Rep. Salman Bhojani

Maddy summaryHB 2726 clarifies the procedure for jury instructions in Texas criminal trials. It requires that if a judge provides additional jury instructions after closing arguments have begun (e.g., due to jury requests or improper counsel arguments), the defendant must be allowed to object to those instructions and present a closing argument. The court must also give the defendant a reasonable time to review the instructions and specify objections. These changes apply only to criminal cases starting on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2650 requires Texas law enforcement agencies to report certain protective orders and family violence misdemeanor convictions to the Department of Public Safety within strict deadlines (3 days for protective orders, 5 days for family violence convictions) for inclusion in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. This affects law enforcement agencies responsible for reporting and individuals prohibited from firearm possession under state or federal law due to these orders or convictions. The bill mandates specific data entry into the statewide law enforcement system as defined by Section 411.042(b)(6) of the Government Code. It aims to improve the accuracy of firearm background checks by expanding the types of records shared with federal databases. The legislation directly impacts the process for preventing prohibited individuals from purchasing firearms through enhanced reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2653 bans the performance of specific procedures that prevent normal claw function in cats, including declawing methods like onychectomy or tendon modification. It allows exceptions for nail trimming, medical necessity (documented by a vet for health issues), or procedures to protect household members with certain health conditions. Violations carry a $500 civil penalty per offense, and the law takes effect September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects pet owners, veterinarians, and animal care providers in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 2493 requires eviction-related service businesses (like companies offering help with eviction notices or court filings) to provide clear written disclosures to tenants. Specifically, they must include information about free legal aid options, detailed descriptions of their services, tenant rights (including the importance of attending court hearings), and notice that similar services may be available through nonprofits at no cost. The bill also prohibits these businesses from advising tenants not to attend eviction court proceedings. It exempts government agencies and legal aid organizations from these requirements. Violations would be treated as deceptive trade practices under Texas consumer protection law.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution recognizing March 5, 2025, as Zoroastrian Day at the Texas State Capitol. It formally acknowledges the Zoroastrian community in Texas (with over 1,100 members, primarily in Houston and North Texas) and their cultural contributions. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely expresses the Texas House’s symbolic recognition of this religious observance. The bill was adopted by the Texas House on March 13, 2025, and requires no further action.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 408) formally recognizes April 10, 2025, as "Bangladeshi Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors the cultural heritage of Bangladesh and the contributions of Bangladeshi Americans, particularly the 13,000+ residents in Texas (with a large community in Dallas-Fort Worth). The resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment without creating new laws or policies. It directly affects the Bangladeshi American community in Texas by providing official state recognition of their cultural identity.

Maddy summaryHR 409 is a non-binding resolution recognizing Vesak Day as a significant holiday for Texas Buddhists. It acknowledges Vesak Day's observance of the Buddha's life, enlightenment, and death, and highlights the Buddhist community's contributions in Texas. The resolution formally extends "sincere best wishes" to Texas Buddhists for a meaningful observance but does not create new laws, policies, or funding. It directly affects the Buddhist community in Texas by affirming their religious traditions through legislative recognition. This resolution was adopted by the Texas House of Representatives in March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2123 sets new limits on Texas media production zones. It increases the statewide cap from 10 to 15 zones, limits to 10 zones per region, and allows up to eight qualified media production locations per zone (up from three). These changes replace previous caps and affect media production businesses operating within designated zones and local governments administering them. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2137 temporarily lowers Texas' state sales and use tax rate to 5.25% (from the standard rate) for transactions paid using blockchain-based decentralized networks with smart contracts. It directly affects businesses accepting such payments, like cryptocurrency merchants, by reducing their tax burden for qualifying sales. Key provisions include a $400,000 annual cap on tax reductions per business, a requirement for daily tax reporting by businesses once the cap nears, and a limited window from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. The bill expires January 1, 2028, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2134 requires the Texas commissioner of education to study the ideal school district size for maximizing efficiency, resource use, and student outcomes. The study must examine district organization, available resources, academic performance, and graduation rates across all districts. By December 31, 2026, the commissioner must submit a report with findings and recommendations to education committees. This bill does not change current laws but mandates research to inform future policy decisions. The study directly affects all Texas public school districts through potential future legislative actions based on the report.