Rep. Lacey Hull

Maddy summaryHB 3507 amends Texas Penal Code Section 31.03 to reclassify theft offenses based on the property's value and specific circumstances, directly affecting anyone committing theft in Texas. It establishes tiered penalties: Class C misdemeanor for theft under $100, Class B misdemeanor for $100-$750 (or prior theft convictions), Class A misdemeanor for $750-$2,500, state jail felony for $2,500-$30,000 (or theft of firearms, driver's licenses, catalytic converters, or ballots), and third-degree felony for $30,000+ or repeated thefts. Key provisions include stricter penalties for theft of specific items like catalytic converters (valued under $30,000), firearms, or election materials, and higher penalties for repeat offenders. The bill changes sentencing outcomes without altering the definition of theft itself.

Maddy summaryHB 4336 allows hospital employees to take custody of newborns without a court order under specific conditions. It applies to infants 60 days old or younger who are voluntarily left with hospital staff immediately after birth (e.g., handed to an employee or placed in a designated safety device) and where the parent does not express intent to return. The bill amends Texas Family Code Section 262.302(a) to formalize this process, removing the need for judicial oversight in these emergency situations. The law will take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 836 protects victims of sex offenses, sex-based human trafficking, or sexual acts by restricting how medical evidence from their examinations can be used. The bill prohibits courts from using such evidence to investigate or prosecute minor offenses committed by the victim themselves, requires all related evidence to be sealed by the court after proceedings, and limits public access to visual recordings of victims. It directly affects victims in criminal cases, ensuring their medical exam details and related materials cannot be shared publicly or used against them in unrelated minor charges. The law creates clear safeguards to prevent re-traumatization and protect privacy during legal processes.

Maddy summaryHB 5539 requires licensed child-placing agencies in Texas to post an itemized list of all adoption-related costs on their public websites. This directly affects adoption agencies, which must now disclose every fee associated with the adoption process (such as agency fees, legal costs, or travel expenses). The bill mandates that this information be clearly listed and accessible online, helping prospective adoptive parents understand full costs upfront. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2929 requires Texas peace officers to complete a mandatory two-hour training program on interacting with people with autism spectrum disorder. The training, established under new Section 1701.273 of the Occupations Code, covers evidence-based topics like recognizing autism manifestations, reducing stress during interactions, communicating effectively, locating missing individuals with autism, identifying exploitation risks, and applying custody laws. This requirement applies directly to all Texas peace officers as part of their minimum curriculum. The bill aims to improve officer preparedness when encountering individuals with autism, focusing on practical communication and safety protocols without changing existing legal standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits late payment fees charged by municipal water utilities in Texas. It caps fees at $5 or 2% of the overdue amount before day 32, $5 or 5% between days 32-41, and $5 or 10% after day 41. Utilities cannot begin charging penalties before 21 days after billing a customer, and penalties end when the full amount is paid. The rules apply only to fees charged on or after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed by two-thirds vote).

Maddy summaryHB 2588, the "Food Freedom Act," expands home-based food production rules in Texas by defining "cottage food production operations" for individuals or small nonprofits operating from home. It allows these businesses to produce specific non-perishable foods like baked goods, jams, dried fruits, and nut butters, while excluding high-risk items such as meat, seafood, raw milk, CBD products, and canned goods. The bill sets an annual income cap of $100,000 (adjusted for inflation) for these operations and restricts sales to direct consumer purchases or other cottage food vendors. This primarily affects small-scale home food entrepreneurs seeking to legally sell their products without full commercial kitchen requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4688 modifies Texas law for civil liability cases involving commercial motor vehicle accidents. It restricts when evidence of regulatory violations (like safety rules) can be used in court, requiring such evidence to directly link the violation to the injury and show the rule specifically applied to the situation. The bill also limits claims against employers for driver negligence unless the employer first admits the driver was acting within their job duties at the time of the accident. These changes apply only to cases filed or tried after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryHB 3281 requires parents whose parental rights have been terminated to financially support their children in foster care (substitute care) until specific milestones. It directly affects parents with terminated rights and children in foster care, mandating support until the child turns 18 (or graduates high school), is adopted, or for children with disabilities until adulthood. Key provisions specify that support continues until the child's adoption, 18th birthday (or graduation), removal of disability status, or death. The bill amends Texas Family Code sections to clarify these financial obligations and termination grounds.

Maddy summaryHB 5076 requires certified health organizations (like hospitals and clinics) to adopt policies ensuring employed physicians make independent medical decisions without organizational interference. If these policies are followed and the organization doesn't interfere with a physician's judgment, the organization cannot be held liable for the physician's medical care. The bill amends the Occupations Code to create this protection, directly affecting healthcare entities that employ physicians. This change focuses on clarifying liability boundaries rather than altering patient care standards.