Rep. Janie Lopez

Maddy summaryHB 2090 establishes a disaster identification system for areas under a declared state of disaster in Texas. It requires residents to attach illuminated displays with specific color codes to themselves and pets: blue for adults (18+), green for individuals with disabilities, red for children (<18), and yellow for animals. Participants signal medical needs by using continuous light (no assistance needed) or flashing light (medical assistance needed) on their displays. Disaster relief personnel can then use these signals to locate people and animals during nighttime rescue operations in affected areas.

Maddy summaryHB 1806 prohibits Texas governmental entities (like cities, counties, or state agencies) from using public funds to support abortion-related services. It specifically bans taxpayer money from covering costs for travel, lodging, childcare, food, or counseling that helps individuals obtain an abortion or access abortion providers. The bill defines "abortion assistance entities" broadly to include groups providing financial aid, travel planning, or abortion-inducing drugs, and "abortion providers" as facilities performing over 50 abortions annually. This law directly affects government agencies and any organization receiving public funds that facilitates abortion access. The bill does not apply to federal programs conflicting with its provisions.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill prohibits state and local government entities from purchasing real property or entering contracts with foreign governments or companies from China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia. It specifically bans transactions involving entities headquartered in those countries, controlled by their governments, owned by their citizens, or directly linked to them. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are exempt from these restrictions. The law applies to all real estate acquisitions and government contracts under state or local authority.

Maddy summaryHB 3 establishes an education savings account program in Texas, allowing families to use state funds for approved educational expenses for children enrolled in public schools. The program, administered by the state comptroller, provides funding for costs like tuition at private schools, curriculum materials, or tutoring, with funds drawn from general revenue appropriations. Eligibility includes any child attending a public school who is not enrolled in a participating private school, with priority given to children with disabilities. The bill defines key terms and sets funding limits based on the previous biennium's allocation or the cost per participating child, creating a new option for families seeking alternatives to traditional public schooling.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 1497 is not currently available in the provided context, only the title and basic action timeline are accessible. The title indicates it relates to the placement of a nativity scene on Capitol grounds, but without the full text, specific provisions or policy changes cannot be described. The bill was recently filed and referred to the Culture, Recreation & Tourism committee, but no concrete details about its requirements or affected parties are provided. For an accurate summary, the official bill text or PDF would be needed.

Maddy summaryHB 1485 would replace certain school district property taxes with a new 6.72% state and local value-added tax (VAT) on business sales. The bill exempts small businesses, government entities, and schools from paying the tax, while excluding financial services, employment, and other specified transactions. Businesses would pay the VAT based on the difference between taxes they collect (output tax) and taxes they pay on purchases (input tax). This reform aims to shift school funding responsibility from local property taxes to a broader business-based tax system.

Maddy summaryHB 1286 would change Texas law to increase attorney's fee limits for property owners who win tax appeals. It sets a new cap of $25,000 or 50% of reduced tax liability (up from $15,000/20% under current law), but exempts homestead property owners from these limits if they win appeals under specific tax code sections. The bill directly affects property owners challenging tax assessments in court, particularly those appealing ad valorem (property) tax determinations. The change would apply only to appeals filed on or after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with supermajority).

Maddy summaryHB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia and related disorders. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and other eligible organizations for research into dementia causes, prevention strategies, treatments, and symptom mitigation. It establishes oversight committees to manage grants, ensure compliance, and requires annual public reports detailing funded projects and recipients. The institute is set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless extended under Texas Sunset Act procedures.

Maddy summaryHJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. The bill would transfer $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026, for research, prevention, and treatment of dementia and related disorders. The institute would award grants to Texas research institutions, medical facilities, and collaboratives to develop treatments, prevention programs, and address access to care. This initiative directly affects Texans living with dementia and their families, as well as researchers and healthcare providers in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1124 requires school board trustees in Texas public school districts to complete annual training on state education laws, covering topics like district governance, ethics, open meeting rules, fiduciary duties, nepotism prohibitions, and legislative updates on instructional materials, diversity initiatives, and student athletics. Trustees who fail to complete this training face a $500 civil penalty and risk losing district-provided liability insurance coverage. The law applies directly to all school board members and takes effect September 1, 2025. This bill aims to standardize trustee knowledge of legal obligations under Texas education law.