Rep. Sam Harless

Maddy summaryHB 9 creates a property tax exemption for businesses owning tangible personal property (like equipment or inventory) used to generate income. It exempts $125,000 of the appraised value of such property at each location within a taxing unit, regardless of the property's individual value. The exemption applies to all businesses holding income-producing property at a single address, and related businesses operating under a unified enterprise must aggregate their property to calculate the exemption. Additionally, businesses leasing such property receive the full $125,000 exemption for all leased items, even if located across different taxing units.

Maddy summarySJR 5 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow judges to deny bail to individuals accused of certain violent or sexual offenses punishable as first-degree felonies, or continuous human trafficking. It directly affects people facing these specific charges by requiring judges to find, by clear and convincing evidence, that bail would not ensure court appearance or community safety. Key provisions include mandating written orders with specific findings for bail denials and requiring judges to consider standard bail factors under existing law. The amendment must be approved by voters in November 2025 to take effect, as it is a proposed constitutional change rather than an immediate law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 762) honors Eugene Frank Zaboroski, a Cypress resident who died in February 2025 at age 88. It commemorates his life, family, community service - including his role as Harris County justice of the peace and his bequest of land that became Cypress Top Historic Park - and extends condolences to his wife, five daughters, extended family, and the Cypress community. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact but formally recognizes his contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 958) allows certain victims of human trafficking or compelling prostitution to petition courts for an order sealing their criminal history records. It applies specifically to individuals convicted of offenses like prostitution (Penal Code § 43.02) or drug-related crimes (Health and Safety Code § 481.120/121) that they committed "solely as a victim" of trafficking under Penal Code §§ 20A.02, 20A.03, or 43.05. To qualify, petitioners must prove they assisted law enforcement in trafficking investigations (or were unable to due to age/disability) and meet other court requirements. If approved, courts prohibit public disclosure of related criminal records, aiding victims' reintegration without criminal history barriers.

Maddy summaryHB 4 restricts Texas public school districts and campuses from obtaining exemptions or waivers for specific requirements, including graduation standards, school accountability measures under Chapters 39 and 39A, health and safety rules, and programs for special education and bilingual students. The bill explicitly prohibits waivers for federal mandates, essential knowledge/skills, class size limits (except as allowed by law), extracurricular activities, and other key areas listed in the legislation. It also changes the appeal process for challenges to the commissioner's decisions, requiring appeals to be filed in Travis County district court with specific procedural steps. This bill directly affects school districts, the Texas Education Agency, and individuals seeking to challenge educational decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 4580 would exempt property owned by qualifying nonprofits in Texas counties with 3.3 million or more residents from property taxes. Specifically, it applies to nonprofits organized exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes that use property to promote agriculture, support youth programs, or provide community educational services. The exemption covers all real and personal property held for these uses but does not extend to for-profit lessees' interests in such property. This change would take effect January 1, 2026, for eligible properties in designated populous counties.

Maddy summaryHB 1327 extends the expiration date of the Harris County Hospital District's healthcare provider participation program from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2027. This change directly affects the Harris County Hospital District and healthcare providers participating in its program, ensuring continued operation of the initiative. The bill amends Section 299.004 of the Health and Safety Code to adjust the program's expiration date and the chapter's effective period. The legislation passed both chambers with unanimous support and took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4204 prohibits service agreements for residential real estate maintenance or home sales that contain unfair terms, directly affecting homeowners and service providers like contractors. It defines unfair agreements as those binding future owners without consent, allowing unconsented transfers of service rights, or creating legal claims on property. The bill makes such agreements invalid and unenforceable, while excluding home warranties, utility services, and standard insurance contracts. Violating this law constitutes a deceptive business practice under Texas law.

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.

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.)