Rep. Brooks Landgraf

Maddy summaryHJR 157 proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt property taxes on the increased value of real estate resulting from on-site energy generators. Specifically, it would allow Texas property owners with generators built primarily for producing and distributing energy for their own use (like solar arrays or backup power systems) to exclude that added property value from local property tax assessments. This change would require voter approval in the November 2025 election and would be implemented through an amendment to Article VIII of the Texas Constitution. The exemption directly affects property owners who install such energy generators for self-use, potentially lowering their property tax burden.

Maddy summaryHB 3538 establishes rules for Texas' Managed Care Consumer Choice Program, affecting health plans (managed care organizations) seeking contracts to provide services under state health programs. It requires plans to first meet certification, financial solvency, and performance standards before contracting with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The bill ensures program recipients (like those in STAR, CHIP, STAR Kids, or STAR+PLUS) can choose any qualified health plan in their area, while outlining consequences like corrective action plans or enrollment suspensions for non-compliant plans. The law applies specifically to these Medicaid programs but excludes the STAR Health program.

Maddy summaryHB 3390 creates a property tax exemption for the increased value of real estate resulting from installing qualifying on-site energy generators. It applies to property owners who install generators powered by natural gas, propane, diesel, or similar fuels, fully enclosed in soundproofing, and connected to a building's main electrical system for on-site energy use. The exemption removes the tax burden on the added property value from these installations, directly benefiting businesses or facilities that generate their own power. This policy change simplifies tax treatment for qualifying generators without altering broader property tax rules.

Maddy summaryHB 3036 modifies Texas county procurement rules by lowering the spending threshold requiring competitive bidding from $100,000 to $50,000 for most purchases. It also exempts purchases from a single supplier from competitive bidding requirements. These changes apply only to purchases made on or after September 1, 2025, with prior purchases governed by previous law. The bill directly affects county governments when making procurement decisions under the specified thresholds.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 19, 2025, as "Texas Hydrogen Day" at the Texas State Capitol to recognize the state's hydrogen industry. It acknowledges Texas' role as a leader in hydrogen production (nearly one-third of U.S. output), its infrastructure, and economic contributions like potential job growth and GDP impact. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy changes or direct effects beyond this symbolic recognition event.

Maddy summaryHJR 107 proposes a constitutional amendment protecting Texans' right to explore, produce, and export oil, gas, and other minerals (including uranium, sulfur, coal, and lignite) under "generally accepted practices." It would add Section 37 to the Texas Constitution, affirming this right while explicitly preserving the legislature’s authority to regulate such activities when necessary to protect public health/safety (with "clear and convincing evidence") or conserve natural resources under Article XVI. The amendment does not override the state’s power to acquire property for public use, including resource development. If approved by voters in November 2025, it would become part of the Texas Constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 1767 requires local taxing units (like cities, counties, and school districts) to post property tax information on their website by August 7 each year and publish a summary of that information with the website link in a local newspaper. This applies to all taxing units except those located entirely in counties with over 1 million residents or areas without a newspaper of general circulation. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, for all tax years beginning after that date. It aims to improve public access to property tax details through dual notice methods (online + print).

Maddy summaryHB 1872 repeals a requirement in Texas law that appraisal districts periodically verify whether homeowners still qualify for residence homestead property tax exemptions. This bill directly affects homeowners receiving these exemptions (which lower property taxes on primary residences) and the appraisal districts responsible for administering them. The key change removes the administrative process where districts had to confirm annually that exemption recipients met eligibility criteria. This simplifies the verification process but does not alter the eligibility rules for the exemption itself. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote for immediate implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 2191 adjusts Texas school funding under the Foundation School Program to keep pace with inflation. It requires annual increases to the basic per-student allotment (currently $6,160) based on the Consumer Price Index, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The adjustment ensures school districts receive funding that maintains its purchasing power over time, with a minimum 0% increase if inflation is negative. This directly affects all Texas public school districts receiving Foundation School Program funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1766 requires Texas appraisal districts to use a property owner's submitted appraisal when determining a parcel's tax value, if the appraisal meets specific criteria. Property owners must provide a valid appraisal from a licensed appraiser (prepared between December 1 and March 1 of the tax year), include required details like property description and valuation date, and submit it to the district by April 1. Owners must also notify the district of their intent to submit an appraisal by November 30 of the prior year. The bill applies only to tax years beginning on or after September 1, 2025, and does not change how districts appraise properties when owners do not submit appraisals.