Rep. Briscoe Cain

Maddy summaryHB 2810 prohibits Texas local governments (including cities, counties, and districts) from using automated systems to enforce speed limit compliance on public roads. It amends the Transportation Code to ban governmental entities from implementing or operating automated traffic control systems for speed enforcement, with the attorney general responsible for enforcement. The bill defines "governmental entity" broadly to include all local jurisdictions and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects municipalities considering or using speed camera programs for traffic enforcement.

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 2899 requires public Texas universities to adopt core curriculum courses that avoid certain content and emphasize specific skills. It prohibits courses from distorting historical events, teaching "identity politics," or promoting theories that systemic racism, sexism, or oppression are inherent in U.S. institutions. The bill mandates that courses must teach concrete skills: effective communication for writing/speaking, practical math applications, scientific method analysis, foreign language proficiency, Western civilization literature/philosophy, arts appreciation, U.S. history, foundational government principles, and social science concepts. These requirements apply to all core curriculum courses starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. The law directly affects public higher education institutions and their course design across all core subject areas.

Maddy summaryHB 2759 restricts firearm possession for individuals convicted of specific violent or property crimes, such as burglary, robbery, assault, or offenses involving force. It prohibits possession for five years after release from prison or supervision, and even after five years, only allows possession at one's home. The law applies to convictions under defined sections of Texas Penal Code covering violent crimes (e.g., Title 5) or certain property crimes (e.g., burglary, robbery, assault). This bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and only applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

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 2736 requires a two-thirds majority vote of all voters participating in an election for local governments (like counties or cities) to approve bond issuances or tax increases. It mandates that such elections must be held on the uniform November election date, unless exempted under specific tax code provisions. The bill also clarifies that bond elections for property tax-funded projects must be approved by voters, overriding conflicting laws. These changes apply only to elections ordered on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1113 establishes a permit system for hemp research in Texas, requiring universities, private colleges, and nonprofit research groups to obtain a permit from the Agriculture Department. The bill allows permit holders to conduct hemp research without needing additional permits for growing or handling hemp varieties (including uncertified seeds), to collect feral hemp, and to avoid preharvest testing requirements. However, permit holders must pay an application fee equal to the hemp license fee and may only sell hemp after it has been certified or approved under state rules, with a minimum six-month waiting period after harvest. This bill directly affects research institutions conducting hemp studies and creates administrative penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryHB 2704 defines "female," "male," and "sex" based on biological characteristics observed at birth, including reproductive anatomy. It requires facilities like restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters to be designated for "women" or "men" according to these biological definitions. The bill creates a civil right of action, allowing individuals to sue if they believe a facility designated for women is used by someone not biologically female. Its stated purpose is to protect women and girls from sexual assault in gender-segregated spaces.

Maddy summaryHB 2743 requires Texas to dedicate state surplus revenue to property tax relief. It mandates that each biennium, the comptroller transfer either $1.5 billion or 10% of the state's estimated ending budget balance (minus transfers) to a dedicated fund. These funds can only be used to reduce property taxes for homeowners and businesses. The law takes effect for the 2027-2028 budget cycle, beginning September 1, 2027.

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.