Rep. Jared Patterson

Maddy summaryHB 214 amends Texas law to strengthen prosecution of firearm smuggling and terrorism-related offenses. It clarifies that transporting or transferring illegally acquired firearms or ammunition - whether multiple times or for profit - constitutes a crime under Section 46.14 of the Penal Code. The bill also expands terrorism charges by linking specific violent offenses (like murder or assault) to terrorism prosecutions when committed to intimidate the public. This directly affects individuals involved in illegal firearm trafficking and those committing violent acts with terrorism intent. The changes refine existing legal standards without creating new offenses.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 610 limits severance payments to school superintendents in Texas school districts to no more than six months' salary and benefits. It requires school boards to report such payments to the state commissioner and mandates that any amount exceeding this cap reduces the district's state education funding. The law applies only to severance agreements entered into on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025), leaving pre-existing agreements unaffected. This bill directly affects school districts and superintendents by setting a clear financial boundary for termination payments and linking them to state funding.

Maddy summaryHB 4955 amends Texas Transportation Code to clarify standards for high-mounted stoplamps on vehicles. It specifies that such stoplamps comply with federal safety standards if they vary in intensity four or fewer times without deactivating during braking for up to two seconds. The bill directly affects vehicle manufacturers and owners who install these lighting systems, ensuring their products meet a clear technical specification. The change takes effect September 1, 2025, updating compliance requirements under Section 547.3215.

Maddy summarySJR 34 proposes adding Section 37 to the Texas Constitution to affirm parents' inherent right to make decisions about their children's upbringing, including care, custody, and control. It states the state cannot interfere with these parental rights unless the interference is essential for a compelling government interest and narrowly tailored to achieve that interest. If passed, this constitutional amendment would require voter approval in the November 2025 election, with the ballot phrased as supporting "parents as the primary decision-makers for their children." The bill directly affects parents' legal authority over child-rearing decisions and sets new constitutional limits on state intervention.

Maddy summarySB 2864 would exempt the installation of roofing materials containing integrated solar panels (photovoltaic technology) from standard electrical licensing requirements under Texas law. It specifically modifies the Occupations Code to exclude this type of installation from the Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act, meaning local governments (political subdivisions) would no longer regulate it through electrical licensing rules. The bill directly affects roofing contractors, solar manufacturers, and local building departments that previously required electrical licenses for such integrated solar roof systems. This change simplifies regulatory requirements for installing solar-integrated roofing materials without altering electrical safety standards.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHCR 109 is a concurrent resolution authorizing the State Preservation Board to approve constructing a replica of the National Life Monument at the Texas State Capitol Complex. The resolution specifies the monument must be placed outside historic Capitol grounds, comply with existing laws (including private funding and size limitations), and follow board procedures. It directly affects the State Preservation Board’s approval process and the public, who would gain access to the monument. As a procedural resolution (not a bill), it does not create new laws but facilitates a specific monument installation.

Maddy summaryHB 3339 mandates a study by Texas' Maternal Mortality Review Committee and the Department of State Health Services to examine maternal mortality and morbidity rates specifically among Black women in Texas. The study requires comparing these rates to other racial/ethnic groups, analyzing socioeconomic factors, evaluating healthcare coverage types (Medicaid, private insurance, uninsured), and assessing impacts of specific health conditions (like preeclampsia and obesity) and implicit biases in healthcare. It also requires evaluating social determinants of health and pregnancy-related complications. The committee must submit a report with recommendations to address disparities by September 1, 2026, including provider training on cultural competency and successful programs from other states. This bill directly affects Black women in Texas by focusing on data collection to inform future policy.

Maddy summarySB 412 amends Texas Penal Code sections 43.24 and 43.25 to add new affirmative defenses for certain offenses involving material or conduct harmful to children. It allows judicial or law enforcement officers to use their official duties as a defense when prosecuted under specific sections, and adds two other defenses: being the child’s spouse or being no more than two years older than the child. The bill applies only to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, and does not affect past cases. These changes directly affect prosecutors, defendants in such cases, and law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity.