Rep. Jay Dean

Maddy summaryHB 119 requires local governments to obtain voter approval before increasing local tax rates in response to a declared disaster. This means that after a disaster (like a hurricane or flood) is officially recognized, any proposed tax hike must be approved by residents through a public vote. The bill directly affects local governments and voters in affected communities, as it mandates public consent for these specific tax changes. It applies only to tax rate increases tied to disaster declarations, not routine local tax adjustments.

Maddy summaryHB 118's bill text is not available in the provided context (only the title and filing date are included). The title indicates it relates to using certain federal funds for property tax refunds to Texas homestead owners, but without the full text, specific provisions or mechanisms cannot be described. As the bill was filed on July 17, 2025, it is still in early stages with no further details available. A complete summary requires the full bill text or additional context.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 116 is not currently available in the provided context. The title indicates it relates to tax changes (repealing or limiting certain state/local taxes, including school district ad valorem taxes), enacting value-added taxes, and school finance reform, but no specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties are described in the accessible content. Without the full bill text or detailed summary, a factual policy description cannot be provided. The bill was filed on July 17, 2025, but no further details are available.

Maddy summaryHB 32, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires that certain facilities - such as restrooms, locker rooms, and family violence shelters - be designated and used based on biological sex, defined as the physical condition of being male or female at birth as determined by sex organs, chromosomes, and original birth records. The law applies to correctional facilities, family violence shelters, institutions of higher education, local governments (political subdivisions), and state agencies. It authorizes civil penalties for violations and creates a private right of action, allowing individuals to file lawsuits if they believe the law has been breached. The bill does not apply to state agencies as political subdivisions but covers them separately under the law's definition of "state agency."

Maddy summaryHB 84 authorizes Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin for human use without a doctor's prescription, directly affecting pharmacists and patients seeking this medication. The bill requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order with standardized protocols for pharmacists, including patient instructions and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. It also provides legal protection for pharmacists who follow the order, shielding them from liability or disciplinary action. The commissioner must issue this order within 91 days after the legislative session ends, implementing the policy changes outlined in the new Health and Safety Code section.

Maddy summaryHB 5659 requires the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District to hold public hearings and obtain approval from a majority of cities that appoint its directors before entering water transfer contracts or seeking permits from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The bill mandates that the District's Board provide public notice of these hearings following standard meeting notice procedures. It directly affects the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District and the cities with voting rights on its Board. The law adds procedural safeguards to water transfer decisions, ensuring public input and local government approval before such transfers proceed.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 recognizes physical gold and silver coins meeting specific weight and purity standards as legal tender in Texas for debt payments, while prohibiting government markings except for identifying refiners. It authorizes the state comptroller to establish electronic payment systems backed by bullion held in depositories, allowing transactions using gold/silver-based currency. The bill explicitly states it does not replace U.S. dollars, restrict federal currency, or require businesses to accept gold/silver tender. It also permits the comptroller to set reasonable administrative fees for the system. This law applies to Texas residents and businesses using the state-administered electronic currency system, operating alongside existing federal currency.

Maddy summarySB 38 amends Texas Property Code to clarify procedures for eviction lawsuits involving tenants who lack legal right to occupy property. It specifies that justice courts must handle eviction cases in the precinct where the property is located, with limited circumstances allowing case transfers to adjacent precincts (e.g., if service delays occur or trials cannot be scheduled within 21 days). The bill prohibits courts from charging additional filing or service fees when transferring cases and explicitly states that eviction courts cannot rule on property title disputes or allow separate claims against third parties. This affects landlords and tenants involved in eviction proceedings by streamlining court processes and limiting judicial overreach.

Maddy summaryHB 43 amends Texas law to update the definition of "agricultural business" in the Agriculture Code, explicitly including rural recreational businesses (like hiking or fishing on farmland) and nonprofit land conservation groups. It also revises the composition of the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority's board, requiring the governor to appoint nine members with specific representation: two young farmers/ranchers, two representatives from rural entities (chambers, trade associations), and others with agricultural lending expertise. These changes directly affect entities applying for the Authority's loan and grant programs, such as farmers, ranchers, rural tourism businesses, and conservation nonprofits. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, after passing both chambers unanimously.

Maddy summaryThis bill bars community supervision for individuals convicted of stalking by adding it to a list of offenses where such supervision is unavailable. It specifically targets convictions under Penal Code Section 42.072 (stalking) and explicitly excludes it from eligibility under Article 42A.053 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. As a result, judges must impose prison sentences instead of community supervision for stalking convictions, aligning it with other serious offenses like aggravated sexual assault. The law became effective September 1, 2025.