Rep. Will Metcalf

Maddy summaryHB 370 amends Texas law to restrict eligibility for funding from the Events Trust Fund. It prohibits funding for events that allow biological males to compete in sports designated for female athletes. The bill defines "biological male" using official birth certificates or government records stating biological sex, requiring statements entered near birth or corrected for clerical errors. This applies only to events seeking trust fund support and does not affect biological males serving as coaches or support staff. The policy change directly affects sports events applying for state funding under the Events Trust Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 4578 defines "miniature vehicles" as small Japanese-made cars (like kei cars) meeting specific size, engine, and safety standards, including a top speed of at least 50 mph. It requires these vehicles to follow standard titling and registration rules as motor vehicles, but only if they are at least 25 years old when imported into the U.S. or already registered in the U.S. The bill affects owners of qualifying older miniature vehicles, ensuring they meet Texas titling and registration requirements without new safety standards. This is a technical clarification for existing vehicles, not a new regulation for newer models.

Maddy summaryHB 3695 limits copayments for physical therapy visits under certain health plans. It prohibits health maintenance organizations and preferred provider plans from charging enrollees a higher copayment for a physical therapist visit (without a referral) than for a primary care physician visit. The law applies to plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects Texas enrollees who use physical therapy services without needing a physician referral.

Maddy summaryHJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment that would prohibit Texas from imposing state taxes on property transferred after someone's death, including estate, inheritance, or gift taxes. It specifically prevents new taxes on these transfers or increases to existing taxes that were in place before January 1, 2025. Exceptions include taxes on motor vehicle gifts, certain property taxes (ad valorem), and taxes already authorized under existing law. This amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election and would affect anyone transferring property through wills, inheritances, or gifts after the amendment takes effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1091 amends Texas election code provisions for mail-in ballots. It shortens the deadline for submitting mail ballot applications from the 15th to the 11th day before an election (adjusting for holidays), and requires mail ballots to arrive by 5 p.m. the day before election day. These changes directly affect voters requesting or returning mail ballots in Texas elections. The bill modifies specific code sections (84.007, 86.0015, 86.007, 87.0221) to implement these timing requirements. The bill was pending in committee as of May 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4864 sets new eligibility requirements for individuals serving as arbitrators in binding property tax appeals. To qualify, a person must either be a licensed Texas attorney or meet specific training and certification criteria in real estate, appraisal, or accounting fields. The bill also establishes fee limits for arbitrators based on property value and homestead status (e.g., $400 for homestead properties under $500,000). These changes directly affect arbitrators handling property tax disputes under Texas law. The bill amends the Tax Code to standardize qualifications and fees for this process.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how unclaimed restitution payments are handled for crime victims in Texas. If a victim doesn’t claim restitution within three years of the court receiving the first payment, or if the court can’t locate them for three years after a payment, the unclaimed funds transfer to the Victims’ Compensation Fund. It requires parole departments to send payment histories and the victim’s last known address to courts when handling restitution, and keeps this information confidential. The bill directly affects crime victims, parole departments, and court clerks managing restitution payments.

Maddy summaryHB 170 creates civil immunity for individuals who use or threaten to use force or deadly force that is justified under Texas Penal Code Chapter 9 (e.g., self-defense or defense of others). It protects such individuals from civil lawsuits seeking damages for personal injury or death resulting from their justified actions. The bill also requires courts to award defendants who win immunity claims reasonable attorney fees, court costs, and related expenses. It repeals Section 9.06 of the Penal Code and applies only to cases occurring on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

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 469 amends Texas law to expand eligibility for sheriffs to apply for certification in enforcing commercial motor vehicle safety standards. It specifies that sheriffs in counties meeting certain criteria - such as bordering Mexico, having specific population thresholds (e.g., under 1,000 or over 700,000), bordering the Capitol county, or containing international ports - may seek this certification. The bill does not create new safety standards but allows qualifying county sheriffs to enforce existing federal and state commercial vehicle safety regulations within their jurisdictions. This change takes effect September 1, 2025.