Rep. Andy Hopper

Maddy summaryHB 4429 designates a specific segment of U.S. Highway 281 in Blanco and Burnet Counties - between State Highway 71 and Ranch Road 962 - as the Muckleroy Family Memorial Highway. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the designated segment and at appropriate intermediate locations along the highway. This is a commemorative designation with no new policy or funding requirements; it solely names the highway segment for recognition. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after receiving gubernatorial approval.

Maddy summarySB 826 increases penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) in school crossing zones by reclassifying such offenses as state jail felonies instead of misdemeanors. It directly affects drivers operating vehicles in designated school crossing zones during reduced speed limits (as defined in Transportation Code §541.302) while intoxicated. The bill amends Texas Penal Code §49.04 to impose this stricter penalty when the violation occurs in these zones during active school crossing hours. This change applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 965 protects public school employees in Texas (including teachers and staff) from being restricted from engaging in religious speech or prayer during work hours. It prohibits school districts or charter schools from infringing on this right unless they have a compelling state interest that cannot be achieved through less restrictive means. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies directly to all public school employees in Texas. This is a policy change that defines when schools may limit religious expression, not a requirement for employees to engage in it.

Maddy summaryHB 3629 prohibits individuals required to register as sex offenders under Texas law from serving on the board of trustees of an independent school district. It directly affects sex offenders who might seek or hold such board positions. The bill amends the Education Code to add explicit ineligibility language (Section 11.061(b-1)), requiring candidates to acknowledge this restriction and banning service for those on the sex offender registry. The law took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2560 creates the "Adopt-a-County Road" program, allowing Texas county commissioners courts to partner with donors who fund repairs and maintenance for specific county road sections. Donors receive public recognition through signs installed by the county, and the program requires counties to set minimum donation amounts for recognition. Funds collected under this program must be used exclusively for the designated road section, including maintenance activities outlined in existing transportation codes. The law took effect on September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 9 requires magistrates to document in writing within 24 hours if they determine no probable cause exists for an arrest. It mandates a detailed public safety report for bail decisions, including defendants' criminal history, pending charges, previous failures to appear, and violence-related offenses. The bill also regulates charitable bail organizations and updates procedures for setting bail conditions. These changes directly affect defendants, magistrates, and charitable bail organizations by standardizing information used in pretrial release decisions.

Maddy summarySJR 5 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow judges to deny bail to individuals accused of certain violent or sexual offenses punishable as first-degree felonies, or continuous human trafficking. It directly affects people facing these specific charges by requiring judges to find, by clear and convincing evidence, that bail would not ensure court appearance or community safety. Key provisions include mandating written orders with specific findings for bail denials and requiring judges to consider standard bail factors under existing law. The amendment must be approved by voters in November 2025 to take effect, as it is a proposed constitutional change rather than an immediate law.

Maddy summaryHR 170 is a memorial resolution honoring Jill Diane Warrington Glover of Double Oak, Texas, who passed away on January 14, 2024. The resolution recognizes her life as a civic leader, psychology professional, educator, and conservative activist who served as precinct chair, Republican Party committee chair, and advocated for legislation banning pediatric gender modification in Texas. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; instead, it formally commemorates her contributions and extends condolences to her family. This procedural resolution was adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on June 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 402 allows Texas property owners to request that their ad valorem (property) tax refunds be mailed to a different address than the one listed on the appraisal roll. Property owners must submit a written request using a form provided by the comptroller before the refund is issued, and the tax collector must then send the refund to the requested address. The bill requires the form to include a warning about penalties for false statements under Texas law. This change applies only to requests filed on or after September 1, 2025, with older requests following prior rules.

Maddy summarySB 1173 reduces the threshold requiring competitive procurement for Texas school districts, municipalities, and counties from $100,000 to $50,000 for most contracts. It applies to purchases of goods and services (excluding produce/fuel for schools and sole-supplier items), mandating methods like competitive bidding, sealed proposals, or reverse auctions. The bill clarifies that purchases from a single supplier aren’t subject to these rules and prohibits splitting contracts to avoid the threshold. This procedural change affects all local government spending above $50,000, effective September 1, 2025.