Rep. Andrew Garrett

Maddy summaryHB 188 allocates state funds for capital improvement projects (such as infrastructure upgrades) within the Twenty-Second Representative District. This bill directly affects residents and local initiatives in that specific district by providing financial resources for physical improvements. As a funding measure, it does not establish new policies but authorizes spending for district-specific capital needs. The bill is currently pending in the 2026 Regular Session after being carried over from 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 554 designates the second new moon after the winter solstice each year as the state's official Lunar New Year observance, effective July 1, 3000. This is a symbolic designation with no near-term impact, as the effective date is over 995 years in the future. The bill does not change current holiday schedules or create new paid leave. It is a procedural measure to formally recognize Lunar New Year as a state holiday on a distant date. The committee recommended passage with amendments, but the bill will not affect any current or foreseeable legislative or policy implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 625 establishes a state-funded incentive program to attract and retain nationally certified school psychologists in public schools. It directly affects qualified school psychologists by providing financial incentives through appropriated state funds. The bill creates a mechanism where eligible psychologists receive annual payments upon meeting certification and employment requirements. The program is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 3000, and recently passed the Education Committee with 10 supportive votes. This is a funding-based policy change focused on addressing staffing needs in school mental health services.

Maddy summaryHB 665 establishes a data sharing and governance working group within the state's Office of Enterprise Technology Services to develop policies and best practices for sharing government data across agencies. The bill appropriates funds to support this group's work, which will help state agencies improve how they handle and share data. This bill directly affects state agencies that manage public data, as it creates a formal process for coordinating data sharing efforts. The key mechanism is the creation of this dedicated working group with dedicated funding, rather than changing existing data laws.

Maddy summaryHB 893 prohibits the sale, possession, and transfer of assault rifles, assault shotguns, and .50 caliber rifles within the state. It also expands existing restrictions by banning high-capacity detachable magazines. The bill directly affects residents who currently own or seek to purchase these specific firearms and magazines. Key provisions establish new criminal penalties for violations of these firearm restrictions.

Appropriates funds to increase the funding for Medicaid in-home services, conditioned on the Department of Human Services obtaining the maximum federal matching funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the civic education trust fund to support programs benefiting civic education of public school students. Appropriates funds for the expansion of civic education in the public schools and for full-time equivalent permanent civic education resource teacher positions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Prohibits landlords from charging additional monthly fees for the keeping of a pet animal, except in certain circumstances. Prohibits landlords from charging more than one-third of one month's rent as an additional pet animal security deposit. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Increases a taxpayer's applicable percentage of employment-related expenses that is used to calculate the household and dependent care services tax credit. Extends the sunset date of the temporary increase in maximum employment-related expenses that are used to calculate the household and dependent care services tax credit, established by Act 163, SLH 2023, to 6/30/2030. Effective 7/1/3000. Sunsets 6/30/3005. (HD1)

Prohibits the sale, offer, possession with intent to sell, display, distribution, or trade of fur products in the State, with certain exceptions. Establishes civil penalties for violations. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD1)