Rep. Helen Kerwin

Maddy summaryHB 3483 amends the definition of "Issuer" in Texas law to expand which entities can issue public securities (like bonds). It specifically adds qualifying home-rule municipalities, conservation districts, transit authorities, hospital authorities in large counties, and counties meeting population or debt thresholds to the list of eligible issuers. This change directly affects these local government entities by clarifying their authority to borrow funds through public securities. The bill does not create new powers but updates existing definitions to include these additional organizations under current securities law.

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 30 modifies how Texas local taxing units (like counties and cities, excluding school districts) calculate property tax rates after a declared disaster. If a disaster is officially recognized by the governor or president and at least one property owner receives a tax exemption, the taxing unit can use a new "disaster relief rate" calculation. This rate divides the unit's documented disaster costs (for debris removal and essential assistance) by the current taxable property value. The new calculation method applies until either property values exceed their pre-disaster level or three years after the disaster, whichever comes first.

Maddy summaryHB 796 would allow the Texas legislature to declare certain federal laws, executive orders, or agency rules unconstitutional if they infringe on state powers under the Tenth Amendment or limit Texas's ability to protect public health, safety, or welfare. The bill creates a process where the legislature could pass a concurrent resolution to declare a federal directive unconstitutional and then prohibit state and local government employees from enforcing it. This would directly affect most state and local officials, including county, city, school district, and charter school employees, but exclude the lieutenant governor, legislators, and their staff. The bill does not create new penalties but establishes a formal legislative mechanism to block state enforcement of federal actions deemed unconstitutional by the legislature.

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 1864 allows small egg producers to sell ungraded eggs directly to consumers and up to 500 dozen per week wholesale within Texas. It requires producers selling wholesale to register with the state for an annual fee of up to $50, label cartons with "ungraded" plus their name, address, packing date, and registration number, and follow specific food safety rules (refrigeration within 36 hours, storage at 45°F or below, and sanitation standards). The bill directly affects backyard or small-scale egg producers who do not grade their eggs but wish to sell them commercially. Key provisions include limiting wholesale sales to 500 dozen weekly, mandating clear labeling, and establishing registration and safety requirements. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, if not passed with a two-thirds vote.

Maddy summarySB 1245 amends Texas law to allow qualified landowners or their agents to use helicopters for managing specific wildlife under a permit. It specifically permits helicopter-assisted removal of depredating feral hogs, coyotes, and aoudad sheep west of the Pecos River. The bill establishes a permit system through the Parks and Wildlife Commission, requiring rules to be adopted for implementation. This policy change directly affects landowners in West Texas dealing with aoudad sheep populations, effective September 1, 2025. The law does not alter hunting seasons or bag limits but adds helicopter use as a tool for land management.

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.