Rep. Harold Dutton

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 13) urges federal agencies to take immediate action against the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly threatening Texas livestock. It directly affects Texas ranchers and the state’s $1.8 billion livestock industry, which faces severe economic risk if the pest spreads. The resolution requests specific actions: federal coordination with Mexico to combat the infestation, expedited construction of a screwworm control facility at Moore Air Force Base, and faster approval of medications and pesticides by the USDA, FDA, and EPA. It does not create new law but formally requests federal intervention to prevent widespread livestock losses and economic damage.

Maddy summaryHJR 33 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a Texas Redistricting Commission responsible for redrawing congressional district lines after each U.S. census. The commission, composed of the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Attorney General, Comptroller, and Land Commissioner, would act if the legislature fails to pass redistricting plans within 90 days of the census. The commission must finalize district boundaries within 60 days of assembling, requiring signatures from at least three members, with the plan taking effect at the next statewide election. This bill directly affects how Texas congressional districts are redrawn, shifting authority from the legislature to the commission under specified timelines.

Maddy summaryHB 293 establishes a Texas Redistricting Commission to redraw congressional district boundaries following each U.S. Census. The bill creates specific selection rules, requiring applicants to have no recent political ties (e.g., not holding office, working for parties/candidates, or lobbying within 10 years) and prohibiting conflicts of interest involving family members or government officials. This commission would directly affect all Texas voters by determining congressional district lines, which influence representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill focuses on procedural structure rather than specific district maps or outcomes.

Maddy summaryHJR 36 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a Texas Redistricting Commission that would redraw congressional district boundaries if the state legislature fails to act after the U.S. census. The Commission would consist of five state officials: the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Attorney General, Comptroller, and Land Commissioner, and must finalize a redistricting plan within 60 days of assembling (within 90 days of the legislature's session ending). The plan requires approval by at least three Commission members and would take effect at the next statewide general election. This amendment would replace the current legislative redistricting process with a defined commission structure for congressional districts only.

Maddy summarySB 2185 establishes a new $10 million annual funding allotment for school districts in Texas that offer approved dual language immersion programs (one-way or two-way). It provides 15% of the basic allotment per emergent bilingual student and 5% per other student in these programs, requiring districts to report additional data on program methods through the state's education data system. At least 55% of these funds must be used for bilingual/special language programs, covering instructional materials, staff development, and other quality instruction costs. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting school districts offering approved bilingual education models under Texas law.

Maddy summaryHB 3180 amends Texas Family Code Section 301.052 to clarify what information parties must disclose during civil family law cases (like divorce or custody disputes). It requires requesting parties to specify detailed information about medical records related to alleged injuries, expert witnesses' qualifications and opinions, settlement agreements, and witness statements. The bill directly affects individuals involved in family court cases where medical injuries or damages are claimed, making disclosure requests more structured. Key provisions mandate including expert resumes, basis for opinions, and authorization forms for medical records, aiming to streamline information sharing. This law took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 217 establishes the Historic Texas Freedmen’s Cemetery Designation Program through the Texas Historical Commission. It allows cemeteries containing at least one freed slave’s grave to apply for official recognition, requiring applicants to prove the cemetery’s existence and historical significance. The program includes a $25 application fee, and approved cemeteries may display a commemorative medallion. The designation aims to inform the public and adjacent landowners about the historical value of these sites.

Maddy summaryHB 1532 creates the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District to manage dredging and maintenance in specific waterways, directly affecting residents and property owners within its service area (Lake Houston, San Jacinto River forks, Luce Bayou downstream from Trent Road, and Caney Creek between Harris County and Lake Houston). The bill establishes a governing board of five directors appointed by Houston City Council, Houston Public Works, Harris County Flood Control District, and the Houston Mayor, with staggered four-year terms. Key provisions authorize the district to issue bonds to fund dredging and maintenance operations, which are essential for flood control, water quality, and navigation. This law, effective immediately after being filed without the governor's signature, codifies a new entity to handle these critical waterway maintenance tasks under Texas Constitution Section 59.

Maddy summarySB 1923 modifies Texas child support orders to direct payments to the parent with physical custody under specific circumstances. It allows courts to redirect payments when the non-custodial parent voluntarily relinquishes primary care for six months, is incarcerated for 90+ days, or enters certain agreements (like parental safety placement agreements under Section 264.902). The bill requires courts to hold hearings within 30 days for safety placement agreement cases and mandates that unpaid support accrue from the date of the qualifying event. This directly affects parents with physical custody, child support obligors, and family courts handling custody disputes. The law became effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 204 requires school board trustees in Texas to complete mandatory training on parental rights in education by April 2026. It also mandates the Texas Education Agency to create and maintain a publicly accessible, plain-language handbook explaining all parental rights regarding their child’s education, including rights parents can enforce for their children. The handbook must be updated annually and available online. This bill directly affects school board members (who must complete the training) and parents (who gain a clear reference for their educational rights). The requirements take effect September 1, 2025, with the handbook and training materials due by January 1, 2026.