Rep. Mary González

Maddy summaryHB 213 amends Texas education law to include chronically absent students (those missing significant school days) in the official definition of "students at risk of dropping out." This change directly affects school districts, which must now collect and report data on chronically absent students to the state. The bill adds chronic absenteeism as a specific criterion under the existing "at-risk" definition, requiring schools to track and document students missing many days. This policy change ensures schools systematically identify and support students whose attendance patterns signal potential disengagement, with data submitted through the state's education management system.

Maddy summaryBased on the provided context, no substantive bill text or summary is available for HB 2433. The bill title indicates it relates to hotel occupancy tax collection by accommodations intermediaries (like online booking platforms), but the actual provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties are not described in the materials provided. The "Bill Text" section states it is "not currently available" and directs users to a PDF that is also unavailable. Without the full text or a substantive summary, a factual description of the bill's policy changes cannot be generated.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill (HB 4901) requires app stores (like Apple App Store or Google Play) operating in Texas to verify users' ages and categorize them into four groups: child (<13), younger teen (13-15), older teen (16-17), and adult (18+). For minors (under 18), it mandates parental consent by linking accounts to a parent or guardian aged 18 or older. App stores must use reasonable methods to confirm age during account creation. The law directly affects app platforms and users under 18 in Texas, with no voting record available as the bill remains pending in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 422 reduces the annual bond limit for water projects in Texas economically distressed areas from $100 million to $25 million. It directly affects water supply and sewer projects in these areas by limiting the Texas Water Development Board's ability to issue bonds for such initiatives. The key provision amends the Water Code to cap dedicated bonds under Section 17.0111 at $25 million annually, while maintaining a separate $50 million cap for other bond types. This change restricts funding availability for infrastructure development in underserved communities. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 365 amends the Texas Water Code to increase the maximum amount of non-repayable financial assistance the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) can provide to local governments in economically distressed areas. The bill raises the cap from 70% to 90% of the total principal amount of state-issued bonds (plus outstanding interest) authorized for water development projects under Article III of the Texas Constitution. This change allows the TWDB to grant more funding without requiring repayment, potentially expanding support for water infrastructure in struggling communities. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5272 creates a franchise tax credit for Texas businesses that operate licensed on-site child-care centers exclusively for their employees' children. Businesses qualify if the center is located at or near the workplace and meets licensing requirements. The credit covers 30% of the center's net operating costs (or 35% if certified in the Texas Rising Star Program), with a one-time 20% credit on construction costs for new centers. Annual credit limits cap at $100,000 or $250,000 depending on the business's total franchise tax liability.

Maddy summaryHB 5275 requires Texas public postsecondary institutions to update their emergency plans to ensure equal safety for individuals with disabilities during emergencies. Specifically, it mandates that institutions implement plans addressing evacuation assistance, include mandatory emergency drills, and coordinate with local emergency services. The bill also requires institutions to install emergency evacuation assistance devices on every floor of multi-story campus buildings to support individuals needing mobility assistance. These requirements apply directly to students, faculty, and guests with disabilities at public colleges and universities across Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 5262 establishes a 13-member School Health and Related Services Program Advisory Council to advise Texas school districts and state agencies. The council includes representatives from the Texas Education Agency, school districts (with specific enrollment sizes), special education directors, parents of eligible students, disability advocates, and health service providers. It will review and provide recommendations on implementing a program that allows school districts to seek Medicaid reimbursement for certain student health services provided through individualized education plans. The council members serve four-year terms without pay but receive travel expense reimbursement.

Maddy summaryHB 5273 creates a franchise tax credit for licensed child-care centers in Texas that expand their capacity to care for more children. To qualify, centers must be certified in the Texas Rising Star Program and increase their capacity by 25% or more. The credit amount equals 50% of additional salary costs for 25-49% capacity growth, 75% for 50-74% growth, and 100% for 75% or greater growth. This policy directly benefits licensed child-care centers that expand operations, aiming to increase statewide child-care availability through tax incentives.

Maddy summaryHB 5271 requires Texas school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to provide specialized programs for children with visual impairments, starting from birth. These programs must include instruction in nine key areas (like mobility, assistive technology, and independent living skills) and early intervention services such as vision therapy. The bill specifically mandates compensatory instruction for students identified with visual impairments after third grade to address learning gaps. It directly affects school districts, charter schools, and children with visual impairments in Texas, ensuring they receive age-appropriate educational support aligned with the expanded core curriculum.