Rep. Tom Craddick

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summarySJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that non-U.S. citizens cannot vote in Texas. It amends Article VI, Section 1(a) of the Texas Constitution by adding "persons who are not citizens of the United States" as a prohibited voting class. This would clarify existing voting eligibility rules by making citizenship a constitutional requirement, directly affecting non-citizen residents. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 4, 2025, election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 2825 exempts from Texas state sales and use tax tangible personal property used by cable television, internet access, and telecommunications service providers in their core operations. This includes equipment directly used to distribute cable TV, provide internet access, or transmit telecom services, but excludes property used for data processing or information services. The bill repeals a prior tax provision and ensures refunds for pre-effective date transactions filed by March 31, 2026, remain valid. The exemption becomes effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2494 allows residents in annexed areas to petition their city council to revert land back to unincorporated status if the municipality fails to provide basic services (like water or roads) as required by law. It specifically applies to areas annexed under certain Texas codes, requiring cities to act within 60 days of a valid petition or face potential court-ordered disannexation. If a court rules in favor of the petitioners, the city must disannex the area and pay the residents' legal fees. The bill establishes a clear process for residents to seek relief when cities neglect service obligations, without specifying which services must be provided.

Maddy summaryHB 5453 requires Texas transportation officials to prioritize projects that maintain or improve state infrastructure equally, splitting funding 50/50 between these categories. It mandates a new 10-year statewide transportation plan listing all projects to be built or maintained, including annual funding targets. The bill also requires the transportation department to notify state legislators in the affected counties when major road projects are selected for funding or completed. These changes apply directly to the Texas Department of Transportation and state lawmakers, aiming to create more transparent and balanced infrastructure planning.

Maddy summarySB 513 establishes a pilot program to expand community-based child welfare services in rural Texas counties meeting specific population criteria (at least two-thirds of counties in a region having 50,000 or fewer residents). The bill requires the state child welfare department to partner with a locally selected lead entity - either a community nonprofit with resident-led governance or a local government - to implement the program. Key provisions include prioritizing community engagement, improving child welfare outcomes through innovative service delivery, and developing a sustainable model for rural areas. The program became effective September 1, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers and receiving the Governor’s signature.

Maddy summaryHCR 124 designates May 6, 2025, as Alzheimer's Advocacy Day in Texas. The resolution recognizes the impact of Alzheimer's disease, which affects over 460,000 Texans and is projected to reach 700,000 by 2030, with significant economic and personal costs. It commends efforts to fight the disease and support those affected, without creating new policies or funding. This is a symbolic resolution with no legislative or budgetary impact.

Maddy summaryHJR 35 is a constitutional amendment proposal that would establish the "Grow Texas Fund" and restructure how certain state revenues are allocated. It requires the comptroller to transfer funds from the general revenue fund to three designated accounts: the Economic Stabilization Fund (50%), the State Highway Fund (the remainder), and the new Grow Texas Fund. Specifically, 12% of the amount designated for the Economic Stabilization Fund would be redirected to the Grow Texas Fund, capped at $250 million per state fiscal biennium. This amendment, adopted by the Texas legislature on May 12, 2025, must now be approved by voters to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1186 amends Texas tax code to expand which municipalities can receive tax revenue from businesses near a specific hotel and convention center project. It applies to cities with 130,000 or more residents that qualify under existing tax code provisions (Section 351.152(12)). The key change adds these larger cities to the list of municipalities entitled to share tax revenue generated by nearby establishments. If passed, the bill would take effect immediately with a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025, otherwise. The bill focuses on clarifying tax revenue distribution rules, not creating new programs or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1937 amends Texas tax code provisions to clarify record-keeping requirements for taxpayers disputing assessments and adjust penalty rules for unpaid taxes. It requires taxpayers to provide specific records (like invoices, contracts, or electronic documents) to support claims in tax disputes, and waives penalties for disputed amounts if a lawsuit is filed within deadlines. The bill also creates a new process allowing taxpayers to bypass standard redetermination hearings for "managed audits" by filing a detailed notice within 60 days of receiving audit results, enabling direct court challenges. This directly affects taxpayers contesting tax assessments from managed audits and the Texas comptroller’s office handling these cases.