Rep. Mihaela Pleșa

Maddy summaryHB 3511 allows electric vehicle owners in Texas to connect their vehicles to the power grid and sell stored electricity back to the grid, earning credits for supplying power during peak times. It requires the Texas Utility Commission to establish safety and technical standards based on existing industry codes (like UL and NEC) and create a program enabling EVs to participate in grid services through utilities. This directly affects EV owners, electric utilities, and ERCOT market operators by integrating vehicles as grid assets. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1232 amends Texas Government Code Section 554.002 to strengthen whistleblower protections for public employees. It explicitly prohibits state or local governments from taking adverse actions (like termination or suspension) against employees who in good faith report violations of law to law enforcement authorities - whether the violation involves their own employer, another public employee, or an elected official. The bill directly affects public employees in Texas state and local government who report suspected legal violations. It takes effect on September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote for immediate implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 4116 requires Texas child welfare agencies to provide written information to relatives or designated caregivers when a child is placed with them. The bill mandates that caregivers receive clear details about becoming a licensed foster parent, financial differences between unverified and licensed status, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and other available financial benefits. This policy directly affects relatives and designated caregivers of children in foster care by improving their access to resources and financial support options. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and aims to clarify pathways for caregivers to access additional assistance.

Maddy summaryThe context provided does not include the full text or content of HB 341. The bill description only states it relates to a study by the Texas Department of Transportation on traffic collisions involving bicycles, electric bicycles, or motor-assisted scooters, but no specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties are detailed in the available information. Without access to the bill's text or a complete summary, a factual description of its policy changes cannot be provided. The bill is currently pending in committee as of April 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain Texas state governmental bodies to hold closed meetings when deliberating specific defense, military, or aerospace issues. It covers matters involving the U.S. Department of Defense or NASA considering facilities in Texas, or economic incentives for private entities tied to federal defense programs. The law modifies existing open meeting requirements to permit these closed sessions for the defined topics, without requiring public discussion.

Maddy summaryHJR 72 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a property tax exemption for the primary residence of an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability. This exemption would apply only if the disabled adult is related to the property owner or trustee within the third degree of blood relation (e.g., cousins or closer). The exemption amount would match the existing homestead tax break for primary residences. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2025 election.

Maddy summaryHB 1495 protects personal information collected during Texas jury selection by making it confidential. It prohibits courts, parties, attorneys, or court staff from disclosing specific details like home addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, or juror questionnaire responses. Disclosure is only allowed if a party or media member obtains court approval showing "good cause." The law applies only to individuals reporting for jury duty on or after September 1, 2025. This directly affects Texas residents summoned for jury service by safeguarding their sensitive personal data.

Maddy summaryHB 2798 requires virtual currency kiosk operators in Texas to provide clear, plain-language disclosures about key risks before any transaction. These disclosures must cover five specific risks: virtual currency isn't government-backed or insured, transactions may not be recorded immediately on public ledgers, value depends on market demand (risking total loss), and customers aren't obligated to accept virtual currency as payment. The bill also authorizes a fee for these kiosk operations, though the exact amount isn't specified in the provided text. This law directly affects businesses operating physical kiosks that exchange virtual currency for cash or other assets.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1507) requires Texas public institutions of higher education to waive tuition and laboratory fees for firefighters enrolled in fire science curriculum courses. It directly affects paid firefighters employed by state political subdivisions and qualifying volunteer firefighters who meet specific requirements: attending 20+ annual training hours approved by the State Firefighters' Association, supporting 25% of department emergencies, and holding either Accredited Advanced or Phase V fire service certification. The exemption applies only to fire science courses, not all programs, and takes effect for the 2025 fall semester. Existing fee policies continue to apply for academic periods before this effective date.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 77) urges the U.S. Department of State and the International Boundary and Water Commission to ensure Mexico complies with the 1944 Treaty on shared water resources from the Rio Grande. It specifically addresses Mexico's failure to deliver the treaty-mandated minimum of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually (averaged over five years), leaving a current deficit of 984,814 acre-feet. The resolution highlights that Texas communities, agriculture, and industries - relying heavily on Rio Grande water - face economic harm due to these shortfalls, including lost crops, closed facilities, and higher water costs. It does not create new law but formally requests federal action to enforce the existing treaty.