Rep. Sergio Muñoz

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to ban ad valorem taxes (property taxes based on value) imposed by local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) on real or personal property after January 1, 2031. It also requires the state to guarantee repayment for school district bonds issued before November 4, 2025, that were secured by these taxes. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 4, 2025 election. If passed, it would eliminate a major local revenue source and shift responsibility for certain school debt to the state.

Maddy summaryHB 260 creates a joint legislative committee to study replacing local property taxes (ad valorem taxes) with sales taxes. The committee, composed of five House members and five Senators appointed by leadership, will examine how to maintain local tax revenue after abolishing property taxes, including determining necessary sales tax rates, assessing impacts on revenue disparities, and evaluating redistribution mechanisms. It must submit a report with recommendations by December 1, 2026, and will dissolve on January 1, 2027. The bill also prohibits future ad valorem taxes statewide, but the committee’s study will guide implementation. This affects Texas local governments that currently rely on property tax revenue.

Maddy summaryHB 274 establishes a framework for Texas to join an interstate compact focused on animal health initiatives with other states. The bill authorizes the governor to develop and execute this compact, enabling states to share resources like research facilities, surveillance systems, and personnel to address animal health outbreaks affecting livestock, wildlife, and other animals. Key provisions include joint planning for disease response, mutual support for infrastructure/equipment, and allowing fund transfers between states for research and response activities. The compact does not require congressional approval or increase states' political power relative to the federal government. This legislation creates a mechanism for future cooperation but does not mandate specific actions or funding.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 11) urges the federal government to take immediate action to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm - a parasitic fly that infests livestock - into Texas. It directly affects Texas ranchers, the state’s $1.8 billion livestock industry, and the broader national food supply chain, as an outbreak could cause widespread animal deaths and economic damage. The resolution requests federal agencies to: collaborate with Mexico on control plans, fund a Texas-based screwworm control facility, approve treatments for infected animals, and approve pesticides for prevention. It does not create new laws but formally asks Congress and federal agencies to act, citing the parasite’s proximity to Texas (370 miles from the border as of July 2025).

Maddy summaryHB 273 creates the Institute for Animal Health Research and Response as a component of Texas A&M University, operating under Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. The institute will partner with Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Texas Animal Health Commission to study animal diseases and parasitic infestations, develop prevention strategies, and create treatments. It may accept grants, hire staff, build facilities, and prioritize specific health threats, but implementation depends on legislative funding appropriations. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 272 establishes a special fund called the Screwworm Abatement Trust (SWAT) Fund to support efforts preventing, controlling, and eradicating the New World Screwworm pest. The fund, managed by the state comptroller outside the main treasury, can receive gifts, donations, or appropriations (capped at $50 million) to cover related programs, research, surveillance, and emergency responses. It directly affects state agricultural agencies, universities, and other public entities that administer or utilize these pest control activities. The bill creates a dedicated funding mechanism for coordinated intergovernmental efforts without imposing new taxes or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 275 modifies Texas property tax rules for agricultural land temporarily quarantined by the Texas Animal Health Commission due to ticks or screwworms. It ensures landowners maintaining agricultural designation during such quarantines (for at least 90 days) can request a reappraisal to reflect reduced land value caused by the infestation. The bill caps the reappraised value at 50% of the original tax year value or market value, whichever is lower. This directly affects Texas agricultural landowners in quarantine zones, providing relief during pest control efforts under Chapter 167 of the Agriculture Code. The changes apply to tax years with active quarantines and continue in subsequent years until the quarantine ends.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 276 ("Relating to parasitic insect control") is not currently available in the provided context. The system indicates the content will be available soon, with a note to refer to a PDF for details. No specific provisions, affected parties, or policy mechanisms can be identified from the available information. Without access to the bill's actual text or summary, a factual summary cannot be generated. We recommend checking the official bill document when it becomes available for details.

Maddy summaryHB 137 modifies Texas property tax collection rules to protect property owners from excessive penalties. It requires tax collectors to apply payments first to the unpaid property tax amount (not penalties or interest) unless owners specify otherwise in writing. The bill also caps total penalties and interest on delinquent taxes at $500, regardless of what would otherwise accrue under existing law. This applies to payments received 91 days after the legislative session ends, directly affecting homeowners and property owners with overdue taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 138 modifies Texas property tax collection rules to better protect property owners with overdue payments. It requires tax collectors to apply payments first toward the unpaid property tax amount itself, not penalties or interest, unless the owner specifies otherwise in writing. The bill also caps total penalties and interest at 5% of the delinquent tax amount, preventing excessive charges. This directly affects Texas property owners who fall behind on their annual property tax bills. The changes apply only to payments received after the law takes effect.