Rep. Matt Shaheen

Maddy summaryHB 2155 would ban the sale, transfer, or delivery of consumable hemp products (such as CBD-infused food, drinks, or skincare) in Texas. It defines these as products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids (like CBD) but explicitly excludes low-THC cannabis regulated under separate law. Selling or delivering such products would be classified as a Class B misdemeanor. This directly affects businesses selling CBD-infused consumables, including edibles, beverages, and topical products.

Maddy summaryHB 2162 amends Texas Tax Code Section 151.304 to clarify that certain private firearm sales by individuals qualify as "occasional sales," exempting them from sales and use taxes. It specifically defines an "occasional sale" for firearms as one where the seller: (1) personally owned the firearm for personal use, (2) holds no seller permit, (3) doesn’t use brokers (except online), and (4) limits annual firearm sales to $6,000. This directly affects private sellers (not licensed dealers) who meet these criteria, allowing them to avoid sales tax on qualifying transactions. The bill does not change tax rates but adjusts the exemption rules for individual firearm sales.

Maddy summaryHB 1830 changes tenure policies for faculty at Texas public universities. It prohibits new appointments from receiving tenure or permanent employment status after September 1, 2025, though faculty already granted tenure before that date remains protected. The bill requires institutions to develop policies allowing dismissal of tenured faculty only after due process for specific issues like professional incompetence or policy violations. It also mandates that universities support faculty involved in teacher residency programs and elevate teaching's professional status at K-12 levels. The bill directly affects new faculty hires at all 15 Texas public universities and their tenure eligibility.

Maddy summaryHR 514 is a Texas House resolution designating April 2025 as Landscape Architecture Month. It commemorates the 125th anniversary of the American Society of Landscape Architects and acknowledges the profession's contributions to sustainable community design, environmental stewardship, and creating accessible public spaces like parks and green infrastructure. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but symbolically recognizes landscape architects' work in shaping communities and addressing climate challenges. It was introduced by Representative Shaheen and adopted by the Texas House of Representatives in March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2173 requires social media platforms operating in Texas to display a warning label on their landing page each time a user opens the platform. The label must address the association between minors' social media use and significant mental health issues. The executive commissioner will establish the label's specific content and format by January 2026, with platforms required to comply starting March 2026. This law directly affects social media platforms serving Texas users, not individual minors or parents. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1829 establishes a cap on property taxes for certain homeowners in Texas. It limits the total annual ad valorem taxes that counties, cities, or junior college districts can impose on the primary residences of disabled individuals or those aged 65+ (and their surviving spouses) to the amount charged in the first tax year they qualified for the existing homestead exemption under Section 11.13(c) of the Tax Code. The bill prevents these taxing units from raising taxes above that initial amount for subsequent years, even if property values increase. This directly affects eligible homeowners by protecting them from future tax hikes on their primary residences. The bill amends Section 11.261 of the Tax Code to implement this limitation.

Maddy summaryHB 2154 amends Texas law to clarify the definition of "private place" for gambling offense purposes in the Penal Code. It explicitly excludes locations like streets, restaurants, nightclubs, commercial gaming enterprises (including for-profit poker clubs and card rooms), and common areas of hotels or apartment buildings from being considered "private places." This definition change affects how gambling offenses are legally categorized, particularly in venues that operate as commercial gaming businesses. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 2079 repeals a requirement in Texas law that forced school districts to reduce their local revenue levels when those levels exceeded state entitlements. This bill directly affects Texas school districts, particularly those with home-rule status, by removing a specific provision (previously listed as subsection (R) in Section 12.013(b) of the Education Code) related to Chapter 49's revenue rules. The key mechanism is the deletion of language that previously mandated districts to adjust local revenue above entitlement levels. This change simplifies compliance for school districts regarding revenue management without altering state funding formulas. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on repealing this specific administrative requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 1806 prohibits Texas governmental entities (like cities, counties, or state agencies) from using public funds to support abortion-related services. It specifically bans taxpayer money from covering costs for travel, lodging, childcare, food, or counseling that helps individuals obtain an abortion or access abortion providers. The bill defines "abortion assistance entities" broadly to include groups providing financial aid, travel planning, or abortion-inducing drugs, and "abortion providers" as facilities performing over 50 abortions annually. This law directly affects government agencies and any organization receiving public funds that facilitates abortion access. The bill does not apply to federal programs conflicting with its provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that limits property tax increases on primary residences (homesteads) for disabled individuals or those aged 65+ and their surviving spouses. It prohibits local governments (counties, cities, school districts) from raising taxes on these homesteads once the owner qualifies for the exemption, except for increases due to major improvements beyond basic repairs. Surviving spouses aged 55+ who qualify for the exemption retain this tax protection. As a constitutional amendment proposal, it requires voter approval after legislative passage.