Sen. Chuy Hinojosa

Maddy summaryHB 451 requires Texas child welfare and juvenile justice systems to screen children in state custody or under juvenile probation for risk of commercial sexual exploitation. It mandates this screening using validated tools within 45 days of a child entering state conservatorship or before juvenile case dispositions, if age-appropriate or concerns exist. The screening must be conducted by the Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit under the Texas Government Code. Implementation depends on legislative funding, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 198, known as the Wade Cannon Act, requires Texas cities and counties that employ firefighters to provide free occupational cancer screenings starting in a firefighter's fifth year of service, with annual screenings thereafter. The screenings must include specific tests: urine, pulmonary function, electrocardiogram, infectious disease screening, breast cancer screening, blood tests, and chest x-rays (limited to once every five years). Political subdivisions may exempt themselves if they already offer annual occupational medical exams meeting standards set by the National Fire Protection Association and approved by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. The law takes effect June 1, 2026, directly affecting all Texas firefighters employed by local governments.

Maddy summaryHB 1242 designates a specific 3.5-mile segment of U.S. Highway 281 in Brooks County (between County Road 304 and Huppergate Road) as the "Ernesto Soliz Cantu Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install permanent markers at both ends of the designated segment and at appropriate intermediate locations along the highway. This is a commemorative act with no policy changes or funding provisions, directly affecting travelers on that highway segment and the state transportation agency responsible for marker installation. The law took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2768 creates a state-recognized information technology apprenticeship credential through public junior colleges and technical institutes to address shortages in Texas state IT workforce positions. The program requires curriculum approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, develops skills for senior-level IT roles in state agencies, and mandates a one-year apprenticeship with state agencies, major IT projects, or regional security centers. It allows an associate degree combined with this credential to substitute for a bachelor's degree in state career ladder programs. The bill, signed into law on May 29, 2025, takes effect September 1, 2025, directly impacting public colleges offering the credential and state IT workers seeking career advancement.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas to create a property tax exemption for surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected conditions. Specifically, it would authorize the legislature to exempt all or part of the market value of a surviving spouse's primary home (homestead) from ad valorem taxes, provided the veteran died from a condition presumed service-connected under federal law and the spouse has not remarried. If a spouse moves to a new homestead, they could retain the same tax exemption amount as their previous home. The amendment requires voter approval in November 2025 and would take effect January 1, 2026, if approved.

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 879 creates a new pathway for military veterans to obtain medical licenses in Texas. It allows veterans who retired from active duty within the past year and served as physicians or physician assistants treating military personnel or veterans to apply for a Texas license, provided they have an honorable discharge and pass the state jurisprudence exam. The bill specifically requires applicants to have been authorized in their military role to treat service members or veterans at the time of retirement. This policy change, effective September 1, 2025, directly affects recently separated military medical personnel seeking to practice in Texas.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas judges to deny bail to individuals classified as "illegal aliens" charged with felony offenses, if a judge determines probable cause exists. It defines "illegal alien" as someone who entered the U.S. without inspection or violated nonimmigrant visa terms. The amendment would automatically deny bail pending trial for such individuals, without requiring additional proof of flight risk or danger. If approved by voters in 2025, it would become part of the Texas Constitution. (Note: This is a procedural proposal requiring voter approval, not an immediate law.)

Maddy summarySB 427 would deny state loans or grants to cities, counties, and other local governments that fail to submit required annual financial reports. Specifically, if a local government misses filing or publishing its financial statement (as mandated by law), it becomes ineligible for state funding programs during that same fiscal year. Exceptions apply if the failure results from a declared disaster, provided the government notifies the state agency in writing detailing the circumstances. The bill requires all funding applications to include this eligibility notice and verify compliance with financial reporting rules.

Maddy summarySB 2675 amends Texas law to allow specific municipalities to transfer park land without following standard conveyance procedures under certain conditions. It directly affects cities with populations of at least 140,000 located in counties meeting three criteria: county population ≥800,000, bordering an international border, and containing no municipality with >500,000 residents. The bill permits transfers of park land within one mile of a municipal convention facility, provided the transfer is authorized by local resolution. The key mechanism establishes these three specific conditions as exceptions to existing land transfer rules. This procedural bill creates a streamlined process for designated municipalities to convey park land for development near convention facilities.