Rep. Pat Curry

Maddy summaryHJR 5 proposes a constitutional amendment to create two dedicated funds supporting Texas State Technical College System (TSTC) capital projects and equipment. It establishes a "permanent technical institution infrastructure fund" for long-term capital needs (like buildings) and an "available workforce education fund" for immediate operational costs, both administered outside general state funding. This would remove TSTC from annual appropriations that typically apply to other public colleges, providing the system with guaranteed funding streams for infrastructure without competing for general higher education funds. The amendment requires specific distribution rules and prohibits using these funds for non-educational purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 4661 authorizes local county officials to temporarily close beaches near space launch sites during launch operations to protect public safety. It requires evacuations from FAA-defined hazard areas and allows beach closures on launch or backup dates, based on federal safety calculations. Violating these closure orders is a criminal offense, punishable as a Class B misdemeanor (or Class A if previously convicted). The bill directly affects beachgoers near launch sites, local governments managing closures, and spaceflight operators coordinating safety protocols.

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 5144 aims to prohibit deceptive trade practices by businesses that assist veterans with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims. The bill targets companies that charge fees or provide services related to VA benefits applications, seeking to prevent misleading tactics like false promises of guaranteed approval. However, the full bill text is unavailable in the provided context, so specific provisions, affected parties, or enforcement mechanisms cannot be detailed. Without access to the complete legislative language, a precise summary of how the law would operate or who it directly impacts is not possible. Please consult the bill's PDF version for the full text and detailed provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 817 clarifies how majority votes are determined in Texas elections for public office. It states that a candidate must receive more than half of the votes as originally cast, prohibiting the use of preferential voting systems (where voters rank candidates) to reassign votes and calculate a majority. This bill directly affects local and state elections requiring a majority vote to win, ensuring results are based solely on initial vote counts. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and amends the Election Code to prioritize original vote totals over ranked-choice reassignment methods.

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 summarySB 844 establishes new procedures for Texas municipalities making zoning changes that do not qualify as major overhauls (e.g., not city-wide code updates or new zoning maps). It requires written protests signed by owners of at least 20% of the affected land or 60% of adjacent land within 200 feet to trigger stricter approval rules. If protested, such zoning changes must receive approval from at least three-fourths of the city council. This applies only to smaller, targeted adjustments - not comprehensive zoning changes - as defined in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 3201 creates a new occupational license for "lottery couriers" in Texas, defined as individuals who act as agents for players purchasing lottery tickets. The bill requires these couriers to obtain a license from the Texas Lottery Commission and pay a fee, while also authorizing the Commission to conduct criminal background checks on applicants. This directly affects people who currently serve as ticket-buying agents for others, bringing them under the Commission's regulatory oversight. The key provisions establish licensing requirements, background check authority, and fee collection mechanisms for this specific role.

Maddy summaryHB 4960 regulates political text message campaigns by defining a "mass text message campaign" as sending texts to multiple recipients for political purposes with costs exceeding basic messaging expenses. It requires clear disclosures in such campaigns and imposes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per text message sent in violation, with each message counted as a separate violation. The law applies only to political texts distributed on or after September 1, 2025, affecting campaigns using mass texting for political advocacy. It directly impacts political campaigns, candidates, and organizations sending large-scale political texts, ensuring compliance with disclosure rules.

Maddy summaryHB 4942 requires courts to only order family violence or child abuse-related services if they are proven effective, safe, and based on evidence. It sets standards for mental health counselors in custody cases, mandating they have family therapy expertise, a master's-level license, and relevant training on violence or abuse. The bill also updates judicial training requirements to include evidence-based content on reducing child trauma, victim protection, and evaluating service effectiveness. These changes directly affect courts, mental health professionals, and judges handling family law cases in Texas.