Rep. Briscoe Cain

Maddy summaryHB 1906 establishes the Health Impact, Cost, and Coverage Analysis Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston to assess bills that would require health insurers to cover new services, adjust payments to providers, or add administrative rules. The program analyzes how such "mandates" would affect coverage options and costs for health benefit plan issuers (including insurers, HMOs, and Medicaid managed care organizations) and enrollees. It authorizes a fee to fund this analysis, which the legislature can request for proposed bills before they become law. The bill does not change current coverage requirements but creates a process to evaluate future mandates' financial and coverage impacts.

Maddy summaryHB 1733 amends Texas law to claim the state's exemption from federal daylight saving time rules under the Uniform Time Act of 1966. The bill adds a provision stating Texas (including both central and mountain time zones) is exempt from the federal law that mandates seasonal time changes. This exemption would allow Texas to potentially maintain a fixed time year-round, though the bill itself does not change current time practices. The bill takes effect November 3, 2025, aligning with the end of daylight saving time that year.

Maddy summaryHB 2030 amends Texas Penal Code sections 43.24, 43.25, and 43.26 to add specific affirmative defenses for certain criminal offenses involving material or conduct that could be considered obscene or harmful to children. It establishes three key defenses: (1) conduct with scientific, educational, governmental, or similar justification; (2) when the defendant is the child’s spouse, engaging in conduct for medical/educational purposes, or being no more than two years older; and (3) judicial or law enforcement purposes. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, meaning prior offenses remain under older legal standards. This bill directly affects defendants facing prosecution under these specific sections of the Penal Code.

Maddy summaryHB 2220 creates a new 6.72% state value added tax (VAT) on businesses supplying services or property in Texas. The tax is calculated as the difference between a business's "output tax" (tax collected on sales) and "input tax" (tax paid on purchases), with the net amount due. It exempts small businesses, government entities, and religious/educational organizations from the tax, while excluding financial services, intercompany transactions, and property already taxed under other laws. The bill directly affects most Texas businesses engaged in commercial activity, with revenue directed to state funds as specified in the text.

Maddy summaryHB 1944 adds a new exemption to Texas' Election Code, protecting peace officers and prosecutors who investigate election offenses. The bill states that actions taken by these officials during an official investigation - when authorized by their agency and conducted in furtherance of the investigation - will not be considered violations under the Election Code. This applies specifically to conduct related to investigating election-related violations. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe full text of HB 1725 is not available in the provided context. The bill's title indicates it concerns whether certain federal environmental regulations apply to motor vehicles exclusively manufactured, sold, and operated within the state. Without access to the bill's specific provisions or text, a detailed summary of its mechanisms or affected parties cannot be provided. The recent actions (filed, read first time, referred to State Affairs) do not clarify its content. For an accurate summary, the bill's full text would be required.

Maddy summaryHB 1923 removes the fingerprint requirement for applicants seeking or holding a Texas license to carry a handgun. The bill amends Texas Government Code sections 411.0891(d) and 411.174(a) to delete the provision mandating applicants submit "two complete sets of legible and classifiable fingerprints." This change directly affects individuals applying for or renewing a handgun carry license, streamlining the application process by eliminating this specific biometric step. Other requirements - such as providing a photo, proof of residency, a $40 fee, and evidence of handgun proficiency - remain unchanged.

Maddy summaryHB 2330 creates a new legal right for people or organizations (requestors) to sue government agencies in Texas if they illegally deny access to public records under state law. If a requestor wins such a lawsuit, they can collect up to $200,000 per violation plus attorney fees and court costs. The bill waives government immunity for these specific violations, meaning agencies can be held financially accountable. This law applies only to public information requests received by agencies on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1806 prohibits Texas governmental entities (like cities, counties, or state agencies) from using public funds to support abortion-related services. It specifically bans taxpayer money from covering costs for travel, lodging, childcare, food, or counseling that helps individuals obtain an abortion or access abortion providers. The bill defines "abortion assistance entities" broadly to include groups providing financial aid, travel planning, or abortion-inducing drugs, and "abortion providers" as facilities performing over 50 abortions annually. This law directly affects government agencies and any organization receiving public funds that facilitates abortion access. The bill does not apply to federal programs conflicting with its provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2342 protects public school employees (including teachers and staff) from discipline, termination, or retaliation by school districts for using terms consistent with a student's or colleague's biological sex when addressing them. The bill prohibits school districts from taking adverse action against employees who refer to students or other staff using terms based on biological sex. This applies to all public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, unless passed with immediate effect through a two-thirds vote.