Rep. Angie Button

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution designates March 19, 2025, as "Texas Small Business Development Center Day" to honor the Texas SBDC Network's work. It recognizes the network's 40+ years of providing free business consulting, helping businesses access over $421 million in financing in 2024, and supporting job creation and economic growth. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is a symbolic gesture from the Texas House of Representatives to acknowledge the SBDC's contributions. It does not directly affect any individuals or businesses, as it is purely commemorative.

Maddy summaryHB 2717 creates a new payment for individuals wrongfully imprisoned who received compensation under Texas law before September 1, 2009. It provides an "equalizing compensation" amount calculated as the present-value sum they would have received on that date, minus what they already received. Applicants must file by September 1, 2028, with payments made within 30 days of eligibility confirmation. The program expires on September 1, 2029, and applies only to those who received prior compensation under Section 103.052.

Maddy summaryHJR 105 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit property tax increases on primary residences for disabled or elderly homeowners (65+). It would prevent counties from raising ad valorem taxes on qualifying homesteads as long as the owner remains a resident, including for surviving spouses aged 55+ after the owner's death. Counties could choose to implement this cap through voter approval (if 5% of registered voters petition) or adopt it by local ordinance. The amendment would permanently restrict tax hikes unless the home's value increases due to major improvements beyond repairs or government-mandated upgrades.

Maddy summaryHB 1648 limits property taxes for disabled or elderly homeowners (65+), and their surviving spouses, in Texas counties, municipalities, and junior college districts. It caps annual property taxes on qualifying homesteads at the amount paid in the first year the homeowner qualified for the exemption, preventing future increases above that level. The bill allows tax increases only if homeowners make significant improvements to their property (beyond repairs or required upgrades). This directly affects thousands of elderly and disabled Texans who own their primary homes, providing tax stability for their residences.

Maddy summaryHB 3 establishes an education savings account program in Texas, allowing families to use state funds for approved educational expenses for children enrolled in public schools. The program, administered by the state comptroller, provides funding for costs like tuition at private schools, curriculum materials, or tutoring, with funds drawn from general revenue appropriations. Eligibility includes any child attending a public school who is not enrolled in a participating private school, with priority given to children with disabilities. The bill defines key terms and sets funding limits based on the previous biennium's allocation or the cost per participating child, creating a new option for families seeking alternatives to traditional public schooling.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 1497 is not currently available in the provided context, only the title and basic action timeline are accessible. The title indicates it relates to the placement of a nativity scene on Capitol grounds, but without the full text, specific provisions or policy changes cannot be described. The bill was recently filed and referred to the Culture, Recreation & Tourism committee, but no concrete details about its requirements or affected parties are provided. For an accurate summary, the official bill text or PDF would be needed.

Maddy summaryHB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia and related disorders. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and other eligible organizations for research into dementia causes, prevention strategies, treatments, and symptom mitigation. It establishes oversight committees to manage grants, ensure compliance, and requires annual public reports detailing funded projects and recipients. The institute is set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless extended under Texas Sunset Act procedures.

Maddy summaryHJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. The bill would transfer $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026, for research, prevention, and treatment of dementia and related disorders. The institute would award grants to Texas research institutions, medical facilities, and collaboratives to develop treatments, prevention programs, and address access to care. This initiative directly affects Texans living with dementia and their families, as well as researchers and healthcare providers in the state.

Maddy summaryBased solely on the provided context, this bill's title indicates it relates to displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools, but the actual bill text is unavailable (noted as "not currently available" with a PDF reference). The bill was filed on November 12, 2024, and referred to the Public Education committee on March 7, 2025. No specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties are described in the available information. Without access to the full bill text or summary details, a substantive policy summary cannot be provided.

Maddy summaryHR 452 is a symbolic resolution recognizing March 8, 2025, as International Women's Day. It does not create new laws or affect any specific groups; instead, it formally acknowledges the annual observance of International Women's Day through a statement by the Texas House of Representatives. The resolution cites the day's history and purpose of highlighting women's achievements and promoting gender equality globally. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes beyond this formal recognition.