of the Texas Constitution. (Note: This is a procedural proposal requiring voter approval, not an immediate law.)

Maddy summarySB 1080 requires Texas licensing authorities to issue either a full occupational license or a provisional license (valid for six months) to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses, instead of automatically denying their applications. The provisional license begins on the date an applicant is released from prison if they were incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This bill directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (such as for nursing, contracting, or other licensed professions) who meet all other qualification requirements. It aims to reduce barriers to employment by providing a temporary licensing pathway for these applicants.