Rep. Lacey Hull

Maddy summaryHJR 16 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas courts to deny bail to non-citizens (defined as "illegal aliens" under the bill) charged with felony offenses if a judge finds probable cause they committed the crime. The amendment specifies that bail denial applies only after a hearing where probable cause is established, not automatically. This change would require voter approval in November 2025 before taking effect, as it seeks to amend the Texas Constitution. The bill directly affects non-citizens facing felony charges in Texas courts who meet the defined "illegal alien" criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 2744 requires state contractors, local governments, and private employers in Texas to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the employment authorization of new hires. The bill mandates that contractors register with E-Verify before receiving state contracts and maintain participation throughout the contract term. Contracts must include a certification statement from the contractor confirming compliance, and failure to comply may result in civil penalties. The law creates a process where state agencies must refer non-compliant contractors to the comptroller for enforcement action. This bill directly affects businesses and government entities receiving state contracts or public funds.

Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, contain only the specific text listed in the bill (including the full biblical wording), and be legible from any point in the classroom. Schools may accept privately donated displays meeting these requirements or use district funds to purchase compliant displays if needed. This law applies to all public schools and explicitly states they cannot claim exemption from this requirement.

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 2069 requires peace officers to contact a child’s parent, guardian, or legal caretaker before placing a child under emergency detention for mental health concerns. The bill grants these family members the right to take custody of the child and choose their own treatment provider. Officers must document their attempt to contact family members in both the detention form and, for school officers, in the child’s school records. This applies specifically to children under 18 years old during emergency mental health detentions. The bill directly affects parents/guardians, school personnel, and law enforcement officers handling such cases.

Maddy summaryHB 2072 creates a criminal penalty for healthcare providers who withdraw or withhold life-sustaining treatment from a patient in violation of a valid advance directive or an authorized treatment decision. It specifically makes it a first-degree felony to cause a patient's death by doing so, as defined in Section 166.048(c) of the Health and Safety Code. This bill directly affects patients with advance directives, their families, and healthcare providers who must follow established treatment preferences. The law does not change how advance directives are created but adds criminal liability for intentional violations. It applies only to offenses committed after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1505 extends the Texas Lottery Commission's existence until September 1, 2037, instead of 2025, and adds a limited-scope review requirement by 2029. The bill prohibits sales agents from intentionally or knowingly selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18, imposing criminal negligence as a standard for violations. It mandates annual training for commission members on laws, audits, ethics, and operational rules, requiring them to acknowledge receipt of a training manual each year. These changes directly affect lottery sales agents, commission members, and the Commission's operational structure.

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.