Rep. John McQueeney

Maddy summaryHB 180 authorizes the Texas governor to negotiate and implement border protection agreements with the United Mexican States (Mexico) to enhance Texas's ability to secure its borders. The bill establishes a legal framework allowing the governor to appoint coordinators who will work with Mexican authorities to develop these agreements, subject to Texas state laws governing employees. This legislation directly affects Texas citizens by strengthening border security measures and Mexican authorities through formal coordination mechanisms. The bill does not alter immigration laws but creates a structured process for cross-border collaboration on border protection.

Maddy summaryHB 4308 would allow certain Texas counties to create "county industrial development districts" to spur economic growth. These districts could issue bonds for financing and impose assessments, fees, or taxes to fund specific projects. The bill defines eligible projects as those supporting advanced manufacturing, research facilities, transportation infrastructure (like airports and railports), waste treatment, water systems, distribution centers, and job training facilities. It directly affects counties that establish such districts and businesses seeking to develop or expand within them. The legislation is currently pending in the Local Government committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends emissions inspections for eligible vehicles to every three years (instead of annually or biennially) if approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It creates a new 24-month registration period for new passenger cars or light trucks sold in Texas or purchased by commercial fleets meeting specific criteria. Vehicle owners must pay all registration fees, inspection fees, and optional fees upfront at the time of registration. These changes apply to most passenger vehicles but require EPA approval for the extended inspection period.

Maddy summarySB 1349 creates new criminal offenses in Texas for "transnational repression" and "unauthorized enforcement of foreign law." It targets individuals acting as agents of foreign governments or terrorist organizations who commit specific crimes (like assault or harassment) with the intent to force someone to act for a foreign entity, restrict their movement, suppress protected speech, or retaliate for exercising free expression. The law increases penalties for these offenses, making them one category higher than the underlying crime (e.g., a first-degree felony becomes a first-degree felony with a 15-year minimum sentence). This bill directly affects foreign agents operating within Texas who engage in such conduct, aiming to protect First Amendment rights and prevent foreign interference in U.S. affairs. It became effective on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis Texas concurrent resolution urges Congress to preserve Sections 45U, 45Y, and 48E of the federal tax code, which provide tax incentives for nuclear and natural gas energy projects. It directly addresses Texas' energy sector, which relies on these provisions to maintain existing operations and support new development, employing over 12,000 workers in nuclear/gas plants and supplying nearly half the state's electricity. The resolution requests Congress preserve these tax incentives to sustain affordable energy production and Texas' leadership in electricity generation.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.