Rep. David Lowe

Maddy summaryBased solely on the provided context, this bill's title indicates it relates to displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools, but the actual bill text is unavailable (noted as "not currently available" with a PDF reference). The bill was filed on November 12, 2024, and referred to the Public Education committee on March 7, 2025. No specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties are described in the available information. Without access to the full bill text or summary details, a substantive policy summary cannot be provided.

Maddy summaryHB 1076 addresses unauthorized activities on real property, creating new criminal offenses for unauthorized entry, occupancy, or advertising of property for sale/rent. It increases penalties for these violations and authorizes a fee related to enforcement actions. The bill directly affects property owners, tenants, and individuals involved in real estate transactions by establishing clearer legal consequences for unauthorized property use. Key provisions include criminalizing specific unauthorized activities (like occupying a dwelling without permission) and adding financial mechanisms for enforcement. This legislation aims to strengthen property rights protections through defined penalties and administrative fees.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 would establish a Texas-issued currency backed by physical gold and silver held in a state-managed depository. It authorizes the comptroller to create this currency, representing specific fractions of a troy ounce of gold or silver, and requires it to function as legal tender for debt payments. The bill mandates electronic transfer capabilities for the currency and designates the Texas Bullion Depository as the exclusive issuer. It also authorizes a fee to cover administrative costs, though specific fee amounts are not detailed in the provided text. This bill is procedural in nature, creating a new currency framework rather than altering existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 911 designates June 24 as "Celebration of Life Day," adding it as a state holiday in Texas. The bill amends the Government Code to include this date in the list of official state holidays, alongside existing observances like Texas Independence Day and San Jacinto Day. This change affects state government operations, requiring agencies to close on June 24 each year starting September 1, 2025. The bill does not alter other holiday provisions or provide additional funding.

Maddy summaryHCR 57 is a concurrent resolution clarifying that Texas' 1972 ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) expired on March 22, 1979 - the original deadline set by Congress for states to approve the amendment. It states that Texas’ ratification, recorded in Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1, was only valid until that deadline and does not extend to later ratifications by other states (like Nevada, Illinois, or Virginia after 2017). The resolution objectively documents Texas’ historical position on the ERA’s timeline, with no current legal or policy impact.

Maddy summaryHB 818 adds mifepristone and misoprostol to Texas' Schedule IV controlled substances under the Texas Controlled Substances Act. However, it specifically exempts pregnant women from possession prohibitions for these medications, allowing them to legally possess mifepristone or misoprostol for their own use. The bill does not change medical prescribing rules but modifies criminal penalties for unauthorized possession. It takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 749 requires food service establishments in Texas serving shrimp imported from outside the U.S. to provide customers with a notice about the shrimp's origin. This notice must be displayed either on menus or in a visible area of the establishment. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, but businesses have until March 1, 2026, to comply. It directly affects restaurants and food venues serving imported shrimp, mandating transparency about the shrimp's import source without altering import regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 789 requires school districts to obtain written parental consent before school staff conduct psychological or psychiatric assessments, tests, or treatment for students. It applies to all school personnel, including contractors, and defines "mental health activities" broadly to include surveys, check-ins, or screenings disguised as academic exercises. Exceptions include mandated special education evaluations, safety recordings (like discipline footage), classroom instruction, and student safety programs. The bill also clarifies it does not override existing child counseling consent rules or mandatory child abuse reporting requirements. This law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires meat, poultry, and shrimp products sold in Texas to include a clear label statement indicating whether the product originated in Texas. It directly affects retailers, restaurants, and distributors selling these food items within the state. The law mandates a simple "origin" notice on all relevant product labels, replacing vague or missing origin information. The requirement will take effect on September 1, 2025, following adoption of implementing rules by the Health and Human Services Commission.

Maddy summaryHB 515 requires Texas public school districts to adopt written policies banning student use of personal electronic devices (like smartphones) during school hours. Students must store devices in lockable containers provided by the district, with exceptions for medical needs requiring written documentation from a healthcare provider. Districts must also report on policy effectiveness to the Texas Education Agency, including impacts on student behavior, mental health, and feedback from students and staff. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.