Rep. Trent Ashby

Maddy summaryHB 126 allows student athletes at certain Texas public universities to earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) during non-team activities and to hire legal representation for NIL-related contracts. It prohibits institutions from restricting these NIL opportunities or blocking legal assistance for athletes. The law resolves conflicts with athletic association rules by permitting compliance with both state law and conference regulations. This becomes effective immediately as it was signed into law by the governor on June 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) honoring Donna Gordon Kaspar, the Crockett city attorney, for her legal career and community service. It recognizes her background (Crockett High School salutatorian, Texas A&M business degree, Baylor law degree), her 16 years as Houston County district attorney (2008-2024), and her recent appointment as city attorney in March 2025. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Texas House of Representatives' "high regard" by formally recognizing her accomplishments and sending her a copy of the resolution. It directly affects only Ms. Kaspar as a symbolic gesture, with no legal or financial consequences.

Maddy summaryHJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of Texas' state sales and use tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund. It would require that this dedicated revenue be allocated exclusively to water infrastructure projects, with new rules allowing temporary suspension during declared disasters. The bill would amend the state constitution to establish this dedicated funding stream, replacing current flexible allocation methods for water fund money. This proposal was reported adversely by the Senate Finance Committee with a 14-0 vote against in May 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 1402) commends 40 University of Texas System students who served as interns in Texas legislative offices during the 2025 session. It recognizes their participation in the inaugural UT System Texas Legislative Fellowship Program, which places students in state legislative offices for hands-on experience in policymaking and government operations. The resolution has no policy effect - it is purely ceremonial, honoring the students' service without creating new laws or altering government functions. As a commemorative resolution, it does not directly affect any laws, budgets, or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 2448 creates a statewide Rural Workforce Development Grant Program administered by the Texas Workforce Commission. The program provides grants to local entities (including rural school districts, businesses, and nonprofits) to fund job training, career readiness programs, and partnerships with colleges that align with local job market needs. Key provisions include supporting high-wage job recruitment, helping students earn valuable degrees/certifications cost-effectively, and assisting rural communities in aligning education, workforce, and economic goals. The bill directly affects rural Texans by targeting resources to improve employment opportunities and educational outcomes in underserved areas.

Maddy summaryHB 5138 shifts responsibility for prosecuting election-related crimes from local prosecutors to the Texas Attorney General's office. It requires law enforcement agencies to report election law violations to the Attorney General and mandates that local prosecutors cooperate with the AG’s office. The bill creates new provisions in the Government Code (Subchapter D) and amends the Election Code to give the Attorney General sole authority to prosecute such offenses, effective September 1, 2026. This directly affects local law enforcement, county prosecutors, and the Attorney General’s office by centralizing prosecution authority for election crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal description of Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College in the Texas Education Code by removing the term "upper-level" from its official designation. It directly affects the university's Rio Grande College campuses in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde, which are part of Sul Ross State University. The change takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not alter course offerings, funding, or academic programs. The bill is purely procedural, adjusting how the institution is formally referenced in state law.

Maddy summaryHB 4 restricts Texas public school districts and campuses from obtaining exemptions or waivers for specific requirements, including graduation standards, school accountability measures under Chapters 39 and 39A, health and safety rules, and programs for special education and bilingual students. The bill explicitly prohibits waivers for federal mandates, essential knowledge/skills, class size limits (except as allowed by law), extracurricular activities, and other key areas listed in the legislation. It also changes the appeal process for challenges to the commissioner's decisions, requiring appeals to be filed in Travis County district court with specific procedural steps. This bill directly affects school districts, the Texas Education Agency, and individuals seeking to challenge educational decisions.

Maddy summaryHCR 126 designates Corrigan, Texas as the state's official Timber Products Capital for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution recognizes Corrigan's historical role in Texas' timber industry, including its current four major timber production facilities and commitment to sustainable forestry practices. The designation does not create new policies, funding, or obligations - it is purely an official acknowledgment of Corrigan's economic significance to the timber sector.

Maddy summaryHB 3225 requires municipal public libraries in Texas to restrict minors (under 18) from accessing sexually explicit materials in sections designated for younger audiences. Libraries must remove such materials from "minor's sections" and obtain legal guardian consent before allowing minors to check out or view these materials. The bill imposes civil penalties for violations, including fines. It directly affects municipal public libraries, minors, and their guardians by changing how libraries manage content access in designated youth areas.