Rep. Brooks Landgraf

Maddy summaryHB 1808 updates Texas regulations to require the Railroad Commission of Texas to consider recycling and beneficial use of produced water (wastewater from oil and gas operations) when regulating related activities. The bill amends existing rules to explicitly include "recycling and beneficial use" as a regulated consideration under Section 91.101(a)(5), alongside pollution prevention. This directly affects oil and gas operators subject to the Commission's oversight, particularly those handling produced water during drilling, production, or waste management. The key mechanism mandates that Commission rules must account for recycling options while still protecting public health and the environment, without creating new funding or penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 3 establishes an education savings account program in Texas, allowing families to use state funds for approved educational expenses for children enrolled in public schools. The program, administered by the state comptroller, provides funding for costs like tuition at private schools, curriculum materials, or tutoring, with funds drawn from general revenue appropriations. Eligibility includes any child attending a public school who is not enrolled in a participating private school, with priority given to children with disabilities. The bill defines key terms and sets funding limits based on the previous biennium's allocation or the cost per participating child, creating a new option for families seeking alternatives to traditional public schooling.

Maddy summaryHB 268 increases criminal penalties for individuals who make false reports to emergency services (like 911) about crimes or threats. It directly affects people who knowingly provide false information that triggers emergency responses. The bill establishes higher criminal fines and jail terms for these false reports, while also requiring offenders to pay restitution to cover the costs of emergency services (like police or fire department expenses) incurred due to the false report. These provisions aim to deter false alarms that waste critical resources and endanger public safety.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 1497 is not currently available in the provided context, only the title and basic action timeline are accessible. The title indicates it relates to the placement of a nativity scene on Capitol grounds, but without the full text, specific provisions or policy changes cannot be described. The bill was recently filed and referred to the Culture, Recreation & Tourism committee, but no concrete details about its requirements or affected parties are provided. For an accurate summary, the official bill text or PDF would be needed.

Maddy summaryHB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia and related disorders. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and other eligible organizations for research into dementia causes, prevention strategies, treatments, and symptom mitigation. It establishes oversight committees to manage grants, ensure compliance, and requires annual public reports detailing funded projects and recipients. The institute is set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless extended under Texas Sunset Act procedures.

Maddy summaryHJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. The bill would transfer $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026, for research, prevention, and treatment of dementia and related disorders. The institute would award grants to Texas research institutions, medical facilities, and collaboratives to develop treatments, prevention programs, and address access to care. This initiative directly affects Texans living with dementia and their families, as well as researchers and healthcare providers in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 219 requires Texas voters registering by mail or fax to submit proof of U.S. citizenship when applying to vote. Applicants must provide one of six acceptable documents: a REAL ID-compliant Texas driver's license or ID card, birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization/citizenship certificate from USCIS. The bill adds a new requirement that registrars must send applicants a notice if their mail/fax application lacks citizenship proof, along with instructions to provide it. This law applies only to voter registration applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 236 modifies how public school funding is calculated by using average enrollment figures instead of current enrollment numbers. This change directly affects state funding formulas and school districts across the state. The bill aims to provide more stable funding by smoothing out fluctuations in student numbers from year to year. Once enacted, the legislature would determine the specific timeframe for applying average enrollment data to the finance system.

Maddy summaryHR 378 is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) that recognizes February 27, 2025, as "YMCA Texas Youth and Government Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It formally honors the YMCA Texas Youth and Government program, which engages over 40,000 Texas youth annually in simulated government activities like mock legislative sessions and court proceedings. The resolution has no policy impact - it serves only to acknowledge the program's 79-year history and its role in civic education. This is a standard recognition resolution with no funding, regulations, or direct effects on constituents or state operations.

Maddy summaryHB 221 eliminates Texas state requirements for certain standardized assessments that are not mandated by federal law. Specifically, it removes mandatory end-of-course tests for courses like Algebra I, Biology, English I, and English II, requiring school districts only to administer assessments necessary to comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. The bill modifies Texas Education Code sections to ensure state assessments align strictly with federal minimum requirements, reducing administrative burdens on school districts. This change directly affects public school districts and students by removing specific testing mandates not required under federal education law.