Sen. Adam Hinojosa

Maddy summaryHB 22 exempts intangible personal property (such as stocks, bonds, and intellectual property) from Texas property taxes. It removes previous exceptions that required certain intangible assets to be taxed, making all such property fully exempt under the Tax Code. This change directly affects owners of intangible assets and counties that previously collected taxes on these items. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, applying only to tax years beginning after that date.

Maddy summaryHCR 116 is a ceremonial resolution designating Brownsville as the official "Bicycling Capital of the Rio Grande Valley" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It formally recognizes Brownsville's existing bicycle infrastructure and initiatives, including its trail system (like the Historic Battlefield Trail), community events (such as CycloBia), and programs like the Brownsville Bike Barn and Earn-a-Bike. The resolution has no binding policy changes or funding requirements - it serves solely as symbolic recognition under Texas Government Code Section 391.003(e). This designation was approved by both legislative chambers and signed by the governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 117 is a concurrent resolution designating Port Aransas as Texas' official Fishing Capital for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic designation directly affects Port Aransas, recognizing its established role in the state's fishing industry and tourism. The resolution cites the city's history of hosting major fishing tournaments, diverse marine ecosystems, and its economic reliance on fishing-related businesses. It references Section 391.003(e) of the Texas Government Code to establish the 10-year duration. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new regulations or funding but formally acknowledges Port Aransas' cultural and economic connection to fishing.

Maddy summaryHB 2523 designates a specific segment of State Highway 48 in Cameron County (between State Highway 550 and Fishermans Place Road) as the "Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of this highway segment and at appropriate intermediate locations to honor Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia. This is a commemorative designation with no substantive policy changes, focusing solely on naming and signage. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2018 amends Texas law to clarify and strengthen the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program. It defines "agricultural conservation easement" to specifically include protecting water quality, wildlife habitat, rare plants, and preventing land fragmentation. The bill gives the Parks and Wildlife Council new authority to adopt rules, accept donations, establish fee structures, and create protocols for purchasing easements. It prioritizes grant applications that protect agricultural productivity on land at risk of development. The changes affect Texas farmers/ranchers seeking conservation easements and the state program administering these conservation efforts.

Maddy summarySB 2776 clarifies when the Texas Juvenile Justice Department may share records about former juvenile clients. It allows disclosure only to individuals who were discharged from commitment, are at least 18 years old, and have given written consent. The department cannot share any information beyond what was consented to or for purposes outside the agreed scope. This bill directly affects former juvenile justice clients meeting these conditions, while maintaining existing privacy protections for other records.

Maddy summarySB 1502 prohibits Texas school districts from adopting an ad valorem tax rate exceeding their voter-approved rate if the district previously adopted such a rate, held a voter election on it, and voters rejected it. This law directly affects school districts and their voters by requiring formal voter approval before raising taxes above previously approved limits. The key provision adds a new restriction to tax code, preventing districts from circumventing voter rejections of higher tax rates. The bill became law on May 24, 2025, and applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas' franchise tax code to clarify which business activities qualify as "retail trade" for tax classification purposes. It specifically adds several rental activities to the definition, including apparel rentals, tool/leisure equipment leasing, heavy construction equipment rentals, and industrial uniform/linen rentals, as classified under the 1987 federal Standard Industrial Classification Manual. Businesses engaged in these specific rental sectors will now be classified as primarily in retail trade for franchise tax reporting. The change applies only to tax reports due on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 1073 prevents Texas licensing authorities from imposing rules or penalties that discriminate against or burden applicants or licensed attorneys based on sincerely held religious beliefs, free speech (including religious or political views), religious organization membership, or freedom of association. It prohibits policies that limit license eligibility or renewal due to these protected rights, while allowing exceptions for rules strictly necessary to serve a compelling government purpose or address willful bias in legal proceedings. The bill directly affects law license applicants and holders in Texas by ensuring their constitutional rights cannot be infringed through licensing decisions. Violations can be challenged in administrative or court proceedings, though this defense cannot be used in cases involving sexual misconduct allegations or criminal prosecutions.

Maddy summarySB 2743 creates a process for disqualifying local prosecutors who consistently refuse to prosecute election law violations. It allows judges to declare a district or county attorney disqualified if they follow a policy of declining to prosecute election offenses, and requires judges to appoint an assistant attorney general to handle those cases instead. Residents who have lived in a county for at least six months can file petitions seeking disqualification if they believe a prosecutor has a pattern of not prosecuting election violations. The bill specifically targets election-related prosecutions and mandates that the attorney general's office handles these cases without additional state funding. This bill aims to ensure consistent enforcement of election laws by local prosecutors.