Rep. Joe Moody

Maddy summaryHB 3339 mandates a study by Texas' Maternal Mortality Review Committee and the Department of State Health Services to examine maternal mortality and morbidity rates specifically among Black women in Texas. The study requires comparing these rates to other racial/ethnic groups, analyzing socioeconomic factors, evaluating healthcare coverage types (Medicaid, private insurance, uninsured), and assessing impacts of specific health conditions (like preeclampsia and obesity) and implicit biases in healthcare. It also requires evaluating social determinants of health and pregnancy-related complications. The committee must submit a report with recommendations to address disparities by September 1, 2026, including provider training on cultural competency and successful programs from other states. This bill directly affects Black women in Texas by focusing on data collection to inform future policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1738 repeals the criminal penalty for homosexual conduct (previously codified in Section 21.06 of the Penal Code). It simultaneously amends health education requirements in Texas schools to mandate that materials for minors include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law. The bill affects public school health curricula for students under 18, requiring this specific language to be included in sexual education programs. The legislation passed the Texas legislature on May 16, 2025, and would take effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summaryHB 1765 restricts the use of "no-knock" entries (police entering a property without announcing their presence or authority) in Texas. It prohibits most magistrates from issuing arrest or search warrants allowing no-knock entries, except for specific judges (district court judges, certain county judges, or municipal judges who are licensed attorneys). The bill requires law enforcement agencies to submit a signed approval from a chief administrator with the warrant request and mandates officers executing such warrants to be clearly identifiable in uniform. This directly affects police departments seeking no-knock warrants and the magistrates who review those requests. The law takes effect upon passage and applies to all warrants issued after its enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1863 would allow Texas courts to issue protective orders in family violence cases that last longer than two years, and potentially for the lifetime of both the protected person and the person subject to the order. This applies only when the court finds the person causing violence committed a felony family violence offense (regardless of charges or conviction), caused serious bodily injury, or has two or more prior protective orders for family violence. The bill repeals an existing law section and would take effect for orders issued on or after September 1, 2025. It directly affects victims of family violence and individuals subject to protective orders under these specific circumstances.

Maddy summaryHB 5551 amends Texas Family Code provisions to establish a fee schedule for attorneys representing children or parents in government-filed custody cases when parents cannot afford legal fees. It requires counties to create and adopt a standardized payment system based on time spent in court and out-of-court work, funded by county general funds (not state funds). The bill also adds accountability measures, allowing courts to remove attorneys who submit false payment claims and enabling denied claimants to petition a presiding judge for resolution within 60 days. This directly affects county governments (as payers), appointed attorneys, and courts managing these cases.

Maddy summaryHB 1865 amends Texas law to set new limits on the allocation of low-income housing tax credits. It caps credits at $6 million per application round and reduces the maximum per development from $3 million to $2 million. The changes apply only to applications submitted under the 2026 or later qualified allocation plans, not earlier cycles. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects developers and housing projects seeking these tax credits.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

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 2698 requires Texas courts to appoint attorneys for low-income individuals in prison who have claims that could overturn their convictions. Specifically, if the state indicates a defendant has a potentially meritorious claim - such as actual innocence, conviction for a lesser offense, or being convicted under an unconstitutional law - the court must assign legal representation to investigate and file a habeas corpus application. This applies to all defendants in custody on or after September 1, 2025, regardless of when their offense occurred. The bill ensures indigent defendants receive legal assistance for specific relief claims without requiring them to pay for representation.

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.