Rep. Briscoe Cain

Maddy summaryHJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of Texas' state sales and use tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund. It would require that this dedicated revenue be allocated exclusively to water infrastructure projects, with new rules allowing temporary suspension during declared disasters. The bill would amend the state constitution to establish this dedicated funding stream, replacing current flexible allocation methods for water fund money. This proposal was reported adversely by the Senate Finance Committee with a 14-0 vote against in May 2025.

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 is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) congratulating Cecil V. Newton of Highlands on his 100th birthday. It directly affects Cecil Newton by formally recognizing his life milestones, including his service in the U.S. Army during WWII, career at Exxon, and family life. The resolution contains no policy changes or mechanisms - its sole purpose is to express the Texas House of Representatives' goodwill through a formal congratulatory statement. It was adopted by the Texas House on June 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5138 shifts responsibility for prosecuting election-related crimes from local prosecutors to the Texas Attorney General's office. It requires law enforcement agencies to report election law violations to the Attorney General and mandates that local prosecutors cooperate with the AG’s office. The bill creates new provisions in the Government Code (Subchapter D) and amends the Election Code to give the Attorney General sole authority to prosecute such offenses, effective September 1, 2026. This directly affects local law enforcement, county prosecutors, and the Attorney General’s office by centralizing prosecution authority for election crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 1130 creates limited liability for commercial cavern tour operators (cavern entities) in Texas for injuries sustained by participants during recreational or educational cavern activities. It requires cavern entities to post a specific warning sign at all entrances stating Texas law limits their liability for such injuries, unless the injury resulted from the entity's negligence, known dangerous conditions, or intentional harm. The law applies to injuries occurring after its effective date (May 29, 2025) and exempts cases involving the cavern entity's failure to address safety hazards or properly train staff. This directly affects cavern tour businesses and their participants by shifting legal responsibility unless the required warning is displayed.

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 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 summaryHB 3225 requires municipal public libraries in Texas to restrict minors (under 18) from accessing sexually explicit materials in sections designated for younger audiences. Libraries must remove such materials from "minor's sections" and obtain legal guardian consent before allowing minors to check out or view these materials. The bill imposes civil penalties for violations, including fines. It directly affects municipal public libraries, minors, and their guardians by changing how libraries manage content access in designated youth areas.

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.)

Maddy summarySB 1864 allows small egg producers to sell ungraded eggs directly to consumers and up to 500 dozen per week wholesale within Texas. It requires producers selling wholesale to register with the state for an annual fee of up to $50, label cartons with "ungraded" plus their name, address, packing date, and registration number, and follow specific food safety rules (refrigeration within 36 hours, storage at 45°F or below, and sanitation standards). The bill directly affects backyard or small-scale egg producers who do not grade their eggs but wish to sell them commercially. Key provisions include limiting wholesale sales to 500 dozen weekly, mandating clear labeling, and establishing registration and safety requirements. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, if not passed with a two-thirds vote.