Rep. Helen Kerwin

Maddy summaryHB 290 would provide tuition and fee exemptions at Texas colleges for qualifying members of the Texas military forces (including National Guard and State Guard). It requires public and private institutions to waive tuition for up to 15 semester credit hours per term (increasing from 12) and all mandatory fees when tuition is waived. The program limits assistance to 15 credit hours per term and a maximum of seven academic years or 15 semesters total per service member. The Texas Adjutant General would certify eligible members and administer the program within available funding, with specific caps for Texas State Guard members (30 awards per term unless a compelling need is found).

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) honoring the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum in Cleburne, Texas. It recognizes the museum's role in preserving Johnson County's history related to the 19th-century Chisholm Trail cattle drives, featuring historic structures like the 1800s courthouse and artifacts from the era. The resolution formally expresses the Texas House of Representatives' appreciation and will provide the museum with an official copy of the resolution. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals.

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 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 summaryHB 610 limits severance payments to school superintendents in Texas school districts to no more than six months' salary and benefits. It requires school boards to report such payments to the state commissioner and mandates that any amount exceeding this cap reduces the district's state education funding. The law applies only to severance agreements entered into on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025), leaving pre-existing agreements unaffected. This bill directly affects school districts and superintendents by setting a clear financial boundary for termination payments and linking them to state funding.

Maddy summaryHB 3087 allows Texas counties to restrict registered sex offenders (level 2 or 3) from approaching child safety zones - such as schools, daycares, playgrounds, or youth centers - in unincorporated county areas. Counties can set distance limits (up to 1,000 feet) via commissioners court order, with exemptions for legitimate purposes like transporting children or work. Violating these orders is a Class C misdemeanor. The bill specifically applies to unincorporated areas, not incorporated cities, and exempts offenders already living within the restricted distance before the order takes effect.

Maddy summarySJR 34 proposes adding Section 37 to the Texas Constitution to affirm parents' inherent right to make decisions about their children's upbringing, including care, custody, and control. It states the state cannot interfere with these parental rights unless the interference is essential for a compelling government interest and narrowly tailored to achieve that interest. If passed, this constitutional amendment would require voter approval in the November 2025 election, with the ballot phrased as supporting "parents as the primary decision-makers for their children." The bill directly affects parents' legal authority over child-rearing decisions and sets new constitutional limits on state intervention.

Maddy summaryHB 2849 requires Texas public school districts to adopt recess policies by May 2026 based on state-developed model guidelines. The policies must specify a minimum amount of weekly unstructured outdoor playtime for students and prohibit withholding recess as discipline. The state health advisory committee must develop these model policies by January 2026, which districts must review and update at least every five years. The law takes effect September 2025, with full implementation required by the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summarySB 1998 establishes a statewide pediatric subspecialty preceptorship program for medical students in Texas. The program, administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, connects students interested in pediatric subspecialties (like pediatric cardiology or oncology) with training opportunities through eligible organizations - such as tax-exempt nonprofits or accredited Texas medical schools. To participate, students must indicate a career interest in a pediatric subspecialty, and the program begins for the 2025-2026 academic year. This bill directly affects medical students at Texas medical schools pursuing specialized pediatric careers, creating a structured pathway to gain clinical experience in high-demand pediatric fields.

Maddy summarySB 530 limits how many credit hours Texas public colleges and universities can require students to complete for associate and bachelor's degrees beyond the minimum set by their institution's accrediting agency. It ensures students transferring between public institutions receive credit for completed courses in similar programs, unless required by their accrediting agency. The bill also requires universities to maintain accreditation by a recognized agency to operate as general academic institutions. These changes apply to all public higher education institutions in Texas and take effect September 1, 2025.