Rep. Candy Noble

Maddy summaryHB 2301 shortens the deadline for men to register as potential fathers in Texas' state paternity registry from 31 days to 14 days after a child's birth. It requires the vital statistics unit to notify registrants if they miss this deadline. The bill also adjusts the timing for adoption or parental rights petitioners to request a registry search, allowing it on or after the 15th day after birth (instead of the 32nd day). These changes apply only to children born on or after the bill's effective date, with prior cases governed by previous law.

Maddy summarySB 1437 modifies Texas law to clarify eligibility for certification as juvenile officers or employees at juvenile facilities. It applies to current or former staff/volunteers of juvenile departments, probation departments, or registered juvenile facilities. The bill allows the state department to permanently deny certification if someone: (1) violated rules while working in these roles, or (2) a three-member panel determines their certification would threaten juveniles in the system. Individuals denied certification are entitled to an administrative hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings. The law took effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1794 amends Texas law to permit licensed handgun carriers to carry concealed handguns on polling place premises during elections or early voting. It specifically allows holders of valid concealed handgun licenses (CHL) to possess only a concealed handgun at these locations, provided no other weapons are carried. The bill removes the current prohibition against concealed weapons at polling places for CHL holders, aligning with existing exceptions for other locations like schools. This change directly affects licensed handgun carriers participating in elections but does not permit open carry or other weapons. The amendment modifies Section 46.03(a)(2) of the Penal Code to create this specific exception.

Maddy summaryHB 3666 requires all Texas state agencies to implement a standardized internal auditing program. It mandates that agencies create annual risk-based audit plans and conduct periodic reviews of three key areas: financial systems, operational controls, and information technology systems. The bill defines internal auditing as an independent process to evaluate controls and improve organizational effectiveness, without adding new funding or altering existing audit types. This applies directly to every department, board, or commission in the Texas executive branch.

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 summarySJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that non-U.S. citizens cannot vote in Texas. It amends Article VI, Section 1(a) of the Texas Constitution by adding "persons who are not citizens of the United States" as a prohibited voting class. This would clarify existing voting eligibility rules by making citizenship a constitutional requirement, directly affecting non-citizen residents. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 4, 2025, election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 983 protects specific personal information of educators held by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) from public disclosure. The bill makes home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, driver's license details, emergency contacts, dates of birth, and social security numbers confidential, exempting them from standard public records disclosure requirements under Texas law. This directly affects educators whose personal data is maintained in TEA records. The legislation amends the Government Code to establish these confidentiality protections without changing how TEA collects or uses the information.

Maddy summarySB 1706 allows state agency boards to hold closed meetings specifically to discuss defense, military, or aerospace matters. It directly affects state governmental bodies (like local boards or commissions) that handle federal defense projects. The bill defines these matters as either establishing military bases/facilities in Texas or offering economic incentives tied to federal defense grants. The law amends Texas Open Meetings rules to permit this exception for those specific issues, without requiring public disclosure during deliberations. This is a procedural change, not a new policy on defense funding or facility location.

Maddy summaryHB 3195 requires senior retirement communities (defined as residential communities with at least 20 units offering shared amenities like security or dining) to implement specific safety measures. The bill mandates that communities conduct criminal background checks on their own employees using Texas DPS records, disclose in resident contracts whether service providers (like contractors) must also undergo such checks, and maintain a written safety policy for addressing criminal activity risks to residents. These requirements apply to all qualifying communities except healthcare facilities, boarding homes, or federally regulated housing. The law aims to enhance resident safety through transparency and proactive security protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 1551 requires Texas public school districts and charter schools to notify parents or guardians within two school days if an employee is charged with certain criminal offenses under Texas law (specifically Article 42.018, which covers crimes against children). The notice must include the employee's name, position, employment status, length of employment, and the charge, while stating that the employee is presumed innocent. Schools cannot disclose the alleged victim's identity but may add non-sensitive facts about the case. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.