Rep. Joe Moody

Maddy summaryHB 3834 requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to develop person-centered reentry plans and identify community resources to help offenders with intellectual or developmental disabilities successfully reintegrate into society after incarceration. The bill mandates TDCJ to coordinate transitional services like treatment and housing assistance for these offenders, while prohibiting the use of state funds for residential housing for offenders convicted of certain offenses listed in Section 508.149(a). The law applies specifically to TDCJ offenders with intellectual or developmental disabilities and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5463 amends Texas Health and Safety Code sections 573.001 and 573.002 to clarify emergency detention procedures for individuals with mental illness. It requires peace officers and emergency medical personnel to document specific, recent behaviors (like threats or overt acts) demonstrating an immediate risk of harm, rather than relying on general concerns. The bill mandates a detailed notification form for facilities, including descriptions of observed risks, the person's mental deterioration, and the identity of observers. This directly affects individuals experiencing mental health crises, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and mental health facilities handling emergency detentions. The changes aim to standardize documentation while maintaining emergency detention criteria under existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 5468 requires businesses registered in Texas (including out-of-state companies operating in Texas) to allow the Attorney General to inspect their records upon written request. The Attorney General must specify the legal basis for the request, and businesses have 45 days to challenge it in court if they believe it's improper. Businesses that refuse access without valid legal grounds risk losing their right to operate in Texas, with their registration revoked. The bill establishes clear procedures for record inspections while minimizing disruption to business operations. It applies to all entities filing with the Texas Secretary of State.

Maddy summaryBased on the provided context, no substantive text for HB 44 is available (the bill text section states "This version is not currently available, but is coming soon"). The bill's title indicates it relates to abortion exceptions based on a physician's medical judgment, but the actual provisions, scope, and affected parties are not described in the provided materials. The bill is in early stages (read first time, pending in committee) but no concrete policy details are accessible. For an accurate summary, the full bill text or official summary would be required.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the minimum age for juvenile court jurisdiction from 10 to 13 years for most offenses, meaning children aged 10-12 will no longer automatically be processed in juvenile court for typical violations. It specifically exempts serious crimes like aggravated assault, murder, sexual assault, or arson - where children aged 10-12 may still be subject to juvenile court. The bill updates definitions in Texas law (Code of Criminal Procedure, Education Code, and Family Code) to reflect these age changes. It directly affects children aged 10-17 who commit offenses, shifting cases involving younger children (10-12) for non-serious violations to adult criminal court.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas courts to appoint court-appointed lawyers (attorneys ad litem) for children and specific parents in family court cases where a government entity files to terminate parental rights or seek custody. It mandates early appointments for children and for low-income parents opposing termination, parents served by publication, or fathers with unknown identity (due to registry issues). The bill sets rules for compensating these lawyers using county general funds (not state funds) based on an existing fee schedule, and prohibits courts from seeking payment from the state for these services. This affects children, targeted parents, and county budgets in government-filed family court cases.

Maddy summaryHB 4624 prohibits defendants from using a victim's gender identity or sexual orientation as a defense in criminal trials. It specifically bans claims of self-defense or reduced culpability when the defendant's actions stem from the victim disclosing their gender identity/sexual orientation or making a nonviolent romantic advance. The law applies to all criminal prosecutions under Texas Penal Code and takes effect September 1, 2025. It directly affects defendants who might otherwise attempt to justify criminal acts using these factors as a defense.

Maddy summaryHB 4913 requires specific municipal housing authorities (as defined in Section 392.0162 of the Local Government Code) to use competitive bidding for purchases exceeding the federal simplified acquisition threshold (defined in 48 C.F.R. §2.101). This applies only to purchases made on or after its effective date, September 1, 2025, and does not affect prior purchases. The bill modifies procurement rules to align with federal standards for larger expenditures by these housing authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 13 creates the Texas Interoperability Council to develop a statewide plan ensuring emergency communication systems (like those used by police, fire, and medical responders) can work together effectively during crises. The council will administer grants to help local governments (counties, cities, and special districts) purchase interoperable equipment and build necessary communication infrastructure. Key provisions require the council to create a strategic plan for statewide emergency communication coordination and establish a grant program focused on equipment that connects across different emergency services. The council is composed of seven members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and House speaker, with specific terms and governance rules. This bill directly affects local emergency response capabilities by addressing equipment compatibility gaps.

Maddy summaryThe provided context does not include the actual text or detailed provisions of HB 4328. While the bill title indicates it relates to limiting the use of a victim's gender identity or sexual orientation as a defense in criminal trials, no specific mechanisms, affected parties, or policy details are included in the available information. The bill's status shows it was filed in March 2025 and referred to a committee, but the full legislative content is referenced only as "coming soon" with a PDF link not provided here. Without the bill text, a factual summary of its provisions cannot be generated.