Rep. David Spiller

Maddy summarySB 2007 allows Texas vehicle registration applicants to voluntarily indicate if they are a member of the U.S. armed forces. When disclosed, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles must include this military status in the vehicle's registration records and any related reports released by the department. The bill applies directly to military members registering or renewing vehicle registration in Texas. It does not create new benefits or requirements but adds a disclosure option to existing registration processes, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1855 requires developers to attach a certification to land subdivision plans (plats) for properties relying on groundwater beneath the land. This certification must be prepared by a licensed Texas engineer or geoscientist and confirm adequate groundwater availability, following rules set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Municipalities and county commissioners courts must disapprove any plat lacking this certification. The bill directly affects subdivision developers, local governments reviewing land divisions, and the TCEQ, which establishes the standards for acceptable groundwater evidence.

Maddy summaryHB 1399 creates a property tax exemption for animal feed held by owners for retail sale in Texas. It directly affects agricultural retailers and feed suppliers who currently pay ad valorem (property) taxes on inventory. The bill exempts this inventory from property tax if it's already exempt from sales/use taxes under existing law. The exemption applies only to tax years starting January 1, 2026, but only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment in the November 2025 election. If the amendment fails, the bill has no effect.

Maddy summaryHB 22 exempts intangible personal property (such as stocks, bonds, and intellectual property) from Texas property taxes. It removes previous exceptions that required certain intangible assets to be taxed, making all such property fully exempt under the Tax Code. This change directly affects owners of intangible assets and counties that previously collected taxes on these items. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, applying only to tax years beginning after that date.

Maddy summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

Maddy summaryHB 2018 amends Texas law to clarify and strengthen the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program. It defines "agricultural conservation easement" to specifically include protecting water quality, wildlife habitat, rare plants, and preventing land fragmentation. The bill gives the Parks and Wildlife Council new authority to adopt rules, accept donations, establish fee structures, and create protocols for purchasing easements. It prioritizes grant applications that protect agricultural productivity on land at risk of development. The changes affect Texas farmers/ranchers seeking conservation easements and the state program administering these conservation efforts.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 791), not a substantive bill. It honors Deubrella Burt Horton of Jack County, Texas, who passed away on March 10, 2025, at age 90. The resolution pays tribute to her life, family, career as an administrative professional, and community involvement, including her service at the Jack County courthouse. It was adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on May 23, 2025, as a formal expression of sympathy to her family and recognition of her contributions.

Maddy summaryHR 902 is a commemorative resolution honoring Chief Steven Bryce Newkirk of the San Saba Police Department, who died on April 11, 2025. The resolution pays tribute to his 30+ years of service in law enforcement, his family life, and his contributions to the community, extending condolences to his family. As a non-binding memorial measure, it does not create new laws or affect any policies. The Texas House of Representatives adopted this resolution unanimously on May 23, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1524 prohibits child-placing agencies and state departments from requiring foster homes to disclose specific types of firearms present in their homes or to report changes in firearm types. It also restricts agencies from using any existing firearm information for purposes beyond verifying weapon presence, and mandates that such information remains confidential under Texas law. Violations by agencies could result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per incident, enforceable by the attorney general. The bill directly affects foster care agencies, state departments, and foster parents by limiting how firearm information is handled and shared. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Texas concurrent resolution urges Congress to preserve Sections 45U, 45Y, and 48E of the federal tax code, which provide tax incentives for nuclear and natural gas energy projects. It directly addresses Texas' energy sector, which relies on these provisions to maintain existing operations and support new development, employing over 12,000 workers in nuclear/gas plants and supplying nearly half the state's electricity. The resolution requests Congress preserve these tax incentives to sustain affordable energy production and Texas' leadership in electricity generation.