Sen. Adam Hinojosa

Maddy summaryHB 5115 increases criminal penalties for election fraud in Texas by elevating the offense from a Class A misdemeanor to a second-degree felony under Election Code Section 276.013. It directly affects individuals who commit specific election fraud acts, such as tampering with ballots, voting for deceased voters, or counting invalid votes. The bill amends the law to impose harsher penalties for these violations, excluding certain scenarios like election officials acting in their official capacity (which remains a state jail felony) or attempted offenses (classified as a third-degree felony). This change applies only to offenses committed on or after its September 1, 2025 effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1240 standardizes the definition of the "Texas-Mexico border region" across multiple state laws by specifying the exact list of 48 counties (including Hidalgo, El Paso, Webb, and others) that constitute this area. The bill amends sections of the Government Code, Education Code, Health and Safety Code, and Transportation Code to consistently reference this defined border region for program eligibility and administrative purposes. This affects state agencies and programs that operate within the border region, such as education pilot programs requiring placement in the defined area. The bill does not create new programs but ensures uniformity in how the border region is identified in state law, effective June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new civil remedies for victims of financial exploitation using AI-generated media (like deepfakes) or phishing communications. It allows individuals to sue perpetrators for actual damages - including mental anguish and the perpetrator's profits - and to seek court orders halting further dissemination. The bill also imposes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day for violations, enforceable by the Texas Attorney General. Platforms like social media companies are exempt from liability under this law, as they are protected by federal Section 230.

Maddy summarySB 777 modifies Texas law governing collective bargaining between municipalities and employee unions. It requires arbitration boards to consider specific factors like job hazards, qualifications, and training when resolving disputes over compensation and working conditions. The bill establishes procedures for handling impasses in negotiations, including mandatory mediation efforts before arbitration. It directly affects city governments and their unionized employees across Texas by standardizing dispute resolution processes for employment terms.

Maddy summarySB 33 prohibits Texas governmental entities from using taxpayer funds to pay for or facilitate abortion-related services. It bans transactions with "abortion assistance entities" (organizations providing financial help, travel, childcare, or abortion drugs) or abortion providers for abortion procurement. The law specifically prevents government spending on logistical support like travel, lodging, childcare, or food to help individuals access abortion services. This applies to all state and local government entities and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific segment of Farm to Market Road 70 in Nueces County as the Los Robles Trail, affecting local transportation infrastructure. The legislation requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at the trail's endpoints and at intermediate locations to identify the designated route. This official designation is in addition to any existing names for the road and does not alter its function as a public highway. The law became effective on September 1, 2025, following the governor's signature.

Maddy summarySB 510 requires Texas voter registrars (county election officials) to timely complete specific voter registration duties, such as processing registration changes or scheduling hearings. If a registrar fails to meet these deadlines, the Secretary of State may withhold state funds distributed under Chapters 19 or 31. Registrars can regain funds by completing the required duty within 30 days of the funds being withheld. The bill directly affects county election offices and aims to ensure timely voter registration processing. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 33, titled the "Uvalde Strong Act," requires Texas public and charter schools to comply with additional safety and operational requirements related to active shooter incidents and emergencies. It amends the Education Code to mandate adherence to existing rules covering student data systems, criminal background checks, discipline practices, health/safety protocols, bullying prevention, and staff reporting obligations. The bill directly affects all public and charter schools by expanding their compliance obligations under current safety frameworks. It does not create new rules but requires schools to follow more existing provisions related to emergency preparedness and student safety. The law took effect on September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 36 establishes a Homeland Security Division within the Texas Department of Public Safety to coordinate statewide homeland security efforts. The division, led by a chief appointed by the department director, directly affects state agencies, local governments, and private organizations involved in border security operations. Key provisions require the division to develop strategic plans, coordinate border security operations with federal and local entities, manage intelligence collection and analysis, and oversee programs like Operation Drawbridge (border surveillance cameras). The bill mandates regular risk assessments, homeland security exercises, and alignment of state and local preparedness efforts under the division’s leadership.

Maddy summaryHB 3053 prohibits municipalities and counties in Texas from organizing, sponsoring, or participating in firearm buyback programs. The bill specifically bans local governments from creating programs that aim to remove firearms from circulation, reduce civilian firearm ownership, or allow sales without criminal prosecution concerns. This law directly affects local governments by preventing them from implementing such buyback initiatives. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025.