Rep. Mihaela Pleșa

Maddy summaryHJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment that would prohibit Texas from imposing state taxes on property transferred after someone's death, including estate, inheritance, or gift taxes. It specifically prevents new taxes on these transfers or increases to existing taxes that were in place before January 1, 2025. Exceptions include taxes on motor vehicle gifts, certain property taxes (ad valorem), and taxes already authorized under existing law. This amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election and would affect anyone transferring property through wills, inheritances, or gifts after the amendment takes effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4442 would require Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to offer an elective mindfulness course for all students in middle school, junior high school, and high school. The course must teach specific techniques to enhance focus, manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and build self-awareness and compassion. High school students would be able to count this course toward their elective credit requirements for graduation. The bill would take effect for the 2026-2027 school year, unless it receives a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, in which case it would take effect immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 2695 increases criminal penalties for drug-related offenses when a social media platform is used to facilitate the delivery of a controlled substance. It applies specifically to offenses under Health and Safety Code sections 481.112, 481.1121, 481.1123, 481.113, 481.114, 481.119, 481.120, or 481.122. If proven at trial, using social media to arrange such drug deliveries elevates the offense to the next higher penalty category, adding five years to first-degree felony sentences and doubling the maximum fine. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and only applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 1579 establishes the Texas State Seal of Bilingualism and Biliteracy for public high school students who demonstrate advanced proficiency in both English and another language. The bill requires the Texas Education Agency to set rigorous, exam-free standards (like project-based assessments) for earning the seal, which schools must then affix to diplomas and note on transcripts. It directly affects public high school students who meet the proficiency requirements, with implementation beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. The seal aims to formally recognize biliteracy skills for employers and colleges without creating new standardized tests.

Maddy summaryHB 1581 requires Texas public school districts to report specific data about bilingual and special language programs in their PEIMS system, including student demographics, instructional model percentages, and students not receiving specialized instruction. It mandates new training for school administrators on bilingual education and dual language immersion programs through the commissioner of education. The bill also establishes requirements for the education agency to monitor these programs, review program requirements to prioritize student needs, and provide technical assistance to districts with deficiencies. These changes apply to all districts offering such programs and take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 168 prohibits marriage for anyone under 18 in Texas, eliminating the previous exception that allowed minors to marry with a court order removing the disabilities of minority. The bill amends the Texas Family Code to require county clerks to deny marriage licenses to minors and declare any marriage entered into by a minor void. This change applies to all marriage applications filed and marriages entered into on or after September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects minors under 18 and their families by ending the ability to marry with court approval under prior law.

Maddy summaryHB 1368 requires Texas public schools (with 10,000+ students) to notify parents in writing if they lack a full-time nurse, school counselor, or librarian for more than 30 consecutive instructional days. Schools must send this notice within 30 days of the absence starting, offering bilingual options for non-English speaking families. The law applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and allows schools to post notices on their websites if accessible via three clicks. It does not apply to schools with fewer than 10,000 students.

Maddy summaryHB 854 requires Texas insurance companies to pay at least 80% of the estimated cost to repair or replace damaged or lost property (including homes, belongings, or condo units) within 30 days of a valid claim, minus the policyholder's deductible. This applies to homeowner, renter, and condominium insurance policies delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. After repairs are completed and the deductible is paid, insurers must cover the remaining balance. The law caps payments at the actual cost to replace property with similar items, preventing overpayment. It affects all Texas residents with these insurance policies who file claims for covered property damage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas health agencies to produce a biennial report (every even-numbered year by December 1) on how mental health beds are allocated across the state's regions. The report must evaluate the current allocation method, show how it has worked in practice, analyze factors affecting bed usage (like local resources and funding), and include recommendations for improvement. It is submitted to the governor, legislature leadership, and relevant committees to inform future decisions about mental health resources. The bill does not change current bed allocation rules but mandates regular assessment of the system's effectiveness.

Maddy summaryHB 2806 increases criminal penalties for dog owners whose dogs cause injury or death through unprovoked attacks. It creates new offenses: a Class B misdemeanor for bodily injury, a third-degree felony for serious injury, and a second-degree felony if death occurs. The bill applies to owners who fail to secure dangerous dogs (as defined by law) or knowingly allow them to attack outside their property. Key provisions include requiring animal control authorities to determine if a dog is "dangerous" after incidents and adding confidentiality protections for witness statements provided during investigations. These changes directly affect dog owners and law enforcement handling dog attack cases under Texas Health and Safety Code.