Rep. Ellen Troxclair

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution designates April 8, 2025, as "Leadership Highland Lakes Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors participants in the Leadership Highland Lakes program from Burnet and Llano Counties, which educates young adults about community issues and local government. The resolution formally recognizes the program's work in developing future community leaders and includes a copy for the group as a token of appreciation. This is a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or funding impacts.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) commending Mark Lucas for his work as a legislative intern in State Representative Terri Leo Wilson's office during the 89th Texas Legislative Session. It recognizes Lucas, a University of Texas at Austin government student and Naval ROTC member, for his "skill and dedication" in supporting legislative duties. The resolution formally expresses the Texas House of Representatives' appreciation and provides Lucas with an official copy as a gesture of recognition. No policy changes or financial impacts are involved.

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 summarySB 2529 requires local taxing units (like cities, school districts, or water districts) to obtain a supermajority vote from their governing body before adopting tax rates exceeding voter-approved limits or issuing certain bonds. Specifically, it mandates at least 60% approval for general obligation bonds and 75% approval for tax rates that exceed previously rejected voter-approved rates. The bill applies when a taxing unit seeks to raise taxes above the rate voters previously rejected in an election. This policy change directly affects local government decision-making on tax increases and bond issuances.

Maddy summaryThis Texas concurrent resolution urges Congress to preserve Sections 45U, 45Y, and 48E of the federal tax code, which provide tax incentives for nuclear and natural gas energy projects. It directly addresses Texas' energy sector, which relies on these provisions to maintain existing operations and support new development, employing over 12,000 workers in nuclear/gas plants and supplying nearly half the state's electricity. The resolution requests Congress preserve these tax incentives to sustain affordable energy production and Texas' leadership in electricity generation.

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 3115 restricts the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District’s authority over certain wells. It prohibits the district from requiring domestic or livestock wells (already exempt from permitting) to install meters, selling groundwater outside the district, or supplying water to municipalities or utilities without their consent. The bill directly affects well owners using water for household or animal needs, the district itself, and local municipalities or utilities. These changes limit the district’s regulatory power while preserving existing water use exemptions and municipal water rights.

Maddy summaryHB 3087 allows Texas counties to restrict registered sex offenders (level 2 or 3) from approaching child safety zones - such as schools, daycares, playgrounds, or youth centers - in unincorporated county areas. Counties can set distance limits (up to 1,000 feet) via commissioners court order, with exemptions for legitimate purposes like transporting children or work. Violating these orders is a Class C misdemeanor. The bill specifically applies to unincorporated areas, not incorporated cities, and exempts offenders already living within the restricted distance before the order takes effect.

Maddy summarySB 530 limits how many credit hours Texas public colleges and universities can require students to complete for associate and bachelor's degrees beyond the minimum set by their institution's accrediting agency. It ensures students transferring between public institutions receive credit for completed courses in similar programs, unless required by their accrediting agency. The bill also requires universities to maintain accreditation by a recognized agency to operate as general academic institutions. These changes apply to all public higher education institutions in Texas and take effect September 1, 2025.

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.