Rep. Carrie Isaac

Maddy summaryHB 2333 removes time limits for prosecuting felony offenses related to elections in Texas, meaning these crimes can be prosecuted without a deadline. The bill amends Article 12.01 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to include election-related felonies under the list of offenses with no statute of limitations. This directly affects individuals accused of election-related crimes, such as fraud or tampering, by ensuring they can be prosecuted regardless of when the offense occurred. The change applies to any felony offense connected to an election conducted in Texas, as specified in the bill's title.

Maddy summaryHB 3009 expands Texas' Department of Public Safety database to include individuals convicted of two or more specific violent offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code §§ 22.01, 22.02) or offenses involving force/deadly force, and non-citizens unlawfully present in the U.S. who have two or more such convictions. The bill requires the database to include full names, aliases, dates of birth, physical descriptions, conviction details, and for non-citizens, their last known location. It mandates that the DPS add historical data for qualifying offenders convicted before the law's effective date (by January 1, 2026), unless the individual would be removed from the database under existing rules. This affects law enforcement agencies and individuals with multiple violent offense convictions who meet the expanded criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 2702 prohibits governors from restricting the operations or hours of veteran-focused organizations during a declared state of disaster. Specifically, it amends Texas Government Code Section 418.012 to exclude organizations exempt under IRS 501(c)(19) (which benefit veterans) from operational restrictions in executive orders, except during natural disasters. The law applies only to disaster declarations made on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote). It directly affects veteran service organizations that rely on state disaster declarations for operational continuity. The bill does not change existing rules for natural disasters.

Maddy summaryHB 139 creates a new category of employer-sponsored health benefit plans that may exclude certain state-mandated health benefits, while still requiring coverage for federal essential health benefits. It requires health benefit plan issuers to offer these "employer choice of benefits plans" and mandates clear written notice to enrollees at the start of enrollment documents. The notice must explicitly state that the plan may exclude standard Texas-mandated benefits and provide fewer benefits than typical plans, with bold text highlighting this choice. The bill establishes definitions and rules for these plans under Texas Insurance Code Chapter 1506. This directly affects employers offering health benefits and employees choosing their coverage options.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows specific Texas municipalities to use hotel and convention center tax revenue for related projects. It applies only to cities meeting detailed criteria, such as having populations over 95,000, bordering lakes like Lewisville, or containing designated landmarks like the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. The law specifies which cities qualify based on population thresholds, geographic features, or county characteristics outlined in the Tax Code. These qualifying municipalities can now pledge the tax revenue to fund obligations connected to their hotel and convention center developments.

Maddy summaryHB 638 requires certain water districts (under Water Code Chapters 36, 49, or 60) to record audio and video of their regular open meetings and specific work sessions or special meetings where voting occurs or public comment is taken. These recordings must be made available online in an archived format. The law applies only to meetings held on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect meetings held before that date. This bill directly impacts larger water districts by mandating public access to their meeting recordings online.

Maddy summaryHB 370 amends Texas law to restrict eligibility for funding from the Events Trust Fund. It prohibits funding for events that allow biological males to compete in sports designated for female athletes. The bill defines "biological male" using official birth certificates or government records stating biological sex, requiring statements entered near birth or corrected for clerical errors. This applies only to events seeking trust fund support and does not affect biological males serving as coaches or support staff. The policy change directly affects sports events applying for state funding under the Events Trust Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 4045 modifies how Texas allocates low-income housing tax credits by changing scoring rules for applications. It requires the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to automatically award maximum points in one scoring category if local governments (cities or counties) fail to submit written support or opposition for a project. For applications with resolutions, the department will assign positive points for supportive votes, negative points for opposition, and zero points for neutral positions. This applies only to applications submitted during 2026 or later allocation cycles, not earlier ones.

Maddy summaryHJR 112 proposes adding a new section to the Texas Constitution that affirms parents' inherent right to make decisions about their children's upbringing, including care, custody, and control. It would limit state interference with this right unless the government proves the interference is essential for a compelling interest and narrowly tailored to achieve it. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 2025 election, with the ballot phrasing "The constitutional amendment establishing parents as the primary decision-makers for their children." This would directly affect all Texas parents and state agencies involved in child welfare decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 3138 prevents Texas municipalities and counties from regulating firearm transfers, possession, storage, transportation, licensing, registration, or sales of firearms, air guns, archery equipment, or related accessories. It specifically bans local rules on ammunition commerce, discharge at shooting ranges, and requires liability insurance for firearm use. Exceptions allow limited local control over discharge within city limits (not at ranges), zoning, explosive storage (up to 25 lbs black powder per residence), and carry restrictions at public parks, events, or government meetings. The bill directly limits local government authority over these firearm-related matters.