Rep. Eddie Morales

Maddy summaryHB 3154 creates the Wise Regional Water District to provide water and wastewater services in Wise County, Texas. It grants the district limited power to acquire private land for infrastructure (eminent domain), authority to issue bonds for funding, and the ability to charge fees to users. The bill directly affects participating governments (like cities and counties) that provide utility services within the district's boundaries, requiring them to contract with the district for infrastructure projects. The district must serve public water and wastewater needs across its defined service area, with specific rules for cost-sharing among participating entities.

Maddy summaryHB 2308 establishes the Texas Commission on Border Security and Illegal Immigration as an advisory body composed of 11 members, including legislative leaders, the governor’s designee, and state agency representatives. The commission’s primary duty is to review the economic, legal, cultural, and educational impacts of illegal immigration on Texas and examine state and federal immigration laws. It will conduct this review through quarterly meetings and provide findings to the legislature, though it has no regulatory authority. The bill creates a formal structure for state-level analysis of border-related issues without implementing new enforcement policies. (Bill text: HB 2308, Chapter 330, Texas Government Code)

Maddy summaryHB 3475 authorizes a university system in Texas to establish a public law school in El Paso County, directly affecting the university system and future law students in that region. The bill allows governing boards to create the school, design law degree programs, manage it through existing academic institutions, and accept private or public funding - though establishment depends on available funding. It requires a feasibility study for accreditation, coordination with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and limits the law school to one per state. The bill does not create the school immediately but provides the legal framework for its future establishment.

Maddy summaryHB 1026 requires the Texas Department of Transportation to maintain Farm-to-Market Road 1021 (FM 1021) between Eagle Pass and Laredo in Dimmit, Maverick, and Webb Counties to support both economic development and border security. The bill amends the Transportation Code to mandate that this specific road corridor be kept in a condition suitable for these purposes. It directly affects travelers, local businesses, and border security operations along this route. The requirement takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2230 requires Texas municipalities and county commissioners courts to mandate evacuations of unauthorized people from hazard zones calculated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) during space flight activities. Violating these evacuation orders would be a Class B misdemeanor (Class A for repeat offenses). The bill’s effective date depends on another related bill (S.B. 2188) also passing into law. It creates a legal mechanism to enforce safety zones around space launch sites without specifying new safety protocols or altering FAA regulations.

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 summaryThis bill allows Texas local governments to enter contracts with other local governments, the state, or the federal government for joint water research or planning activities. It clarifies that existing authority for such interlocal agreements now explicitly covers water resource-related projects. The bill does not create new funding or obligations but formally authorizes these collaborations within state law. It directly affects local governments seeking to coordinate water management efforts with other entities.

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.