Rep. Salman Bhojani

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution recognizes April 15, 2025, as "Ismaili Day" at the Texas State Capitol to honor the visit of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community. It acknowledges their global presence (15 million members across 35+ countries), spiritual leadership under Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, and their community service through the Aga Khan Development Network (including schools, hospitals, and sustainability initiatives). The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic recognition of the community’s contributions to Texas and global humanitarian efforts. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 602) recognizes March 25, 2025, as "Desi Day of Action" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors South Asian Texans - over 760,000 people who contribute to Texas through work in industries like technology and healthcare, cultural festivals, and civic engagement. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of community advocacy efforts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 604) is a symbolic gesture by the Texas House of Representatives to recognize Navroz, the Persian New Year, celebrated on March 21, 2025. It acknowledges Navroz's cultural significance as a spring festival observed by millions globally, rooted in ancient Persian traditions and involving customs like spring cleaning and sharing food. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it simply extends "sincere best wishes" for the observance. It affects no specific group or individual, as it is purely a commemorative statement by the Texas legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 3131 requires the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) to study how current state and local laws about pole attachments affect broadband expansion. The study must examine average approval times for pole attachments (including from electric cooperatives), the effectiveness of rules for relocating obsolete or non-compliant poles, and the PUC's current resources for educating broadband providers and utility cooperatives. The PUC must submit an initial report by February 15, 2026, and a final report by December 1, 2026, to relevant legislative committees. This bill directly affects broadband providers, electric cooperatives, and the PUC, but does not make new laws - only mandates a study to identify potential barriers to broadband deployment.

Maddy summaryHB 3128 exempts Texas school districts from paying certain required contributions when hiring retirees from the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. This applies specifically to retirees who retired before September 1, 2005, or to those hired by a school district with a verified teacher shortage (as determined by the Texas Education Agency). The policy change will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, regardless of when the retiree originally left their position. This adjustment aims to reduce financial barriers for school districts seeking to address staffing needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans in Texas to cover specific physical therapy services as part of standard benefits. It applies to private insurers, Medicaid, school district health plans, and other major coverage types listed in the bill (including HMOs, health maintenance organizations, and group health plans). The law mandates that plans provide this coverage without additional patient costs for medically necessary treatments. This directly affects patients needing physical therapy for medical conditions and ensures consistent access to these services across covered plans.

Maddy summaryHB 3127 requires health insurers and Medicaid managed care organizations to respond to preauthorization requests within three calendar days of receiving them. This applies specifically to requests for medically necessary health services under Medicaid contracts and workers' compensation health care networks, effective April 1, 2025. The bill establishes a strict 3-day deadline for issuing determinations, with an exception allowing extended time if initial documentation is insufficient. It directly affects health insurers, Medicaid providers, and patients needing prior approval for covered services.

Maddy summaryHB 3130 limits annual increases in the property tax value for single-family homes leased to seniors (65+ years old) who use them as primary residences and pay rent at or below HUD's fair market rent for their zip code. The bill caps annual appraised value increases at no more than 10% of the previous year's value or the last appraised market value, whichever is lower. This directly affects elderly renters in qualifying properties by preventing rapid tax bill spikes due to property value changes. The policy applies only to residential leases meeting these specific criteria, excluding other property tax appraisal categories.

Maddy summaryHJR 147 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a property tax limit for single-family homes leased to renters aged 65 or older who use the home as their primary residence and pay rent at fair market value. If approved, the law would let the legislature cap the appraised value used for property taxes at 110% (or a higher percentage) of the previous year’s value, rather than the full market value. This would directly affect elderly renters in qualifying leases and require voter approval in the November 2025 election. The amendment would expire if the property stops meeting these conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 2654 establishes the Texas Promise Grant Program to help eligible Texas residents cover tuition and fees at two-year public colleges (including community colleges and technical institutes). It targets students who graduated high school or earned a GED within the past three years, are enrolled full-time in an associate degree or certificate program, and have applied for other financial aid. The program provides grants to cover costs while requiring students to complete their degree or certificate within a set timeframe, excluding those who already hold a degree or have exceeded 90 credit hours. This policy directly supports low- and middle-income students pursuing affordable higher education pathways in Texas.