Rep. Mary González

Maddy summarySB 991 expands Texas' definition of "students at risk of dropping out" to include those with chronic absenteeism or truancy. It requires public school districts to collect and report data on these students' attendance patterns, including unexcused absences. This law directly affects Texas public schools and students who miss significant school days without valid reasons. The policy change focuses on improving data tracking for attendance-related risks, without mandating new interventions.

Maddy summaryHCR 9 designates the first Saturday of every month as "Small Business Saturday" in Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution, which does not create new laws or funding, aims to encourage Texans to support local small businesses. It directly affects all Texas small businesses (defined as those employing fewer than 500 people) by promoting community shopping. The designation expires 10 years after the resolution's final passage, per Section 391.004(d) of the Texas Government Code.

Maddy summaryHB 27 requires all Texas public high school students to complete at least one-half credit in personal financial literacy as part of their social studies graduation requirements under Education Code Section 28.025(b-1)(4). The bill directs the State Board of Education to develop a list of free, open-source curricula for these courses and allows Advanced Placement courses meeting specific standards to count toward the requirement. This policy change affects all public high school students in Texas, mandating practical financial education alongside traditional subjects like history and government. The law, signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025, is now effective immediately for all public school districts.

Maddy summarySB 1579 establishes a process for certain Texas municipalities (in counties containing a city over 500,000 and adjacent to an international border) to administratively determine if land parcels are abandoned, unoccupied, and undeveloped. To qualify, a parcel must be undeveloped for 25+ years, have an assessed value under $1,000, and meet subdivision criteria (e.g., 50% of parcels in a subdivision being undeveloped and ≤10 acres). Before making a determination, the municipality must hold a public hearing, notify owners/lienholders, and publish a notice; owners may appeal the decision in court within 60 days. The bill does not require land sales but creates a framework for municipalities to address tax-delinquent, underutilized properties.

Maddy summaryHB 1275 prohibits the Texas Department of Health from issuing permits for new or existing bovine dairy farms in areas designated as infected with or at high risk for bovine tuberculosis. This directly affects dairy farm operators seeking permits in specific high-risk zones identified by the Texas Animal Health Commission through epidemiological assessment. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code to require the department to deny permits in these designated areas, based on rules established by the Commission. The policy change is a direct restriction on permit issuance, not a new program or funding measure.

Maddy summaryHB 43 amends Texas law to update the definition of "agricultural business" in the Agriculture Code, explicitly including rural recreational businesses (like hiking or fishing on farmland) and nonprofit land conservation groups. It also revises the composition of the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority's board, requiring the governor to appoint nine members with specific representation: two young farmers/ranchers, two representatives from rural entities (chambers, trade associations), and others with agricultural lending expertise. These changes directly affect entities applying for the Authority's loan and grant programs, such as farmers, ranchers, rural tourism businesses, and conservation nonprofits. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, after passing both chambers unanimously.

Maddy summaryHB 581 requires websites and apps that let users create AI-generated sexual content resembling real people (e.g., using facial features or birthmarks) to verify users are 18+ before access. It directly affects commercial platforms offering these tools, such as AI content generators. The law mandates age verification using government ID, digital ID, or approved commercial systems, but prohibits retaining personal user data. These rules apply to platforms enabling creation of material defined as "harmful to minors" under Texas law, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1851 allows the Texas Facilities Commission to transfer surplus motor vehicles and law enforcement equipment from the Texas Department of Public Safety to school districts located in economically disadvantaged areas. The bill requires that school districts receiving this equipment cannot sell it for two years and must use it solely for law enforcement duties by school resource officers or security personnel, as defined in the Education Code. This policy change directly affects school districts in economically disadvantaged communities by providing them with additional law enforcement resources. The bill took effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1592 creates a statewide internet-based alert system managed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to notify the public about dangerous plant and wildlife pests, diseases, and quarantine orders. The system requires agencies like the Texas Department of Agriculture and Parks and Wildlife to share information within 72 hours, enabling email notifications for confirmed cases, quarantine changes, or compliance agreements. It directly affects farmers, ranchers, and residents in areas impacted by pest outbreaks by providing timely alerts. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and mandates coordination between state agencies to ensure rapid public notification.

Maddy summaryHB 2217 creates a state grant program to help law enforcement agencies purchase and install bullet-resistant components on vehicles used by peace officers. It directly affects state and local law enforcement agencies (including county and city police departments) by providing funding for bullet-resistant windshields, side windows, rear windows, and door panels. The program requires the Criminal Justice Division to set eligibility rules, application procedures, and grant amounts, while agencies must submit proof of installation after using funds. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and focuses solely on funding vehicle safety upgrades for officers.