Rep. Trey Wharton

Maddy summaryHB 1177 would create a new criminal offense in Texas law for altering surface water flow in a way that causes property damage through overflow. Specifically, it makes it a Class C misdemeanor (first offense) or Class B misdemeanor (repeat offense) to divert or block water flow (e.g., by damming or redirecting) that damages a neighbor's property due to overflow. The law includes a defense if someone fills a gully or slough up to riverbank height as permitted under existing water code. This bill directly affects landowners, farmers, or developers who manage or redirect surface water near property lines. It becomes effective September 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 2840 defines "milk" as liquid secreted by mammal mammary glands and "milk product" as any product containing milk. It prohibits businesses from labeling or advertising non-milk products as "milk" or "milk products." This bill directly affects food manufacturers and retailers selling plant-based or alternative dairy products that currently use terms like "milk" in their branding. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, requiring clear labeling that aligns with the defined terms.

Maddy summaryHB 2816 protects healthcare providers and facilities from being required to participate in or provide certain health care services that conflict with their sincerely held religious or philosophical beliefs. It defines key terms like "conscience," "health care provider" (including students and non-licensed staff), and "health care service" (covering family planning, abortion-related counseling, and treatment). The bill creates a civil remedy for violations and authorizes disciplinary action against entities that force non-participation in services due to conscience objections. It directly affects hospitals, clinics, pharmacists, and all healthcare workers who may decline services like abortion care or contraception-related counseling. The law aims to prevent adverse actions against providers who refuse such services based on personal beliefs.

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 summaryHB 2696 requires Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, contain only the specific text listed in the bill (including the full biblical wording), and be legible from any point in the classroom. Schools may accept privately donated displays meeting these requirements or use district funds to purchase compliant displays if needed. This law applies to all public schools and explicitly states they cannot claim exemption from this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 2519 requires property sellers and buyers (grantors and grantees) to submit a completed "notice of real property title transfer" form when recording property deeds in Texas. This form must include both parties' full names, addresses, telephone numbers, citizenship status, and social security numbers or taxpayer identification numbers. The county clerk must keep this notice separate from public property records, making it confidential under state law, though it may be shared with state agencies for government purposes. The bill directly affects all individuals or entities buying or selling real property in Texas by adding new disclosure requirements for property transfers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 381) formally recognizes February 26, 2025, as "Washington County Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It commemorates Washington County's historical significance in Texas, including its role in the Texas Revolution, early settlement, founding of Baylor University, and cultural attractions like the Star of the Republic Museum. The resolution extends a welcome to Washington County residents attending the Capitol on that date. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on residents or state law.

Maddy summaryHB 1717's full text is not available in the provided context, preventing a detailed summary of its provisions. The bill title indicates it relates to prosecuting criminal offenses involving sexually explicit visual material with children, but specific mechanisms or affected parties cannot be described without the bill's content. Recent actions show it was filed in December 2024 and referred to the Criminal Jurisprudence committee in March 2025. For an accurate summary of its policy changes, please consult the official bill document or PDF.