Rep. Trent Ashby

Maddy summaryHR 647 is a formal resolution honoring Gordon Robert Johnson, a longtime Texas Capitol figure who died on March 16, 2025. The resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on April 1, 2025, commemorates his life, career, and family, noting his work as a legal advisor, his role in passing key legislation like the Texas Racing Act, and his personal connections to the Capitol community. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it solely serves as a ceremonial tribute to his legacy. The resolution was formally approved without debate, as indicated by its swift adoption and enrollment.

Maddy summaryHB 4031 creates a new criminal offense for occupying a dwelling without the owner's consent when the person knows or should know they lack permission, punishable as a state jail felony. It also establishes a process for residential property owners (or their authorized agents) to request sheriff removal by filing a written complaint under oath, including proof they demanded the occupant leave and refused. The sheriff must notify the occupant and allow them to present evidence within three days before removal. This bill directly affects residential property owners seeking to evict unauthorized occupants and individuals occupying dwellings without consent.

Maddy summaryHB 3409 creates a new district attorney position for the 273rd Judicial District, to be elected by Sabine County voters. It updates state law to include the 273rd Judicial District in the official list of districts with a district attorney and specifies the office will be used for the 2028 elections. The bill amends the Government Code to clarify the 1st Judicial District's coverage (now limited to San Augustine County) while establishing Sabine County as its own judicial district. The new district takes effect January 1, 2029.

Maddy summaryHB 3404 requires certain large Texas cities (population over 60,000 in counties with over 420,000 residents) and counties (population over 420,000) to allow mixed-use residential and multifamily residential development in zoning areas already permitting commercial uses. It prohibits local governments from demanding zoning changes, variances, or special approvals before permitting such projects, which include conversions of commercial buildings to housing. The bill defines "mixed-use residential" as developments where residential space makes up at least 65% of total square footage and "multifamily residential" as projects with three or more dwelling units (including condos). This law aims to reduce regulatory barriers for housing development in designated high-population areas.

Maddy summaryHB 3149 requires Texas public high schools to offer optional hunter education instruction in courses that count toward high school graduation. The bill mandates the State Board of Education to develop curriculum guidelines in cooperation with the Parks and Wildlife Department, ensuring the courses meet state hunter certification requirements. These guidelines must be created by the 2025-2026 school year, directly affecting public high school students who may take these courses. The law applies to all public school districts and charter schools offering high school programs.

Maddy summaryHB 3210 requires state contractors, local governments (political subdivisions), and private employers in Texas to use the federal E-Verify program to confirm employee work authorization. The bill mandates that state agencies cannot award contracts to entities not registered with E-Verify, and contracts must include a certification statement confirming compliance. Contractors must maintain E-Verify participation throughout the contract term, and violations would be referred to the comptroller for action. This policy directly affects businesses and government entities entering into state contracts by making federal employment verification a contractual condition. The bill focuses on implementing existing federal verification requirements through state contract rules.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 495) recognizing March 19, 2025, as "4-H Day at the State Capitol" in Texas. It formally acknowledges the Texas 4-H youth development program, which engages over 550,000 students annually across all counties through agricultural, science, and life skills initiatives. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it solely expresses legislative recognition of the event and participants. It was adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on March 19, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, contain only the specific text listed in the bill (including the full biblical wording), and be legible from any point in the classroom. Schools may accept privately donated displays meeting these requirements or use district funds to purchase compliant displays if needed. This law applies to all public schools and explicitly states they cannot claim exemption from this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 2553 amends Texas law to define "eligible school districts" for property tax studies conducted by the comptroller. It sets specific criteria: districts must have had invalid local property values in the most recent study (but valid in the prior two studies), and their sampled property values must meet a 90% margin of error threshold. The bill also requires the comptroller to annually report on appraisal district reviews, including metrics like the number of reviews conducted and changes in recommendations. These changes apply to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and take effect September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects school districts participating in property tax studies and the comptroller's reporting obligations.

Maddy summaryHR 397 is a memorial resolution honoring John "J. D." Centilli, a Waxahachie educator, coach, and retired assistant superintendent of schools for the Waxahachie Independent School District. The resolution formally recognizes his life, career, and community service - including his high school coaching achievements, military service, and family - while extending condolences to his wife, children, and extended family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or laws. This is a ceremonial tribute, not a legislative bill with governing provisions.