Rep. Joe Moody

Maddy summarySB 2405 amends Texas Education Code sections governing the Windham School District, which provides education to incarcerated individuals. It requires the district to develop career-focused educational programs (including vocational training) that address barriers to certification/licensure for those with felony convictions, and to prioritize programs leading to certification. The bill mandates tracking specific outcomes for participants, such as employment rates, earnings, job retention, and whether employment relates to their training. It also requires informing inmates before enrollment about state agency certification barriers, historical success rates for certification, and appeal processes. These changes directly affect incarcerated individuals participating in Windham School District programs across Texas prisons.

Maddy summarySJR 5 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow judges to deny bail to individuals accused of certain violent or sexual offenses punishable as first-degree felonies, or continuous human trafficking. It directly affects people facing these specific charges by requiring judges to find, by clear and convincing evidence, that bail would not ensure court appearance or community safety. Key provisions include mandating written orders with specific findings for bail denials and requiring judges to consider standard bail factors under existing law. The amendment must be approved by voters in November 2025 to take effect, as it is a proposed constitutional change rather than an immediate law.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution honoring Sharon Carol "Shay" Shugert, a longtime El Paso educator and community volunteer who taught for 30 years, organized student field trips, and supported causes like the American Cancer Society and Girl Scouts. The Texas House of Representatives passed it to pay tribute to her life and extend sympathy to her family, including her four daughters, five grandchildren, and siblings. As a ceremonial resolution (not legislation), it has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or regulations. It serves solely to commemorate her contributions and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 1351), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It honors Sharon Carol Shugert, a longtime El Paso educator and community volunteer who died in November 2024. The resolution recognizes her 30-year teaching career at Hawkins Elementary School, her work in curriculum management, volunteerism with the American Cancer Society and Girl Scouts, and her role as a devoted mother and grandmother. The Texas House of Representatives adopted this resolution on June 1, 2025, to pay tribute to her life and extend condolences to her family.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill), adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on June 1, 2025. It formally commends Linaizel Lara of Garland for her service as a legislative aide in the office of Speaker Pro Tem Joe Moody during the 89th Legislative Session. The resolution recognizes her work managing correspondence, attending briefings, and supporting office operations, as well as her educational background (including a psychology degree with a political science minor from TWU). It serves solely as an expression of appreciation and does not create any new laws, funding, or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a policy bill. HR 1306 formally commends Cayden Castaneda for her service as a legislative aide in Speaker Pro Tempore Joe Moody's office during the 89th Texas Legislative Session. It recognizes her work handling constituent matters, bill tracking, and her educational background (including an associate's degree from South Texas College and expected bachelor's from Texas Tech). The resolution, adopted by the Texas House on June 1, 2025, serves only as an expression of appreciation with no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution by the Texas House of Representatives formally congratulates Morris Pittle, owner of JewBoy Burgers in Austin, for his entrepreneurial success. It recognizes his journey from founding a food truck to establishing a brick-and-mortar restaurant and sub shop, along with his community contributions. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial expression of appreciation, including an official copy for Mr. Pittle. It directly affects Morris Pittle as the honoree, with no broader legislative impact.

Maddy summarySB 693 creates a new criminal offense for Texas notaries public who perform a notarization with knowledge that the person for whom the document is being notarized did not personally appear at the time of notarization. The offense is a Class A misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if the document involves real estate transfer. The law includes a defense: if the person appearing presented a valid ID identifying themselves as the signer, the notary cannot be prosecuted. This bill directly affects Texas notaries by adding specific penalties for a common type of notarial fraud.

Maddy summarySB 1080 requires Texas licensing authorities to issue either a full occupational license or a provisional license (valid for six months) to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses, instead of automatically denying their applications. The provisional license begins on the date an applicant is released from prison if they were incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This bill directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (such as for nursing, contracting, or other licensed professions) who meet all other qualification requirements. It aims to reduce barriers to employment by providing a temporary licensing pathway for these applicants.

Maddy summarySB 2004 adds the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington to the list of events eligible for reimbursement funding under Texas' major events program. The bill amends the Government Code to specifically include "the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington" as a qualifying event, directly affecting this specific race. This change allows the event to access state funds covering costs like security and infrastructure for major events. The bill became law on May 27, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025, making the Arlington race eligible for reimbursement starting that date.