Rep. Carl Tepper

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 276 ("Relating to parasitic insect control") is not currently available in the provided context. The system indicates the content will be available soon, with a note to refer to a PDF for details. No specific provisions, affected parties, or policy mechanisms can be identified from the available information. Without access to the bill's actual text or summary, a factual summary cannot be generated. We recommend checking the official bill document when it becomes available for details.

Maddy summaryHR 54 is a Texas House resolution honoring Dr. Tedd L. Mitchell for his service as chancellor of the Texas Tech University System. It recognizes his leadership in expanding the system to five institutions, achieving record enrollment and research funding, and supporting key initiatives like the state's first dental school in over 50 years and the first veterinary school in over 100 years. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but formally acknowledges his contributions to higher education and community impact across Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 231 restricts how local governments in Texas can use certain property tax revenue. Specifically, it prohibits municipalities, counties, and entities like local government corporations from using revenue from property tax elections (for maintenance and operations) to pay for bonds or other public securities, including when that revenue is transferred to such entities. The bill explicitly bans dedicating, pledging, or otherwise using these property tax funds for bond payments, ensuring the revenue stays dedicated to its original purpose. This applies only to bonds issued after the bill takes effect, with no retroactive impact.

Maddy summaryHB 204 limits annual increases in the appraised value of property for property tax purposes in Texas. For primary homes (residence homesteads), the appraised value cannot rise by more than 2.5% of the previous year's value plus that full previous value plus new improvements, and cannot exceed the market value from the most recent year the property was appraised at market value. For other real property, the cap is 8% of the previous year's value plus the full previous value plus new improvements, with the same market value limit. This bill directly affects Texas homeowners and property owners whose properties are subject to these appraisal rules.

Maddy summaryHJR 27 proposes a constitutional amendment to change Texas property tax rules for homesteads (primary residences) and other real property. It would make permanent the current limits on how much a property's taxable value can increase each year - 102.5% for homesteads and 108% for other property - while allowing the legislature to set even lower limits if desired. This affects all Texas homeowners and property owners by altering how property tax assessments are calculated annually. The amendment requires voter approval in the May 2026 election before taking effect.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution, not a substantive bill. It formally congratulates Joseph C. Longway on retiring as Northwest Region chief of the Texas Department of Public Safety after 36 years of service. The resolution expresses the Texas House of Representatives' appreciation for his career and provides him with a copy of the resolution as a gesture of recognition. It has no policy impact or effect on any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 173 prohibits political subdivisions (like cities, counties, or school districts) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that primarily represent such entities and hire lobbyists. It specifically bans spending public money to: (1) contract with registered lobbyists, or (2) support organizations that hire registered lobbyists for legislative advocacy. Exceptions include activities by sheriffs' associations, employees providing basic information to legislators, or nonprofits offering bill tracking or non-lobbying legislative services. The bill allows taxpayers to seek court injunctions and recover legal fees if a subdivision violates these restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 162 requires home-rule municipalities in Texas to submit proposed local initiatives or referenda (such as new ordinances or changes to existing ones) to the Attorney General within five days of receiving the petition. The Attorney General must review the measure within 30 days (with a possible two-week extension) to determine if any part violates state law and notify the municipality. If the Attorney General finds a violation, the municipality cannot hold an election on that measure; however, if the Attorney General misses the deadline, the municipality must proceed with the election. The bill also mandates that such elections occur on uniform statewide dates and supersedes conflicting municipal charter provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 105 amends Texas Local Government Code provisions governing certificates of obligation issued by local governments. It clarifies that "issuers" include municipalities, counties, and certain hospital districts, and defines "public work" to include projects like streets, water systems, public safety facilities, and recreation areas - while excluding facilities used primarily for sports (over 50% usage) or leased long-term to for-profit tenants. The bill also adds demolition of dangerous structures (and restoration of historic structures) as an allowable purpose for these certificates. Additionally, it shortens the maximum maturity period for such certificates from 40 to 30 years and maintains interest rate restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 117 limits annual spending for local governments in Texas that can levy property taxes or issue bonds (like counties, cities, school districts, and special districts). It requires these entities to cap total expenditures at either last year's spending or a calculated amount based on the prior year's spending multiplied by (1 + population growth rate + inflation rate). Exceptions allow higher spending if voters approve it with a two-thirds majority in a special election. The bill aims to link spending increases to measurable economic factors rather than arbitrary decisions. This directly affects all local governments with tax or bond authority across Texas.