Sen. Tan Parker

Maddy summaryHB 2457 names a specific stretch of U.S. Highway 287 in Wilbarger County as the "Molly Mullens Mile," designating the segment between County Road 111 and County Road 132 East. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of this highway section and at intermediate points. This is a commemorative measure with no substantive policy changes, simply honoring Molly Mullens through highway signage. The bill was signed into law on May 24, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 511 prohibits state and local government employees from distributing voter registration forms to people who did not request them. It also bans using public funds to help others distribute such forms. Political parties and candidates may still distribute these forms unsolicited, but government employees violating these rules face a Class A misdemeanor charge. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2794 amends Texas Penal Code sections to clarify the criminal offense of interfering with child custody. It specifically targets noncustodial parents who knowingly entice or persuade a child under 18 to leave the custody of the custodial parent or guardian. The bill establishes a Class C misdemeanor penalty ($500 fine) for first offenses, but elevates it to a state jail felony if the person has two prior convictions under this law or entices the child to leave the state. This bill applies only to offenses occurring on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4518 establishes a legal framework for decentralized unincorporated nonprofit associations that use blockchain or distributed ledger technology for their operations. It defines key terms like "administrator," "governing principles," and "membership interest," requiring at least 100 members with mutual consent to form such associations under this chapter. The bill authorizes state fees for registration and specifies that these associations must operate under their own governing rules, separate from other nonprofit laws. This legislation directly affects nonprofits seeking to function using blockchain technology, providing them with a clear legal structure while avoiding traditional corporate incorporation.

Maddy summaryHB 1803 creates a Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact for Texas, enabling licensed dentists and dental hygienists in Texas to practice in other participating states without obtaining full new licenses. The bill establishes a "Compact Privilege" that allows these professionals to work across state lines while still adhering to each state's scope of practice and regulations. It authorizes fees to administer the compact and facilitates information sharing about licenses and disciplinary actions between participating states. This directly affects Texas-licensed dental professionals seeking to practice in other states that join the compact, aiming to improve workforce mobility and public access to dental services.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 2403 requires campaign finance reports filed with the Texas Ethics Commission to be submitted electronically (via software meeting commission standards) instead of by fax or hand delivery. Reports must be received electronically by midnight of the first business day after a contribution or expenditure, or by 5 p.m. the next business day if filed by fax or hand. The bill removes the requirement for most reports to include a signature affidavit and adjusts late-filing penalties, including a $500 flat fee for most late reports and tiered daily penalties for others. This directly affects campaign committees and candidates submitting financial reports under Texas election law.

Maddy summaryThis Texas concurrent resolution urges Congress to preserve Sections 45U, 45Y, and 48E of the federal tax code, which provide tax incentives for nuclear and natural gas energy projects. It directly addresses Texas' energy sector, which relies on these provisions to maintain existing operations and support new development, employing over 12,000 workers in nuclear/gas plants and supplying nearly half the state's electricity. The resolution requests Congress preserve these tax incentives to sustain affordable energy production and Texas' leadership in electricity generation.

Maddy summarySB 957 creates a new first-degree felony offense in Texas for "continuous aggravated promotion of prostitution," defined as engaging in conduct violating Section 43.04 (prostitution promotion) two or more times over 30 consecutive days. The law specifies that juries need not unanimously agree on specific acts or dates, only that the defendant committed two or more such acts within the 30-day period. If the same victim is involved, defendants cannot face multiple charges under this section without meeting strict conditions, such as alternative charges or different time periods. Violations carry a prison sentence of 25 to 99 years under Texas law.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.