Maddy summaryHB 1977 amends Texas evidence law to allow prosecutors to introduce evidence of a defendant’s prior sexual offenses against the *same victim* in cases involving sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault of children or vulnerable individuals. Specifically, it permits such evidence in prosecutions for offenses like sexual assault of a child (Section 22.011(a)(2)), continuous sexual abuse (Section 21.02), or trafficking involving minors (Section 20A.02), where the victim was under 17 or 18 years old at the time. The bill removes barriers under Rules 404/405 of Texas Evidence Rules, making it admissible to show the defendant’s state of mind or prior relationship with the victim. It does not apply to general prior bad acts but is limited to offenses committed against the specific victim in the current case. The bill remains pending in the Criminal Jurisprudence committee.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1891 removes the statute of limitations for the offense of non-consensually filming minors (invasive visual recording), meaning prosecutors can file charges at any time. It requires sex offender registration for this specific offense and increases criminal penalties for certain sexual offenses. The bill also harmonizes statute of limitations rules across related sexual offense statutes. This directly affects minors who are victims, offenders convicted of this crime, and the justice system's ability to prosecute such cases. The changes aim to strengthen legal responses to child exploitation through permanent accountability measures.
Maddy summaryHB 3210 requires state contractors, local governments (political subdivisions), and private employers in Texas to use the federal E-Verify program to confirm employee work authorization. The bill mandates that state agencies cannot award contracts to entities not registered with E-Verify, and contracts must include a certification statement confirming compliance. Contractors must maintain E-Verify participation throughout the contract term, and violations would be referred to the comptroller for action. This policy directly affects businesses and government entities entering into state contracts by making federal employment verification a contractual condition. The bill focuses on implementing existing federal verification requirements through state contract rules.
Maddy summaryHB 76 prohibits local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to pay nonprofit organizations that accept public donations to post bail bonds for defendants. It directly affects political subdivisions that might fund such bail programs through public money. The bill bans this spending and allows taxpayers or residents to sue to stop it, with successful plaintiffs able to recover legal fees. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, if passed.
Maddy summaryHJR 15 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing judges to deny bail to individuals accused of specific serious crimes - including first-degree sexual offenses, violent offenses, or continuous human trafficking - pending trial. Judges may deny bail only after a hearing where they find, by clear and convincing evidence, that bail would not ensure the defendant’s court appearance or community safety. The amendment requires judges to issue a written order detailing their findings and reasoning. It does not restrict defendants’ rights to challenge bail denials under existing law and specifies that judges must consider standard bail factors when making decisions. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the 2025 election.
Maddy summaryHJR 16 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas courts to deny bail to non-citizens (defined as "illegal aliens" under the bill) charged with felony offenses if a judge finds probable cause they committed the crime. The amendment specifies that bail denial applies only after a hearing where probable cause is established, not automatically. This change would require voter approval in November 2025 before taking effect, as it seeks to amend the Texas Constitution. The bill directly affects non-citizens facing felony charges in Texas courts who meet the defined "illegal alien" criteria.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) congratulating Brandi Clausen, a Dalhart Volunteer Fire Department firefighter, on being named 2024 Firefighter of the Year by the Panhandle Firemen's & Fire Marshals' Association. It recognizes her service since 2019, her Firefighter I certification, her role as the first woman to win the Dalhart VFD's Firefighter of the Year award in 2023, and her work with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice search and rescue team. The resolution has no policy provisions or financial impact - it simply expresses the Texas House of Representatives' appreciation. It was adopted by the House on March 13, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Sarah Hininger of the Dalhart Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) for being named the 2024 EMS Responder of the Year by the Panhandle Firemen's & Fire Marshals' Association. It recognizes her volunteer work with the Dalhart VFD since 2022, her EMS training, and her service with the Hartley Volunteer Fire and EMS Department. The Texas House of Representatives formally congratulates her and extends well-wishes for her continued work. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies or funding.
Maddy summaryHB 1957 lowers the age threshold for automatic jury duty exemption in Texas from 75 to 65 years. It allows any Texas resident aged 65 or older to claim exemption when summoned for petit jury service, replacing the current 75-year requirement. The bill also maintains a separate permanent exemption option for those over 75 (via Section 62.108). This change applies to jury summonses issued on or after September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 1945 amends Texas property tax law to expand who can request confidentiality for their home address in tax records. The bill adds categories including peace officers, victims of family violence (with documentation), victims of sexual assault or trafficking, participants in the address confidentiality program, judges and family members, and certain legal professionals. The bill title references school employees, but the provided text does not list them among the affected categories. The bill is pending in committee, and the discrepancy between the title and text suggests possible incomplete information in the provided context.