Rep. Carrie Isaac

Maddy summaryHB 2215 removes a prohibition on handgun possession for retired attorneys who previously represented the state in legal roles (such as district attorneys or county attorneys). Specifically, it amends the Penal Code to exempt these retired attorneys from handgun possession restrictions if they hold a valid state license to carry a handgun under Texas Government Code Subchapter H. The bill directly affects honorably retired state attorneys who were licensed to carry weapons during their active service. This change aligns their carrying rights with current state attorneys and ensures continuity for retired legal professionals who maintained their licensing. The provision does not create new licensing requirements but clarifies that existing state-licensed retired attorneys may carry handguns without violating Penal Code restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 2458 adds a new defense for people accused of aggravated assault in Texas. It allows a defendant to claim they threatened to use a deadly weapon if two conditions were met: the threat would have been justified under self-defense law (Chapter 9 of the Penal Code), and they reasonably believed the threat was immediately necessary to defend against another person’s unlawful force or deadly force. This defense only applies to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. The bill modifies Texas law to clarify when threatening to use a weapon can be part of a valid self-defense claim in aggravated assault cases.

Maddy summaryHB 3637 allows Texas counties to create property tax exemptions for the portion of a home’s value tied to qualifying water conservation systems, such as rainwater harvesting or graywater systems. Homeowners who install these systems would see reduced property taxes, with the exemption applying to all taxing entities (like cities, school districts, and counties) that collect taxes on the property. The county commissioners court must adopt the exemption via order, and it would only take effect for tax years starting January 1, 2026, if voters approve a related constitutional amendment. This policy directly affects property owners installing eligible systems and the taxing units collecting taxes on those properties.

Maddy summaryHB 170 creates civil immunity for individuals who use or threaten to use force or deadly force that is justified under Texas Penal Code Chapter 9 (e.g., self-defense or defense of others). It protects such individuals from civil lawsuits seeking damages for personal injury or death resulting from their justified actions. The bill also requires courts to award defendants who win immunity claims reasonable attorney fees, court costs, and related expenses. It repeals Section 9.06 of the Penal Code and applies only to cases occurring on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 279 simplifies the approval process for uranium mining permits in Texas by removing the requirement for public hearings on certain applications. It directly affects uranium mining permit holders seeking authorization for specific production zones within existing permits. The bill requires applicants to include groundwater restoration range tables, values at or below established limits, and baseline well data to qualify for this streamlined process. This change applies only to applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, and does not alter environmental standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state and local government employees from distributing voter registration forms to people who did not request them, and bans using public funds to facilitate such unsolicited distribution. Political parties and candidates are exempt from this restriction. The law creates a new criminal offense for violations and takes effect September 1, 2025. It directly affects government workers handling voter registration processes.

Maddy summaryHB 4663 specifies exact routes for permits allowing oversized and overweight vehicles to travel between border crossings and ports in Cameron County (which borders Mexico). It details paths using U.S. Highways 77 and 83, State Highway 4, and Farm-to-Market roads to reach Brownsville Port, Harlingen Port entrances, and Boca Chica Beach. The bill directly affects trucking companies moving large equipment and port authorities in border counties. It formalizes routing requirements for permit issuance under the Texas Transportation Code, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4075 requires judges to change the trial location (venue) in criminal cases where the defendant is or was a peace officer at the time of the alleged offense and is charged with a crime committed while acting in their official capacity. This law directly affects peace officers accused of crimes related to their job duties. The bill mandates venue changes if both conditions are met: the defendant's status as a peace officer and the offense occurring under color of their employment. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with two-thirds support for immediate effect), not to past cases.

Maddy summaryHB 4626 requires Texas municipalities to hold a public hearing at least 90 days before converting municipal properties for homeless housing, with notice mailed to all nearby residents and businesses within a one-mile radius at least 36 hours in advance. It directly affects city councils and local governments planning such conversions, mandating transparency before proceeding. The bill includes an exception for temporary housing during natural disasters or emergencies and allows affected neighbors to seek court orders to stop non-compliant conversions. This law applies only to conversions starting on or after its effective date, which would be September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote.

Maddy summaryHJR 98 is a Texas legislative resolution requesting Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It seeks to propose amendments that would impose spending limits on the federal government, reduce federal power over states, and establish term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. Texas formally applies to Congress to initiate this process, with the resolution intended as a continuing application until at least 34 states (two-thirds) support the same purpose. This is a procedural request - Texas has no authority to create new laws, but aims to join other states in advancing this constitutional mechanism.