Rep. Charlie Geren

Maddy summaryHB 1286 would change Texas law to increase attorney's fee limits for property owners who win tax appeals. It sets a new cap of $25,000 or 50% of reduced tax liability (up from $15,000/20% under current law), but exempts homestead property owners from these limits if they win appeals under specific tax code sections. The bill directly affects property owners challenging tax assessments in court, particularly those appealing ad valorem (property) tax determinations. The change would apply only to appeals filed on or after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with supermajority).

Maddy summaryHB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia and related disorders. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and other eligible organizations for research into dementia causes, prevention strategies, treatments, and symptom mitigation. It establishes oversight committees to manage grants, ensure compliance, and requires annual public reports detailing funded projects and recipients. The institute is set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless extended under Texas Sunset Act procedures.

Maddy summaryHJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. The bill would transfer $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026, for research, prevention, and treatment of dementia and related disorders. The institute would award grants to Texas research institutions, medical facilities, and collaboratives to develop treatments, prevention programs, and address access to care. This initiative directly affects Texans living with dementia and their families, as well as researchers and healthcare providers in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1112 allows legal permanent residents (green card holders) to be licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and hired by local governments for positions requiring licensure, such as law enforcement roles, provided they hold the required license and submit an affidavit of intent to apply for U.S. citizenship within six months of becoming eligible. The bill replaces a prior requirement that limited these positions to honorably discharged veterans. It also mandates that law enforcement agencies obtain written consent from applicants and conduct background checks before hiring them, as specified in updated licensing and hiring procedures. The legislation directly affects legal permanent residents seeking licensure and local governments that hire for licensed positions.

Maddy summaryHB 543 requires public colleges and universities to post clear, visible signs providing information on how to report sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. These signs must include direct contact details, reporting procedures, and prevention resources to make it easier for students and staff to seek help. The bill directly affects all public higher education institutions in the state, mandating them to update campus signage within specified timelines. Key provisions include standardizing reporting information across campuses and ensuring accessibility for those needing support.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution, not a policy bill. It adopts the internal operating rules (the "Housekeeping Resolution") for the Texas House of Representatives during the 89th Legislature. The resolution establishes procedures governing the Speaker's role, committee administration, employee policies, office assignments, and accounting practices for House operations. It directly affects House members, staff, and committees by setting their internal rules for the legislative session. This resolution does not create new public policy or impact constituents.

Maddy summaryThis resolution ceremonially recognizes February 10-11, 2025, as "Tarrant County Days" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors Tarrant County residents and officials gathering for events during those dates, highlighting the county’s history, cultural attractions, and economic contributions. The resolution does not create new policies, funding, or legal requirements - it is purely symbolic recognition. It affects Tarrant County attendees and the Texas Legislature by formally designating the days for celebration.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) passed by the Texas House of Representatives on February 5, 2025. It honors the late Aga Khan IV (Shah Karim Al-Hussaini), the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The resolution expresses the House's condolences to his family and the global Ismaili community following his death on February 4, 2025, and recognizes his humanitarian work through AKDN, which has supported healthcare, education, and economic development in over 30 countries. The resolution has no policy impact - it is a symbolic tribute with no funding or new requirements.

Maddy summarySCR 7 is a procedural resolution that asks both houses of the Texas legislature to grant each other permission to adjourn for more than three days during the week of January 15-22, 2025. This request complies with Article III, Section 17 of the Texas Constitution, which normally requires mutual consent for adjournments exceeding three days. The resolution does not change laws or affect any specific group; it only modifies the legislature's scheduling procedures for that specific period. As a procedural measure, it has no substantive policy impact.