Rep. Candy Noble

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain Texas state governmental bodies to hold closed meetings when deliberating specific defense, military, or aerospace issues. It covers matters involving the U.S. Department of Defense or NASA considering facilities in Texas, or economic incentives for private entities tied to federal defense programs. The law modifies existing open meeting requirements to permit these closed sessions for the defined topics, without requiring public discussion.

Maddy summaryHJR 72 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a property tax exemption for the primary residence of an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability. This exemption would apply only if the disabled adult is related to the property owner or trustee within the third degree of blood relation (e.g., cousins or closer). The exemption amount would match the existing homestead tax break for primary residences. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2025 election.

Maddy summaryHB 363 requires petitioners seeking to create a municipal utility district to send certified mail notice to county commissioners courts at least 30 days before filing their petition with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The notice must describe the proposed district's boundaries (using exact location details) and inform counties of their right to respond, review the petition, and submit written opinions. This bill amends the Water Code to add Section 54.0135 (requiring the notice) and updates Section 54.015 (adding a requirement that petitions include a copy of this notice). It applies only to petitions filed on or after the bill's effective date, directly affecting counties and those proposing new utility districts.

Maddy summaryHB 3276 amends Texas law to set new rules for certifying juvenile facility staff. It directly affects current or former employees, contractors, and volunteers working at juvenile probation departments or facilities registered with the state. The bill allows the state to permanently deny certification if someone engaged in misconduct (like violating rules or showing unsuitability) or if a panel determines their certification would threaten juveniles. If denied, individuals get an administrative hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 5511 is not available in the provided context, so a detailed summary cannot be generated. The title indicates it relates to reviewing existing boards/commissions under the comptroller's jurisdiction for continuity and repealing certain committees, but specific provisions or affected parties are not described. Without the full text, concrete policy changes or key mechanisms cannot be identified. For an accurate summary, the bill's full text would be required.

Maddy summaryHB 2886 creates a whistleblower reward program for individuals reporting Medicaid fraud or overcharges that lead to recovered penalties. It allows the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to award up to 5% of the recovered penalty to whistleblowers, provided they reported independently and the disclosure was critical to protecting Medicaid funds. The bill also clarifies key terms like "material" information (information that could influence Medicaid decisions) and defines "knowingly" submitting false claims, making it easier to enforce penalties against providers who submit inaccurate billing. This directly affects Medicaid providers, whistleblowers, and the state's enforcement process for fraud.

Maddy summaryHB 972 creates a property tax exemption for non-homestead properties serving as the primary residence of an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability. The exemption applies only when the disabled adult is related to the property owner or trustee within the third degree of consanguinity (e.g., cousin, niece/nephew). It provides a tax reduction equal to the standard homestead exemption amount under Section 11.13(b) of the Texas Tax Code. This exemption does not apply to properties already covered by homestead exemptions and excludes existing homestead-qualified properties. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, pending voter approval of a related constitutional amendment.

Maddy summaryHB 4083 would exempt retail businesses from paying property taxes on certain perishable inventory held for sale. The bill defines eligible items as fresh food (produce, meat, dairy, bakery goods), prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and dietary supplements. Businesses qualify for the exemption if they don't owe delinquent state or local taxes as of January 1 of the tax year, and the exemption only applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. This exemption requires voter approval of a related constitutional amendment in 2025 to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5510, titled the Women and Child Protection Act, creates civil liability for distributing abortion-inducing drugs and establishes a private civil right of action against individuals or organizations that facilitate access to elective abortions. The bill directly affects abortion assistance organizations - defined as entities providing financial support, travel arrangements, childcare, or logistical services to enable abortions - as well as those distributing abortion-inducing drugs. Key provisions include authorizing private lawsuits for damages related to these activities and creating criminal offenses for certain violations. The law harmonizes existing abortion-related provisions in Texas law while focusing on civil enforcement mechanisms rather than criminal penalties for patients.

Maddy summaryHB 391 requires rural area water districts to hold at least one quarterly board meeting within the district or within 10 miles of its boundary, unless meeting in the same county is deemed practical. It defines "rural area districts" as those with over half their water connections active and located outside high-population counties (over 800,000 people as of 2010). The bill allows meetings via phone or video conference for regular sessions, but mandates in-person meetings specifically for tax rate discussions. This applies directly to rural water districts meeting the defined population and connection criteria.