Rep. Mike Schofield

Maddy summaryHB 5514 prohibits municipalities or counties from allowing multifamily housing construction in areas predominantly consisting of single-family homes through local zoning rules or ordinances. The bill directly affects local governments by restricting their ability to amend zoning laws to permit apartment buildings or multi-unit developments in existing single-family neighborhoods. It allows affected residents to sue for economic damages or injunctions if a local government violates the ban, with successful plaintiffs entitled to triple damages. The law waives government immunity for such violations and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4983 would require Texas public high school districts to offer an elective firearms safety course for students, contingent on parental written consent. The State Board of Education must develop curriculum guidelines focusing on accident prevention, student safety, and proper firearm response, aligning with existing hunter education content. Additionally, the State Board must create a free virtual firearms safety course for the public, available on government websites through the Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas Department of Public Safety. This bill applies starting the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 4501 amends Texas law to change how courts interpret state statutes. It prohibits courts from considering legislative intent, committee reports, or statements by lawmakers when reading laws, requiring them to focus solely on the plain meaning of the text. The bill also bans courts from giving special weight to how state agencies interpret laws, though they may consider reasonable agency interpretations that match the statute's plain language. These changes directly affect Texas courts and judges who interpret state laws, shifting legal analysis toward written text over historical context or agency guidance.

Maddy summaryHB 4717 creates a new office of state special prosecutor in Texas, appointed by the Supreme Court, to handle specific high-profile criminal cases. The special prosecutor will have concurrent jurisdiction in district and lower courts for cases involving violations of election laws, human trafficking, certain health and safety code offenses (including abortion laws under Chapters 170-171 of the Health and Safety Code), and specific Penal Code violations. The office will operate with a four-year term, allow for assistant prosecutors, and require a memorandum of understanding with the attorney general for staff support. This bill directly affects state prosecutors handling these designated cases and establishes a dedicated legal authority for them.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new County Civil Court at Law No. 5 in Harris County, Texas, to be effective September 1, 2025. It amends the Government Code to add this court to Harris County's existing four county civil courts (No. 1 through No. 4). The bill directly affects Harris County's court system by expanding its civil court capacity without changing substantive law or policy.

Maddy summaryHB 4723 prohibits businesses operating in Texas from assigning environmental, social, or governance (ESG) scores to Texas residents. The bill defines ESG scores as credit scores based on measuring a customer's exposure to long-term environmental, social, and governance risks. Businesses violating this prohibition face civil penalties of up to $1,000 per affected resident per day, with the Texas Attorney General authorized to enforce the law. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution honoring Paula Kay Hughes, a Katy community member who died in January 2025. The resolution recognizes her decades of service as a city ambassador, Parks and Recreation Board member, and advocate for children's causes, alongside her family life. It extends condolences to her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family. As a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill), it formally pays tribute to her legacy without creating new laws or affecting any policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 497) adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on March 31, 2025. It formally congratulates Annie Callegari St. Paul and Merritt St. Paul of Houston on the birth of their son, Henry Robert St. Paul, who was born on March 1, 2025, at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital. The resolution expresses the House's welcome of Henry as a new citizen of Texas and includes a copy for the family. As a congratulatory resolution with no policy provisions, it does not affect legislation or create legal obligations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 558) formally acknowledges March 19, 2025, as "Katy Business and Education Legislative Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It recognizes attendance by Katy business leaders (including the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council) and Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD) representatives. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a ceremonial gesture to honor their collaboration on workforce development and education initiatives. It directly affects Katy ISD officials, local business leaders, and the Katy community participating in the Capitol event.

Maddy summaryHB 76 prohibits local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to pay nonprofit organizations that accept public donations to post bail bonds for defendants. It directly affects political subdivisions that might fund such bail programs through public money. The bill bans this spending and allows taxpayers or residents to sue to stop it, with successful plaintiffs able to recover legal fees. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, if passed.