Rep. Briscoe Cain

Maddy summaryHB 2539 creates a new criminal offense for prosecutors who intentionally withhold or destroy evidence that leads to the wrongful conviction of an innocent person. It specifically targets prosecuting attorneys who fail to disclose required evidence under state law or obstruct exoneration when they know a defendant is innocent. Violations are classified as second-degree felonies, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies directly to Texas prosecutors in criminal cases.

Maddy summaryHB 2532 amends Texas law to clarify definitions for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. The bill updates licensing definitions in the Occupations Code and authorizes a fee related to these regulations. It directly affects APRNs seeking or maintaining licensure and the Texas Board of Nursing, which oversees their regulation. The key provision standardizes terminology for nursing practice definitions but does not expand APRN scope of practice or prescribe new clinical duties. This is a procedural bill focused on regulatory clarity and fee authorization, not substantive practice changes.

Maddy summaryHJR 118 is a Texas legislative resolution applying to Congress to call an Article V constitutional convention. It specifically requests a convention limited to proposing a constitutional amendment that would restrict members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to a maximum number of terms. The resolution directs Texas officials to transmit copies to Congress and other states, seeking to aggregate Texas's application with similar efforts from other states to reach the required two-thirds threshold. This is a procedural step only - it does not change term limits but aims to initiate the process for a potential constitutional amendment.

Maddy summaryHB 2552 prohibits tolls on highway segments that were part of a terminated comprehensive development agreement between a toll project entity (like a private toll company) and the state. It directly affects toll project entities and drivers using those highway sections, preventing them from charging tolls after such agreements end. The bill amends the Texas Transportation Code to explicitly state that tolls cannot be charged on any part of the project covered by a terminated agreement. This creates a clear, immediate policy change without new fees or complex processes.

Maddy summaryHJR 116 proposes a constitutional amendment to Texas' state constitution, stating that Texas does not recognize federal authority to regulate firearms, accessories, or ammunition within the state. If approved by voters in the 2025 election, the amendment would amend Article I, Section 23 to explicitly reject federal regulatory power over these items. The bill does not change current Texas laws but asserts state sovereignty over firearm regulation. This procedural resolution requires voter approval and would take effect if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 2547 bans manufacturers and dealers from producing or selling new motor vehicles equipped with remote vehicle disabling technology (any software, hardware, or device that can disable a vehicle when activated). The bill specifically excludes ignition interlock devices used for DUI offenses. It prohibits these actions starting January 1, 2026, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects vehicle manufacturers and dealers in Texas who would otherwise sell vehicles with such technology.

Maddy summaryHB 930 requires the Texas National Guard to obtain specific Congressional action before being activated for active combat duty. It mandates that such activation can only occur if the U.S. Congress either officially declares war (per Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution) or takes other official action authorized under Clause 15 of the same section. The bill directly affects the Texas National Guard and the governor, who must ensure compliance with this requirement. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and establishes a clear constitutional threshold for combat deployments.

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 summaryHB 2244 prohibits Texas state agencies from entering contracts to purchase electric vehicles or related components made in China (defined as the "scrutinized country"). It requires vendors to provide written verification that the products were not mined, produced, or manufactured in China, are not sold by Chinese-owned companies, and do not involve forced labor in production. This bill directly affects state agencies buying EVs and vendors supplying them to the state. Violations could result in civil penalties, though the bill does not specify penalty amounts. The measure is currently pending in the State Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts new Texas residents from paying use tax on motor vehicles they bring into the state, but only if the vehicle was previously purchased in Texas with use tax already paid at the time of purchase. It directly affects new Texas residents who bought a vehicle in Texas before moving to the state. The exemption applies to vehicles brought into Texas, not those purchased locally after relocation. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.