Rep. Stan Kitzman

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 5685 proposes creating Waller County Improvement District No. 3, a special district to support economic development in specific areas of Waller County. The bill grants the district authority to issue bonds, impose assessments, fees, and taxes on properties within its boundaries to fund improvements like infrastructure, transportation, and community services. It directly affects landowners in the designated district area who would pay these assessments. The district is explicitly designed to supplement, not replace, existing county services while promoting employment, commerce, tourism, and public welfare in the region. The bill is currently pending committee review and has not yet been enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 5549 updates Texas regulations for on-site sewage disposal systems (like septic systems) by increasing administrative penalties for violations and raising fees for permits, inspections, and system modifications. It directly affects homeowners with septic systems, contractors, and local health authorities responsible for enforcement. Key changes include higher fees for construction/installation permits and system inspections, plus increased penalties for noncompliance. The bill aims to strengthen health and safety oversight by modernizing fee structures and enforcement mechanisms under the Health and Safety Code. These are concrete policy changes affecting system planning, operation, and compliance costs.

Maddy summaryHB 3453 limits the liability of nonprofit organizations contracted by Texas' Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or a single source continuum contractor to provide foster care or adoption services. To qualify for this protection, nonprofits must meet five specific requirements: conduct background checks on staff, confirm they are not barred from child care, report misconduct, take action on misconduct, and provide required training in child abuse prevention and reporting. The bill does not shield nonprofits from liability for gross negligence. This change modifies how civil lawsuits against these organizations are handled, focusing on ensuring safety standards are met before holding nonprofits accountable.

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 3009 expands Texas' Department of Public Safety database to include individuals convicted of two or more specific violent offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code §§ 22.01, 22.02) or offenses involving force/deadly force, and non-citizens unlawfully present in the U.S. who have two or more such convictions. The bill requires the database to include full names, aliases, dates of birth, physical descriptions, conviction details, and for non-citizens, their last known location. It mandates that the DPS add historical data for qualifying offenders convicted before the law's effective date (by January 1, 2026), unless the individual would be removed from the database under existing rules. This affects law enforcement agencies and individuals with multiple violent offense convictions who meet the expanded criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 139 creates a new category of employer-sponsored health benefit plans that may exclude certain state-mandated health benefits, while still requiring coverage for federal essential health benefits. It requires health benefit plan issuers to offer these "employer choice of benefits plans" and mandates clear written notice to enrollees at the start of enrollment documents. The notice must explicitly state that the plan may exclude standard Texas-mandated benefits and provide fewer benefits than typical plans, with bold text highlighting this choice. The bill establishes definitions and rules for these plans under Texas Insurance Code Chapter 1506. This directly affects employers offering health benefits and employees choosing their coverage options.

Maddy summaryHB 3154 creates the Wise Regional Water District to provide water and wastewater services in Wise County, Texas. It grants the district limited power to acquire private land for infrastructure (eminent domain), authority to issue bonds for funding, and the ability to charge fees to users. The bill directly affects participating governments (like cities and counties) that provide utility services within the district's boundaries, requiring them to contract with the district for infrastructure projects. The district must serve public water and wastewater needs across its defined service area, with specific rules for cost-sharing among participating entities.

Maddy summaryHB 370 amends Texas law to restrict eligibility for funding from the Events Trust Fund. It prohibits funding for events that allow biological males to compete in sports designated for female athletes. The bill defines "biological male" using official birth certificates or government records stating biological sex, requiring statements entered near birth or corrected for clerical errors. This applies only to events seeking trust fund support and does not affect biological males serving as coaches or support staff. The policy change directly affects sports events applying for state funding under the Events Trust Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 3695 limits copayments for physical therapy visits under certain health plans. It prohibits health maintenance organizations and preferred provider plans from charging enrollees a higher copayment for a physical therapist visit (without a referral) than for a primary care physician visit. The law applies to plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects Texas enrollees who use physical therapy services without needing a physician referral.