Maddy summaryHB 21 amends Texas Local Government Code provisions affecting housing finance corporations that develop or manage low- and moderate-income housing. It defines qualifying residential developments as those where at least 90% of units are intended for households with adjusted gross income below state-defined moderate income levels. The bill also requires these corporations to follow open meetings and public records laws (Chapter 551 and 552, Government Code) and restricts their development to areas within the boundaries of their sponsoring local governments - unless approved by those governing bodies. These changes clarify operational rules and transparency requirements for housing finance corporations serving low- and moderate-income residents.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1135, titled "Relating to temporary vehicle tags and the offense of tampering with a governmental record," is named the "Terrin Solbrig Act" in Section 3A. The bill amends Chapter 125 of the Texas Transportation Code but does not specify concrete policy changes in the provided text. It is scheduled to take effect September 1, 2025, after passing committee favorably on May 23, 2025. The context lacks details on how the bill would alter temporary tag procedures or tampering offenses, so a full summary of its mechanisms cannot be provided.
Maddy summarySB 1719 proposes to clarify the Texas Supreme Court's authority to create rules governing civil procedure. It specifies that the court's rules can replace outdated laws enacted before 1939, but only after the court adopts a new rule on that specific topic. The bill also requires the court to publicly list all superseded laws when adopting a new rule and explicitly prohibits the court from changing certain existing statutes, such as those banning personal service of legal documents during legislative sessions or rules about real property sales. This bill directly affects the Texas Supreme Court's rulemaking process and civil court procedures across Texas.
Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment (SJR 87) would require Texas judges to deny bail to people accused of specific serious felonies if they have prior convictions for similar offenses or were on bail for such offenses at the time of the new crime. It applies to charges like murder, aggravated assault with weapons or serious injury, sexual assault, human trafficking, and related offenses. Judges would need to hold a hearing to confirm probable cause for the new crime and the prior conviction/bail status before denying bail. The amendment requires voter approval (scheduled for November 2025) but failed adoption in the Texas Senate in May 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas judges to deny bail to individuals classified as "illegal aliens" charged with felony offenses, if a judge determines probable cause exists. It defines "illegal alien" as someone who entered the U.S. without inspection or violated nonimmigrant visa terms. The amendment would automatically deny bail pending trial for such individuals, without requiring additional proof of flight risk or danger. If approved by voters in 2025, it would become part of the Texas Constitution. (Note: This is a procedural proposal requiring voter approval, not an immediate law.)
Maddy summarySB 1080 requires Texas licensing authorities to issue either a full occupational license or a provisional license (valid for six months) to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses, instead of automatically denying their applications. The provisional license begins on the date an applicant is released from prison if they were incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This bill directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (such as for nursing, contracting, or other licensed professions) who meet all other qualification requirements. It aims to reduce barriers to employment by providing a temporary licensing pathway for these applicants.
Maddy summarySB 3073 requires magistrates in Texas to provide written findings within 24 hours when determining no probable cause exists for a criminal arrest. This affects individuals arrested for crimes and the magistrates reviewing their cases. The bill mandates that magistrates document their reasons for finding no probable cause in the official record. It applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with prior cases governed by existing law. The change aims to increase transparency in early criminal proceedings.
Maddy summarySB 455 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (for risks wholly located in Texas) include arbitration agreements conducted in Texas under Texas law, unless both insurer and policyholder agree to change the venue after the insurer provides written notice and a premium credit for added costs. This applies to new or renewed contracts on or after January 1, 2026, affecting insurers and policyholders purchasing specialized insurance for high-risk properties in Texas. The bill ensures arbitration venues and legal interpretations remain tied to Texas, preventing out-of-state arbitration without financial compensation to policyholders. It becomes effective September 1, 2025, but the new rules apply to contracts delivered after 2025.
Maddy summarySB 2322 amends Texas law to clarify the specific findings the comptroller of public accounts must make before recommending approval of tax limitation applications under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act. It requires the comptroller to confirm: (1) the project is eligible, (2) it will generate sufficient state/local tax revenue to offset school district losses, (3) the agreement is a "compelling factor" for the project's location in Texas (meaning the company would not invest here without it), and (4) projects in qualified opportunity zones are actually located there. This directly affects school districts that may lose ad valorem tax revenue if projects receive approved tax limitations. The bill establishes clear, measurable criteria for the comptroller to apply, ensuring tax abatements are justified by economic benefits to the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals to submit proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must provide a copy of specific documents, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate, with their voter registration application. If initial proof is not provided, voter registrars must attempt to verify citizenship using various databases. If citizenship cannot be verified or proof is not ultimately provided, the applicant will only be eligible to vote a limited federal ballot. The bill also creates a state jail felony offense for registrars who knowingly fail to reject applications that do not meet these new requirements.