Rep. Andy Hopper

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to clarify that the Texas Attorney General has equal authority with county or district attorneys to prosecute criminal violations of state election laws. It would amend Article IV, Section 22 of the Texas Constitution to explicitly grant the Attorney General "concurrent jurisdiction" in such cases. If approved by voters in the 2026 election, this change would directly affect how election-related criminal cases are handled across Texas, ensuring the state attorney general can participate alongside local prosecutors. The amendment does not create new election crimes but specifies existing prosecutorial authority.

Maddy summaryHB 11 requires the Texas Attorney General to prosecute criminal offenses related to election laws, shifting responsibility from local prosecutors to the state level. It mandates that law enforcement agencies report such offenses to the Attorney General and obligates local prosecutors to provide requested information and assist in prosecutions. The Attorney General may also direct local district attorneys to either prosecute these cases or support the state's efforts. These changes apply only to offenses committed after the bill's effective date, which is set for 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryHB 213 clarifies the organizational structure of the Texas State Guard by defining the "Director" as the military commander responsible for leading and managing the Texas State Guard, reporting directly to the governor. The bill specifies that the Adjutant General (who leads the Texas National Guard) does not have command authority over the Texas State Guard, ensuring the two entities operate separately. It requires the governor to appoint the Texas State Guard Director for a two-year term with qualifications similar to those for the Adjutant General. This change strengthens the Texas State Guard's direct accountability to the governor while separating its authority from the Texas National Guard.

Maddy summaryHB 173 prohibits political subdivisions (like cities, counties, or school districts) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that primarily represent such entities and hire lobbyists. It specifically bans spending public money to: (1) contract with registered lobbyists, or (2) support organizations that hire registered lobbyists for legislative advocacy. Exceptions include activities by sheriffs' associations, employees providing basic information to legislators, or nonprofits offering bill tracking or non-lobbying legislative services. The bill allows taxpayers to seek court injunctions and recover legal fees if a subdivision violates these restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 164 creates a commission to study alternative tax methods that could replace revenue lost by local governments if property taxes are abolished. The commission, composed of the comptroller, legislative appointees, and public members, must report its findings - including legislative recommendations - by December 1, 2026. This bill does not change tax policy but authorizes a study to explore potential replacements for property tax revenue. It expires on September 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHJR 20 proposes a constitutional amendment to end most property taxes (ad valorem taxes) imposed by local governments like cities and counties after January 1, 2030. It allows limited continuation of these taxes *only* to repay bonds issued before that date that were secured by property tax revenue. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in a May 2, 2026, election, with a ballot asking voters to support "the constitutional amendment to abolish ad valorem taxes." If passed, this would significantly alter how local governments fund services by eliminating a primary revenue source.

Maddy summaryHB 163 defines an unborn child as a human being from fertilization until birth for legal purposes, requiring Texas criminal and civil laws to apply equally to unborn children as to born individuals. The bill repeals existing laws that permitted "prenatal homicide" (harming an unborn child without criminal penalty) and that could be interpreted as allowing pressure on pregnant women to obtain abortions. It adds exceptions for lifesaving medical procedures to save a pregnant mother's life (when steps are taken to save the unborn child) and for spontaneous miscarriages. This would change how offenses against unborn children are treated in Texas courts, including in criminal prosecutions for causing harm or death.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a 35% property tax exemption for landowners in designated priority groundwater management areas who do not irrigate their land. To qualify, the land must be at least half an acre (excluding structures), located in a priority groundwater management area, and not subject to other tax appraisal categories. The exemption applies to the appraised value of qualifying land and would take effect January 1, 2026, contingent on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment. It directly affects agricultural and landowners in specific groundwater regions who maintain non-irrigated parcels.

Maddy summaryHJR 16 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a property tax exemption for certain landowners. It would authorize exempting up to 35% of the appraised value of non-irrigated land (at least half an acre) located in designated "priority groundwater management areas." The exemption would apply to land not subject to other appraisal laws, with the legislature defining the specific groundwater areas and additional eligibility rules. This amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election before taking effect.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would give Texas' Attorney General concurrent authority with county and district attorneys to prosecute criminal violations of election laws. It specifically adds a provision to the state constitution stating the AG "shall have concurrent jurisdiction" to handle these cases alongside local prosecutors. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2025 election to take effect. This change directly affects how election-related criminal cases are handled across Texas, clarifying the AG's role in enforcing election law violations.