Rep. Will Metcalf

Maddy summaryHB 748, known as Trey's Law, prohibits the enforcement of confidentiality clauses in agreements that prevent disclosure of sexual abuse. The bill makes any provision in settlement, employment, or other agreements that blocks someone from sharing details about sexual abuse (including the act itself, identity of victims/perpetrators, or related facts) void and unenforceable. However, it does not restrict confidentiality around other settlement terms, such as payment amounts. For agreements signed before the law's effective date (September 1, 2025), parties must first obtain a court declaration confirming the clause's enforceability to avoid being voided.

Maddy summarySB 1245 amends Texas law to allow qualified landowners or their agents to use helicopters for managing specific wildlife under a permit. It specifically permits helicopter-assisted removal of depredating feral hogs, coyotes, and aoudad sheep west of the Pecos River. The bill establishes a permit system through the Parks and Wildlife Commission, requiring rules to be adopted for implementation. This policy change directly affects landowners in West Texas dealing with aoudad sheep populations, effective September 1, 2025. The law does not alter hunting seasons or bag limits but adds helicopter use as a tool for land management.

Maddy summarySB 1080 requires Texas licensing authorities to issue either a full occupational license or a provisional license (valid for six months) to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses, instead of automatically denying their applications. The provisional license begins on the date an applicant is released from prison if they were incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This bill directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (such as for nursing, contracting, or other licensed professions) who meet all other qualification requirements. It aims to reduce barriers to employment by providing a temporary licensing pathway for these applicants.

Maddy summaryHCR 40 is a Texas legislative resolution urging Congress to reimburse the state for border security costs incurred under Operation Lone Star. It states Texas has spent billions since 2021 on this initiative - including surveillance, law enforcement support, and managing migration - resulting in over 516,000 apprehensions and 45,300 arrests. The resolution formally requests Congress assume responsibility for border security costs, directing Texas officials to send copies to the U.S. President and congressional leaders. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create law but serves as a formal request to federal lawmakers.

Maddy summarySB 3073 requires magistrates in Texas to provide written findings within 24 hours when determining no probable cause exists for a criminal arrest. This affects individuals arrested for crimes and the magistrates reviewing their cases. The bill mandates that magistrates document their reasons for finding no probable cause in the official record. It applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with prior cases governed by existing law. The change aims to increase transparency in early criminal proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 186 prohibits children under 18 from using social media platforms in Texas, subject to federal law. The bill defines "social media platform" to exclude email, internet service providers, news websites, and interactive gaming platforms. Social media platforms must verify users are 18 or older before account creation using a reasonable method relying on public or private data, then delete all verification information immediately. This law directly affects children under 18 and social media companies operating in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 455 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (for risks wholly located in Texas) include arbitration agreements conducted in Texas under Texas law, unless both insurer and policyholder agree to change the venue after the insurer provides written notice and a premium credit for added costs. This applies to new or renewed contracts on or after January 1, 2026, affecting insurers and policyholders purchasing specialized insurance for high-risk properties in Texas. The bill ensures arbitration venues and legal interpretations remain tied to Texas, preventing out-of-state arbitration without financial compensation to policyholders. It becomes effective September 1, 2025, but the new rules apply to contracts delivered after 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2799 increases criminal penalties for reckless driving in Texas based on the severity of injuries caused. If a driver causes bodily injury through reckless driving, the offense becomes a state jail felony; if serious bodily injury occurs, it becomes a third-degree felony. The bill amends Texas Transportation Code Section 545.401 to establish these tiered penalties, which apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. This directly affects drivers whose reckless driving results in injury to others, raising potential jail time and fines beyond the current misdemeanor penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 180 authorizes the Texas governor to negotiate and implement border protection agreements with the United Mexican States (Mexico) to enhance Texas's ability to secure its borders. The bill establishes a legal framework allowing the governor to appoint coordinators who will work with Mexican authorities to develop these agreements, subject to Texas state laws governing employees. This legislation directly affects Texas citizens by strengthening border security measures and Mexican authorities through formal coordination mechanisms. The bill does not alter immigration laws but creates a structured process for cross-border collaboration on border protection.

Maddy summaryHB 3204 amends Texas Education Code to formally recognize the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State University as an eligible institution for state programs previously limited to public state colleges. It updates definitions to replace outdated references to the "Josey School of Vocational Education" with the current name and clarifies the college provides career-focused training in fields like auto mechanics, plumbing, and electrical work through short-term certificate programs. The bill ensures the college receives funding "in the same manner as a public state college" under Section 61.003, aligning it with similar institutions. This change directly affects Sam Houston State University's Polytechnic College and its students seeking vocational training.