Rep. Shelby Slawson

Maddy summaryHB 2657 would abolish the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and eliminate the position of commissioner of education. It transfers all TEA powers and duties - including oversight of public schools, assessments, and accountability systems - to the State Board of Education and the comptroller of public accounts. The bill removes statewide school accountability and assessment requirements, reserving non-delegated educational functions exclusively to local school districts and charter schools. This structural change directly affects all Texas public schools by shifting oversight from the state agency to the State Board and local entities.

Maddy summaryHB 76 prohibits local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to pay nonprofit organizations that accept public donations to post bail bonds for defendants. It directly affects political subdivisions that might fund such bail programs through public money. The bill bans this spending and allows taxpayers or residents to sue to stop it, with successful plaintiffs able to recover legal fees. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHJR 15 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing judges to deny bail to individuals accused of specific serious crimes - including first-degree sexual offenses, violent offenses, or continuous human trafficking - pending trial. Judges may deny bail only after a hearing where they find, by clear and convincing evidence, that bail would not ensure the defendant’s court appearance or community safety. The amendment requires judges to issue a written order detailing their findings and reasoning. It does not restrict defendants’ rights to challenge bail denials under existing law and specifies that judges must consider standard bail factors when making decisions. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the 2025 election.

Maddy summaryHJR 16 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas courts to deny bail to non-citizens (defined as "illegal aliens" under the bill) charged with felony offenses if a judge finds probable cause they committed the crime. The amendment specifies that bail denial applies only after a hearing where probable cause is established, not automatically. This change would require voter approval in November 2025 before taking effect, as it seeks to amend the Texas Constitution. The bill directly affects non-citizens facing felony charges in Texas courts who meet the defined "illegal alien" criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 2744 requires state contractors, local governments, and private employers in Texas to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the employment authorization of new hires. The bill mandates that contractors register with E-Verify before receiving state contracts and maintain participation throughout the contract term. Contracts must include a certification statement from the contractor confirming compliance, and failure to comply may result in civil penalties. The law creates a process where state agencies must refer non-compliant contractors to the comptroller for enforcement action. This bill directly affects businesses and government entities receiving state contracts or public funds.

Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, contain only the specific text listed in the bill (including the full biblical wording), and be legible from any point in the classroom. Schools may accept privately donated displays meeting these requirements or use district funds to purchase compliant displays if needed. This law applies to all public schools and explicitly states they cannot claim exemption from this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 2456 requires all Texas public schools to fly the U.S. and Texas flags on every regular school day starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill permits schools to additionally display flags of the U.S. Armed Forces or their own official school flag, but prohibits displaying any other flags. This legislation directly affects all public schools governed by the Texas Education Code by establishing specific, mandatory flag display requirements. The policy change is limited to flag display protocols and does not alter other school operations or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2547 bans manufacturers and dealers from producing or selling new motor vehicles equipped with remote vehicle disabling technology (any software, hardware, or device that can disable a vehicle when activated). The bill specifically excludes ignition interlock devices used for DUI offenses. It prohibits these actions starting January 1, 2026, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects vehicle manufacturers and dealers in Texas who would otherwise sell vehicles with such technology.

Maddy summaryHB 930 requires the Texas National Guard to obtain specific Congressional action before being activated for active combat duty. It mandates that such activation can only occur if the U.S. Congress either officially declares war (per Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution) or takes other official action authorized under Clause 15 of the same section. The bill directly affects the Texas National Guard and the governor, who must ensure compliance with this requirement. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and establishes a clear constitutional threshold for combat deployments.

Maddy summaryHB 2519 requires property sellers and buyers (grantors and grantees) to submit a completed "notice of real property title transfer" form when recording property deeds in Texas. This form must include both parties' full names, addresses, telephone numbers, citizenship status, and social security numbers or taxpayer identification numbers. The county clerk must keep this notice separate from public property records, making it confidential under state law, though it may be shared with state agencies for government purposes. The bill directly affects all individuals or entities buying or selling real property in Texas by adding new disclosure requirements for property transfers.