Rep. Eddie Morales

Maddy summaryThis bill allows small Texas cities (population 9,000 or less) in counties under 6,200 square miles with council-manager government to switch their general election date to the standard November election. Cities must make this change by December 31, 2026, and the option expires January 1, 2027. It applies only to cities currently holding elections on a date other than November. The bill does not affect larger cities or counties, nor does it change voting rules for existing election dates.

Maddy summaryHB 1738 repeals the criminal penalty for homosexual conduct (previously codified in Section 21.06 of the Penal Code). It simultaneously amends health education requirements in Texas schools to mandate that materials for minors include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law. The bill affects public school health curricula for students under 18, requiring this specific language to be included in sexual education programs. The legislation passed the Texas legislature on May 16, 2025, and would take effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summaryHB 4991 requires attorneys working with Texas public officials or governmental bodies to complete mandatory training on open meetings and public information laws. Attorneys must finish this training within 10 days of starting their role, and cannot be paid for the training time unless they are government employees. Public information coordinators must complete similar training within 90 days of taking their position. The bill applies to all attorneys assisting with compliance under Texas Government Code Chapters 551 (open meetings) and 552 (public information), with existing attorneys required to complete training by October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3006 requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to install climate control systems in specific areas of its facilities - including housing, medical treatment areas, dining spaces, and inmate hygiene zones - to maintain temperatures between 65°F and 85°F. The law mandates a phased implementation over eight years (phases ending in 2028, 2030, and 2032), with each phase costing no more than $100 million, using competitive bidding for contractors. TDCJ must prioritize efficient use of state funds when selecting systems and contractors. This bill directly affects inmates, staff, and visitors at all TDCJ facilities requiring new or upgraded climate systems.

Maddy summarySB 922 requires healthcare providers to wait until the third business day after a sensitive medical test result is finalized before disclosing it electronically to patients or their representatives. Sensitive results include pathology/radiology reports indicating possible cancer or genetic test results. The law, effective September 1, 2025, applies to electronic disclosures via patient portals or email but does not impose penalties for non-compliance. This directly affects doctors, hospitals, and health systems using electronic health records to share patient information.

Maddy summaryHB 3849 creates a new program category within Texas' unified transportation program specifically for border security projects. It requires the Transportation Commission to establish this category for projects that either improve security for goods movement across international border crossings or reduce congestion near border crossings within 60 miles. The bill also mandates that the legislature must make a specific funding appropriation to implement this new category. This change affects transportation projects near Texas' international border crossings and alters how such projects are categorized and funded.

Maddy summaryHB 4891 requires operators of commercial facilities that dispose of oil and gas waste in Texas to maintain a financial guarantee (like a bond) to ensure proper operation and closure. It directly affects companies running such disposal facilities, with specific requirements based on their activities - requiring a $25,000 guarantee for most non-well-related operations, while exempting certain pits used with individual oil/gas leases. The bill amends state law to mandate these financial guarantees, with proceeds from the guarantees funding the oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund. This is a regulatory measure focused on financial accountability for waste disposal, not a procedural or commemorative resolution.

Maddy summaryHB 188 changes how Texas severance tax revenue is allocated, redirecting funds currently designated for the Texas STRONG defense fund (which supports oil and gas industry-related expenses) to the economic stabilization fund starting September 1, 2037. It amends specific sections of the Government Code to adjust these allocations, with the current system expiring in 2036. This directly affects two state funds: the Texas STRONG defense fund and the economic stabilization fund. The bill ensures a structured transition of funding from industry-specific reserves to a general economic buffer fund, effective after 2036.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

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.