Rep. Harold Dutton

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution honoring Jutson Benard Holton Jr., a Houston resident who died on March 23, 2025, at age 78. The Texas House of Representatives passed HR 881 to pay tribute to his life, extend sympathy to his family and friends, and formally recognize his passing. It does not create any new laws or policies - it is purely a commemorative gesture, as indicated by the resolution's language and adoption on May 23, 2025. The bill directly affects no individuals or groups beyond acknowledging the late Mr. Holton's life and legacy.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

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 4213 increases the interest rate for overdue child support payments in Texas from 3% to 6% simple interest annually. It directly affects non-custodial parents who owe unpaid child support, applying the new rate to: (1) delinquent payments exceeding monthly obligations, (2) confirmed child support judgments, and (3) lump-sum retroactive payments. The bill sets the new rate to apply to payments due on or after January 1, 2026, while existing arrears before that date follow transitional rules (3% before 2002, current rate 2002-2025, then 6% from 2026). The law takes effect September 1, 2025, but the rate change only applies to future obligations.

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 summaryHB 1738 repeals the criminal penalty for homosexual conduct (previously codified in Section 21.06 of the Penal Code). It simultaneously amends health education requirements in Texas schools to mandate that materials for minors include the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle," while incorrectly referencing the repealed law. The bill affects public school health curricula for students under 18, requiring this specific language to be included in sexual education programs. The legislation passed the Texas legislature on May 16, 2025, and would take effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summarySB 1403 amends Texas Family Code provisions governing the Title IV-D child support agency, directly affecting child support enforcement processes for obligors (paying parents) and obligees (receiving parents). Key provisions include: (1) exempting the agency from mediation/arbitration requirements in child support cases (Section 2(j)), (2) allowing the agency to halt enforcement if the custodial parent is jailed for family violence against the child (Section 2(k)), and (3) permitting administrative adjustments to support amounts when an obligor is incarcerated for 180+ days (Section 4). The bill also establishes procedures for dismissing frivolous lawsuits against the agency or its contractors (Section 3). It became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 19, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2234 raises the age of criminal responsibility in Texas from 18 to 17 for most offenses. It defines a "child" as someone aged 10-17 or 17-18 who was under juvenile court jurisdiction before turning 18. The bill prevents prosecution for most offenses committed before age 17 (except specific serious crimes like gang-related violence), requiring juvenile court to waive jurisdiction for adult prosecution. These changes apply only to offenses occurring on or after September 1, 2027, with prior cases governed by older laws. The bill passed the Texas Legislature on May 16, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4035 modifies Texas family court procedures for cases involving parent-child relationships. It requires courts to obtain a party's email address for electronic delivery of legal notices (like motions or orders) when a protective order prohibits disclosing personal information. The bill also mandates that courts issue separate judgments for attorney fees and unpaid child support arrears. These changes apply to all pending or future cases in the family court system, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2643 sets a $30,000 monthly cap on net income for calculating child support in Texas under the Family Code. It applies only to new custody or support cases filed on or after September 1, 2025, and repeals an existing subsection that previously allowed higher income levels to be considered. The bill directly affects parents required to pay child support and their children in court cases involving parental responsibility. It does not change existing calculations for cases filed before the effective date.