Rep. Matt Shaheen

Maddy summaryHB 1092 makes it illegal to knowingly produce or distribute deep fake images or videos depicting real people engaging in sexual conduct without their consent, specifically targeting non-consensual sexually explicit content created using AI. It defines "deep fake" as content designed to deceive viewers into believing it shows a real person doing something they did not actually do. The bill increases penalties: most violations become a Class A misdemeanor, but using a deep fake involving a child under 14 years old elevates the offense to a state jail felony. This law directly affects individuals who create or share such deceptive content, particularly when minors are involved. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2918 would end Texas' state lottery commission by requiring its abolition on September 1, 2029, unless extended under the Texas Sunset Act. The bill amends state law to prohibit individuals with financial ties to lottery or bingo industries (like ownership, employment, or lobbying) from serving on the commission or working in key roles. It also bans commission members from participating in state lottery games or accepting benefits from lottery-related businesses. These provisions aim to prevent conflicts of interest as the lottery system is phased out. The bill directly affects the state lottery commission, its members, employees, and businesses regulated by the commission.

Maddy summaryHB 2845 requires medical examiners in Texas to specify "Fentanyl Poisoning" or "Fentanyl Toxicity" on death certificates when fentanyl (Penalty Group 1-B) is found in lethal amounts with autopsy evidence of opioid overdose. For other controlled substances, it mandates "Controlled Substance Overdose" plus the specific drug type if identifiable. This change applies to deaths occurring on or after September 1, 2025, affecting medical examiners who complete death certificates. The bill standardizes documentation for overdose-related deaths without altering drug policies or public health responses.

Maddy summaryHJR 139 proposes a constitutional amendment to abolish the Texas state lottery by removing its current constitutional authorization. It would amend Article III, Section 47 of the Texas Constitution to prohibit all lotteries except those explicitly authorized in specific subsections, effectively eliminating the state lottery's legal basis. The bill also repeals the existing subsection that authorizes the lottery and requires voters to approve the change in a November 2025 election. If approved, this would end the state lottery as a constitutional entity, directly affecting Texas residents who currently participate in or benefit from lottery proceeds.

Maddy summaryHB 2846 prohibits public school instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity for students and establishes a parental grievance process. The bill requires school districts to resolve parent complaints about such instruction within 30 days or provide written explanations, with parents able to sue if unresolved. It also mandates school districts to notify parents about student health services and reinforces parents' rights to discuss their child's well-being. The bill directly affects public school students, parents, and school districts across Texas, creating new administrative requirements and legal remedies for parental concerns.

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 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 2144 requires Texas adoption agencies and the Department of Family and Protective Services to provide prospective adoptive parents with access to a child's non-confidential health, social, educational, and genetic history before adoption placement. The bill mandates that agencies redact social security numbers and protect the identities of biological parents, siblings, and others whose information is confidential under existing law. Prospective adoptive parents must sign a nondisclosure agreement before receiving this information, and agencies must provide it within 90 days of a request. The bill applies directly to adoptive parents and adoption agencies, streamlining access to relevant child history while maintaining confidentiality protections.