Rep. Nate Schatzline

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 2519 requires property sellers and buyers (grantors and grantees) to submit a completed "notice of real property title transfer" form when recording property deeds in Texas. This form must include both parties' full names, addresses, telephone numbers, citizenship status, and social security numbers or taxpayer identification numbers. The county clerk must keep this notice separate from public property records, making it confidential under state law, though it may be shared with state agencies for government purposes. The bill directly affects all individuals or entities buying or selling real property in Texas by adding new disclosure requirements for property transfers.

Maddy summaryHB 1909 requires local authorities in Texas to mark crosswalks using either solid white lines (in any pattern) or Texas-themed murals meeting specific design rules. The murals must fill the entire crosswalk, use white/black/unpainted backgrounds, and feature the Texas state shape like the state flag. Cities with over 100,000 residents must use these murals at their five busiest pedestrian intersections, with compliance required by September 1, 2027. The bill amends Texas Transportation Code Section 544.014 and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1735 creates the Texas Local Government Accountability Association, which will develop and publish ethics and transparency standards for cities and counties. Local governments may choose to join the association voluntarily through a vote by their city council or county commission, or be required to join after a petition triggers an election. The association may charge member local governments an annual fee. Membership is optional unless a petition and election lead to mandatory participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts new Texas residents from paying use tax on motor vehicles they bring into the state, but only if the vehicle was previously purchased in Texas with use tax already paid at the time of purchase. It directly affects new Texas residents who bought a vehicle in Texas before moving to the state. The exemption applies to vehicles brought into Texas, not those purchased locally after relocation. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1908 makes it a Class A misdemeanor for a licensed handgun holder to carry a handgun while intoxicated in locations that sell or serve alcoholic beverages. The bill specifically targets licensed carriers in venues like bars or restaurants, adding a new offense under Penal Code Section 46.03(a)(7). However, it creates a defense if the licensed holder was not intoxicated at the time of carrying. The law, set to take effect September 1, 2025, applies only to offenses committed after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 1704 requires Texas public school districts to immediately notify parents if their child engages in or expresses intent to engage in self-harm behaviors, including suicide attempts, self-mutilation, drug/alcohol abuse, or expressions of gender dysphoria. The bill defines "self-harm" broadly to cover 8 specific actions, such as cutting, suicidal ideation, or high-risk sexual behavior. School staff must report such incidents to administrators, who then notify parents, with noncompliance potentially leading to staff discipline. The law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year. It directly affects parents of K-12 students in Texas public schools and school district employees.

Maddy summaryHB 1910 requires municipalities with over 100,000 residents to adopt ordinances mandating permits for panhandling on public property, with other local governments (like counties or school districts) allowed to do the same. It prohibits fees for permits but permits reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions to enhance public safety. Applicants must provide their name, planned time, and location, and permits are limited to 12 consecutive hours and must be issued in person on physical paper. The bill explicitly excludes panhandling by registered 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. This legislation directly affects individuals seeking to solicit donations on public property and local governments establishing regulatory frameworks.

Maddy summaryHB 2274 creates a 9-member commission to review Texas penal laws outside the Penal Code (excluding those in the Penal Code, Health and Safety Code, or motor vehicle offenses). The commission, appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, House speaker, Supreme Court chief justice, and criminal appeals court judge, will evaluate these laws for redundancy, unclear language, or excessive scope and recommend changes. It will also assess past recommendations from previous commissions created under similar bills. The commission must submit its final report to state leaders by November 1, 2026. This bill establishes a review process but does not immediately change any laws or penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 2052 increases minimum prison sentences for human trafficking convictions in Texas. It sets a 15-year minimum for standard trafficking cases and raises it to 25 years or more if the trafficking involved children (regardless of the trafficker's knowledge), caused serious injury or death, used deadly weapons, or occurred near schools, universities, youth shelters, or other educational facilities within 1,000 feet. The bill specifically targets traffickers who exploit vulnerable victims or commit crimes in locations where children gather. This amendment to the Texas Penal Code changes sentencing for existing trafficking offenses but does not create new definitions or offenses.