Rep. Mark Dorazio

Maddy summaryHB 3186 requires out-of-state colleges competing against Texas public universities in intercollegiate athletics to certify 30 days before the event that they will follow Texas' biological sex-based team eligibility rules. It directly affects out-of-state institutions competing against Texas schools in sports, mandating this certification to ensure compliance with Texas' policy. The bill adds this certification requirement to the Education Code, applying to all such competitions starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. It does not alter existing rules for Texas schools or individual athlete eligibility.

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 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 2656 prohibits peace officers from making motor vehicle stops while operating unmarked law enforcement vehicles. The bill requires that any law enforcement vehicle used for traffic stops must be clearly marked as such. This applies only to stops occurring on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect existing stops before that date. The law directly affects police officers conducting traffic stops in Texas and aims to increase transparency during vehicle interactions.

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 2505 requires municipalities to notify retail public utilities (like private water or sewer companies) in writing if they intend to provide service in an incorporated or annexed area. If no agreement is reached within 180 days of this notice, the municipality must apply for "single certification" with the Public Utility Commission before providing service. The bill mandates that municipalities send a copy of this certification application to the utility immediately via certified mail, email, or hand delivery. This applies to new proceedings starting September 1, 2025, affecting municipalities and utilities operating in Texas communities.

Maddy summaryHB 2502 requires that voting system software in Texas must track all user inputs and activities, create a permanent record of that tracking, and cannot be disabled. This law directly affects voting equipment manufacturers and election officials responsible for approving and maintaining voting systems. The bill mandates these specific software requirements for all electronic voting equipment used in elections held on or after September 1, 2025. It focuses on ensuring transparent, verifiable operation of voting systems without adding new election procedures or administrative burdens.

Maddy summaryHB 2506 modifies Texas Water Code rules for city-owned water and sewer utilities. It requires these utilities (in cities with over 1 million residents) to follow specific rate increase procedures when raising prices during drought contingency plans. This applies to residents living outside the city limits but served by the utility. The bill classifies such rate increases as "Class A" for regulatory hearings under water code rules. The law applies only to rate proceedings starting on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2501 prohibits Texas cities and counties from using public funds to provide legal services in immigration court cases for people in the U.S. without legal status, as defined by federal immigration law. It specifically bans local governments from directly funding such legal services or indirectly supporting third parties who provide them. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, and includes a narrow exception only if required by the U.S. Constitution. This bill directly affects local governments and legal aid organizations that might otherwise use taxpayer money for immigration defense. It does not change federal immigration law or affect private legal services funded by non-public money.

Maddy summaryHB 2503 requires Texas voter registrars to submit voter registration data to the secretary of state on an expedited basis, with specific procedures ensuring they collect and report the correct month, day, and year of birth for each registered voter. This bill directly affects local election officials responsible for maintaining voter registration records. The key provision mandates that electronic submission processes must verify accurate birth date information, reducing errors in the statewide voter registration list. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.