Rep. Jay Dean

Maddy summaryHB 17 would prohibit citizens of designated countries (China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or others named by the governor) from purchasing real property in Texas. It creates criminal penalties for violations, making such purchases illegal under state law. Exceptions apply to U.S. citizens, lawful residents, and businesses owned by them. The law would override existing property rights for these foreign buyers, directly affecting individuals and entities from designated countries seeking to buy land in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 4009 would allow employers to offer health benefit plans that exclude certain health benefits required by Texas law (such as coverage for specific services or cost limits), while still requiring these plans to include essential health benefits under federal law. The bill mandates that health insurance companies provide a clear, bold notice in enrollment applications, explaining to employees that the plan may not include state-mandated benefits and could offer fewer benefits than standard plans. This directly affects employers offering such plans, their employees, and health insurance issuers in Texas. The Texas Insurance Commissioner would need to adopt rules to implement the new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4100 protects healthcare providers from retaliation when reporting certain issues related to patient care. It prohibits health care facilities, government entities, or others from taking adverse actions (like termination or demotion) against physicians or providers who report violations such as unsafe treatment practices, public health risks, mismanagement of funds, or abuse of authority. The bill creates a civil remedy, allowing affected providers to sue for damages if retaliation occurs. It applies broadly to all healthcare workers covered under the definition, including nurses, technicians, pharmacists, and medical students. The law aims to encourage reporting of serious concerns without fear of professional consequences.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a property tax benefit for homeowners who move. It would let people reduce the taxable value of their *new* home in the first year they qualify for homestead exemption, based on how much their *old* home's value was limited under current rules. Specifically, the reduction would equal the difference between the old home's capped value (due to Texas's existing homestead value cap) and its actual value in the previous tax year. This applies only to the first tax year after moving to a new residence homestead. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election.

Maddy summaryHB 3538 establishes rules for Texas' Managed Care Consumer Choice Program, affecting health plans (managed care organizations) seeking contracts to provide services under state health programs. It requires plans to first meet certification, financial solvency, and performance standards before contracting with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The bill ensures program recipients (like those in STAR, CHIP, STAR Kids, or STAR+PLUS) can choose any qualified health plan in their area, while outlining consequences like corrective action plans or enrollment suspensions for non-compliant plans. The law applies specifically to these Medicaid programs but excludes the STAR Health program.

Maddy summaryHB 3212 provides property tax relief for Texas homeowners who move to a new primary residence. It allows a reduction in the assessed value of the new home for the first tax year it qualifies for a homestead exemption, equal to the tax savings they previously received on their old home (capped at $500,000). This applies only to homeowners who moved to a new property qualifying for a homestead exemption starting in 2026. The bill requires the previous home’s tax break amount to be calculated and certified by the county appraiser. The policy change takes effect January 1, 2026, contingent on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment.

Maddy summaryHB 3003 amends Texas Penal Code Section 28.03 to criminalize unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, lease, advertising, or conveyance of real property, including removing unauthorized occupants from dwellings. It establishes tiered penalties based on financial damage: Class C misdemeanors for losses under $100 or causing "substantial inconvenience," up to third-degree felonies for losses over $30,000 or specific aggravating factors like damaging livestock fences or disrupting public services. The bill also increases penalties for property damage involving firearms, catalytic converter tampering, or causing livestock deaths. It directly affects individuals who illegally occupy or damage property, with consequences ranging from fines to imprisonment depending on the severity of the violation. The bill is currently in committee referral stage (Trade, Workforce & Economic Development) as of March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2816 protects healthcare providers and facilities from being required to participate in or provide certain health care services that conflict with their sincerely held religious or philosophical beliefs. It defines key terms like "conscience," "health care provider" (including students and non-licensed staff), and "health care service" (covering family planning, abortion-related counseling, and treatment). The bill creates a civil remedy for violations and authorizes disciplinary action against entities that force non-participation in services due to conscience objections. It directly affects hospitals, clinics, pharmacists, and all healthcare workers who may decline services like abortion care or contraception-related counseling. The law aims to prevent adverse actions against providers who refuse such services based on personal beliefs.

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 1335 amends Texas Utilities Code to improve safety for underground utility infrastructure. It expands the definition of "underground facility" to include telecom lines, gas pipelines, water systems, and hazardous liquids. The bill requires large utility operators to annually provide residential customers with safety information about excavation rules and a statewide toll-free number. It also directs the state to manage a call-routing system for the toll-free number and establish public education campaigns about excavation safety.