Rep. Trent Ashby

Maddy summaryHB 2000, titled "Audrii's Law," amends Texas law to require sex offender registration for individuals convicted of certain child grooming offenses. Specifically, it adds Section 43.021 (Solicitation of Prostitution) of the Penal Code to the list of offenses triggering registration, but only when the offense is punishable as a second-degree felony. This change directly affects people convicted of soliciting minors for sexual purposes under this specific statute. The law expands existing registration requirements to cover these grooming-related acts, aligning them with other serious sexual offenses. It became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

Maddy summaryHB 2018 amends Texas law to clarify and strengthen the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program. It defines "agricultural conservation easement" to specifically include protecting water quality, wildlife habitat, rare plants, and preventing land fragmentation. The bill gives the Parks and Wildlife Council new authority to adopt rules, accept donations, establish fee structures, and create protocols for purchasing easements. It prioritizes grant applications that protect agricultural productivity on land at risk of development. The changes affect Texas farmers/ranchers seeking conservation easements and the state program administering these conservation efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 1672 changes how motor carriers in Texas can appeal certain decisions by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) regarding registration, renewal, or reregistration. It removes the requirement for the TxDMV to provide notice and a hearing before denying these applications, allowing motor carriers to directly appeal denials within 26 days of receiving notice. If an appeal is successful, the registration is treated as if it was properly filed from the original application date. The bill directs the TxDMV to create rules implementing these changes, affecting trucking companies and commercial vehicle operators regulated under Texas Transportation Code.

Maddy summarySB 1418 amends Texas Education Code to update terminology for assessments used in public schools. It removes "SAT Subject Test" from the list of qualifying exams that satisfy end-of-course assessment requirements and explicitly includes PSAT and PreACT (replacing "ACT-Plan") as valid options for meeting these standards. Students who fail PSAT or PreACT must take the standard end-of-course test, while others may retake the assessment or take the required test. The bill directly affects Texas public school students by clarifying which college readiness exams count toward graduation requirements. It focuses on terminology changes rather than new policies, ensuring consistency in how assessments are referenced in education code.

Maddy summarySB 771 creates a tax credit or refund for businesses that pay diesel fuel taxes on fuel used specifically in auxiliary power units (APUs) or power take-off (PTO) equipment on motor vehicles in Texas. It requires separate measurement of this fuel (not used for vehicle propulsion, idling, or climate control systems designed for passenger comfort) to qualify. Businesses must document the fuel quantity via approved meters or a percentage-based calculation if measurement isn’t possible. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis Texas concurrent resolution urges Congress to preserve Sections 45U, 45Y, and 48E of the federal tax code, which provide tax incentives for nuclear and natural gas energy projects. It directly addresses Texas' energy sector, which relies on these provisions to maintain existing operations and support new development, employing over 12,000 workers in nuclear/gas plants and supplying nearly half the state's electricity. The resolution requests Congress preserve these tax incentives to sustain affordable energy production and Texas' leadership in electricity generation.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summarySB 1625 requires public water supply and wastewater systems in Texas to immediately report specific security incidents to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Department of Information Resources. It mandates reporting for events like unauthorized access attempts, ransomware attacks, terrorism threats, or system disruptions that could impact water safety. Key examples include cyber intrusions targeting operational systems, theft of critical equipment, or natural disasters causing service outages. This directly affects all public water and wastewater providers across the state, including small nonindustrial systems. The bill clarifies reporting obligations without specifying enforcement actions or penalties.