Sen. Chuy Hinojosa

Maddy summaryHB 2756 (the Jovian Motley Act) requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to provide annual training on de-escalation, crisis intervention, and behavioral health to correctional officers and their direct supervisors. The bill mandates specific training components, including communication techniques, alternatives to physical restraints, safety during cell extractions, and awareness of behavioral health concerns like suicide risk and substance use disorders. This training must be included in new officers' initial (preservice) training and completed annually by eligible employees. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, with TDCJ required to make the training available by December 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2603 requires employers participating in county or municipal economic development programs to contact their local workforce development board before filling job openings. The law mandates they check if qualified participants from career development centers in the area are available and consider those candidates. Employers must also give extra consideration to applicants receiving public assistance, including unemployment benefits or aid under Chapter 31 of the Human Resources Code. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects businesses in Texas economic development programs.

Maddy summarySB 2949 would require businesses transporting motor fuel across state lines to maintain detailed shipping records showing destination states, terminal locations, and operator details. It mandates that transporters carry these documents during transit and present them to officials upon request. The bill also restricts changing delivery destinations without prior approval from the state tax agency and destination states, with violations subject to criminal charges or civil fines. This applies directly to motor fuel transport companies, barge/vessel operators, and fuel depots handling interstate shipments. The proposal aims to improve tracking of fuel exports to prevent tax evasion and ensure compliance with state regulations.

Maddy summarySB 1464 amends Texas law to restrict when vehicle owners can request a hearing about a refusal to issue, revoke, or suspend a vehicle title. It specifically bars hearings for titles related to salvage vehicles, vehicles in active court cases, or vehicles where ownership has been legally awarded to someone else. If an application violates these restrictions, the county assessor-collector must deny it without holding a hearing or notifying the state. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3093 requires taxing units in Gulf Coast counties with fewer than 500,000 residents to use electronic forms that automatically calculate property tax rates based on certified appraisal values when a property owner notifies them they intend to appeal an appraisal review board decision. The bill ensures tax calculations match the values in the official appraisal roll or certified estimate, preventing discrepancies during appeals. It directly affects property owners filing appeals and taxing units in designated Gulf Coast counties. The key mechanism is mandating electronic forms that incorporate certified valuation data to maintain accuracy throughout the appeal process.

Maddy summaryHB 331 creates a legal presumption that certain heart attacks or strokes suffered by firefighters, peace officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are work-related if they occur within eight hours after a shift involving strenuous physical activity like firefighting, rescue, or training. This means these first responders no longer need to prove their medical condition was caused by their job - instead, the law assumes it was work-related under specific conditions. The bill applies only to claims filed after its effective date (May 24, 2025), not to past claims. It excludes clerical or administrative work from the presumption, focusing solely on active emergency response duties.

Maddy summarySB 771 creates a tax credit or refund for businesses that pay diesel fuel taxes on fuel used specifically in auxiliary power units (APUs) or power take-off (PTO) equipment on motor vehicles in Texas. It requires separate measurement of this fuel (not used for vehicle propulsion, idling, or climate control systems designed for passenger comfort) to qualify. Businesses must document the fuel quantity via approved meters or a percentage-based calculation if measurement isn’t possible. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas hospitals to use objective, consistent criteria when deciding whether to grant, deny, renew, or modify medical staff privileges for physicians, podiatrists, or dentists. Hospitals must apply their adopted criteria uniformly to all applicants and may require documentation of current clinical competency and experience in requested procedures. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects hospital credentialing processes and medical staff seeking privileges.

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.