Rep. Ben Bumgarner

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits tolls on specific sections of State Highway 146 and State Highway 99 in Texas. It directly affects the Texas Department of Transportation and any entities that might operate toll facilities on these routes. The legislation amends the state Transportation Code to explicitly ban toll collection on the portion of Highway 146 crossing the Houston Ship Channel and the segment of Highway 99 between its intersection with Highway 146 and its crossing of Cedar Bayou. If the bill receives a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, it becomes effective immediately; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 928 requires public Texas colleges and universities to provide students with itemized tuition and fee statements for each semester or term. These statements must show the total amount due and break down tuition charges per course, plus all other fees. The bill directly affects students enrolled at public higher education institutions by mandating clearer billing transparency. It takes effect for the 2025 fall semester, requiring institutions to consolidate tuition charges into a single line item for catalog purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 934 modifies voting eligibility for primaries of Texas political parties whose gubernatorial candidate won at least 7 of the last 10 statewide elections. It requires voters to either have voted in that party's primary within the past two years, hold a valid party affiliation certificate issued before the ballot filing period, or be under 21 years old. The bill applies only to these dominant parties' primaries and does not affect general elections or other parties. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and would directly impact voters seeking to participate in those specific primary elections.

Maddy summaryHB 941 aims to strengthen Texas' electric grid resilience to prevent future widespread outages like those in 2011 and 2021. It directly affects all Texas residents, particularly vulnerable communities including the elderly, low-income households, and areas near chemical plants or refineries that face heightened risks during power failures. The bill focuses on improving weatherization standards for power infrastructure, enhancing grid management systems to handle rolling outages, and ensuring resources are allocated for grid reliability. These measures are intended to protect public health, prevent economic harm, and address environmental risks linked to past grid failures.

Maddy summaryHB 920 exempts sales and use taxes on firearms, ammunition, firearm accessories, and specific firearm safety equipment (like gun safes, locks, and training materials) from Texas sales and use taxes. This directly affects consumers and retailers purchasing these items, removing a tax burden that currently applies. The exemption applies to the sale, storage, use, or consumption of these items, effective September 1, 2025. The bill does not change taxes owed before this date or impact other tax categories.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates Roanoke as Texas' "Official Unique Dining Capital" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It recognizes Roanoke's 60+ restaurants, historic downtown (including Oak Street and National Register buildings), and its reputation as a dining destination attracting visitors from across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The designation is ceremonial and does not create new laws, funding, or obligations; it simply affirms the city's existing culinary identity per Texas Government Code Section 391.003(e). The resolution directly affects Roanoke's public recognition but does not alter any policies or impact specific businesses or residents.

Maddy summaryHB 759 creates a temporary teaching license for educators certified in other states who hold a valid out-of-state teaching credential and a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The license expires one year after issuance (or three years for military spouses) and cannot be renewed. It directly affects educators moving to Texas from other states who meet these requirements but lack Texas certification. The bill replaces existing certification rules for these educators and requires the State Board for Educator Certification to establish implementation rules. This provides a streamlined pathway for qualified out-of-state educators to teach while pursuing full Texas certification.

Maddy summaryHB 706 prohibits Texas state and local governments from enforcing rules, fees, taxes, or mandates from the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations (UN), or World Economic Forum (WEF). It declares these international organizations have no jurisdiction within Texas and blocks their policies from being implemented by the state or its political subdivisions. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025, directly affecting Texas government agencies and local municipalities that might otherwise comply with such international directives. This is a substantive policy change limiting state engagement with specific international bodies.

Maddy summaryHB 529 amends eligibility criteria for a state grant program providing bulletproof vests and body armor to public safety personnel. The bill directly affects law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency responders seeking these safety equipment grants. It modifies specific requirements for applicants, though the exact changes are not detailed in the provided context. The bill is currently pending in the Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs committee.

Maddy summaryHB 515 requires Texas public school districts to adopt written policies banning student use of personal electronic devices (like smartphones) during school hours. Students must store devices in lockable containers provided by the district, with exceptions for medical needs requiring written documentation from a healthcare provider. Districts must also report on policy effectiveness to the Texas Education Agency, including impacts on student behavior, mental health, and feedback from students and staff. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.