Rep. Tony Tinderholt

Maddy summarySB 402 allows Texas property owners to request that their ad valorem (property) tax refunds be mailed to a different address than the one listed on the appraisal roll. Property owners must submit a written request using a form provided by the comptroller before the refund is issued, and the tax collector must then send the refund to the requested address. The bill requires the form to include a warning about penalties for false statements under Texas law. This change applies only to requests filed on or after September 1, 2025, with older requests following prior rules.

Maddy summaryHCR 59 is a ceremonial resolution designating April as "Promise Month" in Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it is solely a symbolic recognition intended to honor religious and historical perspectives on promises. The resolution references biblical principles and the founding of the U.S. on "Biblical principles," but the designation itself has no legal or policy impact on residents or state operations. This is a procedural, commemorative resolution with no concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5381, titled "Rocky's Law," extends educational protections under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children to two specific groups: (1) children of veterans who retired and return to their home of record (for four years after retirement), and (2) children of service members who died on duty (for four years after death). The bill requires all public school districts and charter schools to post a clear "MIC3" link on their websites providing information about these protections. It also mandates that schools comply with existing employment rules for personnel not eligible for public school jobs. These changes ensure military-connected students receive consistent educational support during transitional periods.

Maddy summaryHB 21 amends Texas Local Government Code provisions affecting housing finance corporations that develop or manage low- and moderate-income housing. It defines qualifying residential developments as those where at least 90% of units are intended for households with adjusted gross income below state-defined moderate income levels. The bill also requires these corporations to follow open meetings and public records laws (Chapter 551 and 552, Government Code) and restricts their development to areas within the boundaries of their sponsoring local governments - unless approved by those governing bodies. These changes clarify operational rules and transparency requirements for housing finance corporations serving low- and moderate-income residents.

Maddy summaryHB 3225 requires municipal public libraries in Texas to restrict minors (under 18) from accessing sexually explicit materials in sections designated for younger audiences. Libraries must remove such materials from "minor's sections" and obtain legal guardian consent before allowing minors to check out or view these materials. The bill imposes civil penalties for violations, including fines. It directly affects municipal public libraries, minors, and their guardians by changing how libraries manage content access in designated youth areas.

Maddy summarySB 1080 requires Texas licensing authorities to issue either a full occupational license or a provisional license (valid for six months) to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses, instead of automatically denying their applications. The provisional license begins on the date an applicant is released from prison if they were incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This bill directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (such as for nursing, contracting, or other licensed professions) who meet all other qualification requirements. It aims to reduce barriers to employment by providing a temporary licensing pathway for these applicants.

Maddy summarySB 2004 adds the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington to the list of events eligible for reimbursement funding under Texas' major events program. The bill amends the Government Code to specifically include "the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington" as a qualifying event, directly affecting this specific race. This change allows the event to access state funds covering costs like security and infrastructure for major events. The bill became law on May 27, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025, making the Arlington race eligible for reimbursement starting that date.

Maddy summarySB 552 amends Texas law to explicitly disqualify individuals classified as "illegal aliens" from receiving community supervision, including deferred adjudication. It defines "illegal alien" as someone who entered the U.S. without inspection or failed to maintain nonimmigrant status. The bill adds this as a new eligibility barrier in multiple sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure (e.g., Article 42A.053(c), 42A.056, 42A.102(b), and 42A.551). This change directly affects non-citizens convicted of crimes who meet the defined "illegal alien" criteria. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after the bill’s effective date.

Maddy summarySB 455 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (for risks wholly located in Texas) include arbitration agreements conducted in Texas under Texas law, unless both insurer and policyholder agree to change the venue after the insurer provides written notice and a premium credit for added costs. This applies to new or renewed contracts on or after January 1, 2026, affecting insurers and policyholders purchasing specialized insurance for high-risk properties in Texas. The bill ensures arbitration venues and legal interpretations remain tied to Texas, preventing out-of-state arbitration without financial compensation to policyholders. It becomes effective September 1, 2025, but the new rules apply to contracts delivered after 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a legislative bill with policy effects. The Texas House of Representatives adopted HR 1089 to honor Pope Leo XIV on his election as pope, expressing "sincere best wishes" for his papacy. The resolution has no legal force or policy impact - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of goodwill. It directly affects no individuals or groups through governmental action, as it merely commemorates the pope's election.