Rep. Keith Bell

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 summaryBased solely on the provided context, this bill's title indicates it relates to displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools, but the actual bill text is unavailable (noted as "not currently available" with a PDF reference). The bill was filed on November 12, 2024, and referred to the Public Education committee on March 7, 2025. No specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties are described in the available information. Without access to the full bill text or summary details, a substantive policy summary cannot be provided.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 would establish a Texas-issued currency backed by physical gold and silver held in a state-managed depository. It authorizes the comptroller to create this currency, representing specific fractions of a troy ounce of gold or silver, and requires it to function as legal tender for debt payments. The bill mandates electronic transfer capabilities for the currency and designates the Texas Bullion Depository as the exclusive issuer. It also authorizes a fee to cover administrative costs, though specific fee amounts are not detailed in the provided text. This bill is procedural in nature, creating a new currency framework rather than altering existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 1158 requires Texas public schools to obtain written parental consent before providing human sexuality instruction to students. The bill mandates that schools give parents a separate, dedicated notice at least 14 days before such instruction begins, prohibiting bundling this request with other consent forms. It directly affects students in public schools receiving human sexuality education and their parents, who must provide written approval. The law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive law) congratulating Tyler Wade of Terrell on winning the 2024 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Team Roping World Championship. It formally recognizes his victory at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, where he and his partner set a single-season earnings record and won rounds 1, 2, and 5. The resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, includes no policy changes or financial provisions - it simply expresses legislative support and directs a copy be given to Wade. It directly affects only Tyler Wade as a ceremonial gesture.

Maddy summaryHB 920 exempts sales and use taxes on firearms, ammunition, firearm accessories, and specific firearm safety equipment (like gun safes, locks, and training materials) from Texas sales and use taxes. This directly affects consumers and retailers purchasing these items, removing a tax burden that currently applies. The exemption applies to the sale, storage, use, or consumption of these items, effective September 1, 2025. The bill does not change taxes owed before this date or impact other tax categories.

Maddy summaryHB 717 would protect public school employees in Texas from being prohibited from engaging in religious speech or prayer during work hours, unless a school district or government entity demonstrates a compelling state interest that requires the restriction and uses the least restrictive means possible. The bill specifically prohibits schools from infringing on this right except in narrowly defined circumstances, such as preventing disruption to school operations. This proposed law directly affects all public school employees (teachers, staff, etc.) in Texas school districts and charter schools, but it is still pending in committee and has not become law. The bill would take effect immediately if passed by a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, otherwise on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 36 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the Texas legislature to set a lower annual cap on how much a primary residence's taxable value can increase for property tax purposes. Currently, homestead exemptions limit annual increases to 10% of the previous year's value, but this bill would let lawmakers set a lower limit (e.g., 105% instead of 110% of prior value) or a fixed percentage. If approved by voters in November 2025, it would directly affect homeowners who qualify for homestead exemptions by potentially reducing their annual property tax increases. The amendment would expire when the original owner or their spouse no longer qualifies for the exemption.

Maddy summaryHB 515 requires Texas public school districts to adopt written policies banning student use of personal electronic devices (like smartphones) during school hours. Students must store devices in lockable containers provided by the district, with exceptions for medical needs requiring written documentation from a healthcare provider. Districts must also report on policy effectiveness to the Texas Education Agency, including impacts on student behavior, mental health, and feedback from students and staff. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryThe bill title indicates it relates to limiting increases in the appraised value of homestead residences for property tax purposes, but the full text and specific provisions are not available in the provided context. The bill was filed on November 12, 2024, and read for the first time on February 28, 2025, before being referred to a committee on property tax appraisals. Without access to the bill's actual text or detailed summary, the exact mechanisms, affected parties, or policy changes cannot be described. This appears to be a procedural bill focused on property tax appraisal rules, but concrete details are unavailable.