Rep. Will Metcalf

Maddy summaryHB 1397 requires the Texas Historical Commission to manage the care, custody, and display of three key historical documents: the "victory or death letter" (William Travis' 1836 letter), the Texas Constitution, and the Texas Declaration of Independence. The bill mandates that the commission designate a secure display location for the victory or death letter at the Alamo complex by December 1, 2027, while continuing to display the Constitution and Declaration at the Capitol Complex under existing arrangements. It also requires collaboration with the Texas Historical Commission and State Preservation Board to develop and publish a formal display plan for all three documents. This law, signed by the governor on June 20, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, institutionalizes the current practice of displaying these documents while formalizing future display locations.

Maddy summaryHB 4230 establishes the Bicentennial Trail, a network of hike and bike trails connecting the Alamo to the Texas State Capitol and linking to Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs, and San Antonio Springs. The Texas Land Office must coordinate trail development and ensure completion by January 1, 2036, through agreements with local governments, nonprofits, and agencies like the Parks and Wildlife Department. The bill prohibits using eminent domain for land acquisition and restricts acquired property to trail use only. It expires September 1, 2037, but existing agreements remain valid. The trail aims to promote recreation, environmental stewardship, and Texas heritage.

Maddy summaryHB 3441 creates legal liability for vaccine manufacturers who advertise a harmful vaccine within Texas. It defines "advertise" broadly to include paid promotions across media (TV, internet, influencers), but excludes doctor-patient discussions or clinic materials. If a manufacturer's advertised vaccine causes injury, victims can sue within three years for actual damages, attorney fees, and court costs. The law applies only to cases where harm occurs on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3824 establishes fire safety standards and emergency plans for battery energy storage facilities in Texas, directly affecting companies operating these facilities with a capacity of 1 megawatt-hour or greater that begin operations on or after January 1, 2027. The bill requires the Insurance Commissioner to adopt fire safety rules based on nationally recognized standards like UL 9540A and NFPA 855, with periodic updates to reflect changes in those standards. Facilities must comply with these rules, and the bill includes administrative penalties for non-compliance. The law became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 34 prohibits Texas state investments in countries designated as "countries of concern" (including China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and any country the governor designates) and in private companies operating in those countries that meet specific criteria. It defines "scrutinized companies" as those engaged in certain business activities (like those linked to the Darfur genocide) or meeting other conditions outlined in the bill. The law applies to all state investment entities, requiring them to divest from or avoid purchasing securities in these entities. An exception allows investments in companies excluded by U.S. federal sanctions regimes.

Maddy summaryHB 5654 creates Montgomery County Municipal Utility District No. 263, a new entity to provide water, sewer, and other utility services in a designated area of Montgomery County. The bill grants the district limited authority to take private property (eminent domain) for infrastructure, issue bonds for funding, and impose property assessments, fees, and taxes to cover costs. This directly affects property owners within the district's boundaries, who will be subject to these new financial obligations. The bill was signed into law in June 2025 and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2965 (effective September 1, 2025) clarifies the process when a municipality annexes territory from an emergency services district. It requires the municipality to send written notice to the district board within 30 days of annexation, including a service plan if needed. The district board must then approve or disapprove the removal within 30 days; failure to act means the territory is automatically removed. This affects municipalities annexing territory and emergency services districts losing territory, ensuring the municipality can provide equal or better emergency services before the territory leaves the district.

Maddy summaryHB 1106 amends Texas' Family Code definitions of child abuse and neglect. It explicitly states that a parent or guardian's refusal to affirm a child's gender identity (including using preferred names/pronouns) or sexual orientation does not constitute abuse. The bill also clarifies that neglect includes specific failures like withholding medical care or leaving a child in immediate danger, but the key change is excluding these gender/sexual orientation refusals from abuse definitions. This directly affects parents, guardians, and child welfare systems in Texas by altering what legally qualifies as abuse under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 5686 creates Montgomery County Management District No. 3, a new special district in Montgomery County, Texas, primarily affecting property owners within its boundaries. The bill grants the district authority to issue bonds for infrastructure and services, and to impose assessments, fees, and taxes to fund its operations. Its purpose is to promote economic development, housing, tourism, and public welfare while supplementing - rather than replacing - existing county and city services in the district. The district’s activities must align with Texas Constitution provisions supporting economic diversification and public welfare.

Maddy summaryHB 20 establishes Texas' Applied Sciences Pathway program, allowing high school students to earn both diplomas and industry certificates through school-college partnerships. It requires courses in 20 specific high-wage, high-growth fields like plumbing, welding, IT, and oil/gas exploration, with a focus on successful job placement rates. Partnerships must offer non-duplicative, progressive coursework leading to both diplomas and certificates in these sectors. The program begins for the 2027-2028 school year, with industries reviewed every five years to match labor market needs.