Rep. Will Metcalf

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 summaryHJR 138 proposes amending the Texas Constitution to prohibit the state legislature from imposing taxes based on the carbon content of fuels or emissions of carbon dioxide from goods and services. If approved by voters, it would prevent Texas from enacting any carbon tax policy. The bill failed to pass the Texas Legislature on May 12, 2025, so it did not advance to a voter referendum. This would have directly affected all Texans by blocking a potential state-level carbon tax mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 3371 allows Texas to seek federal reimbursement for state border security costs incurred during specific budget periods. It requires the governor to submit applications requesting $4.72 billion for the 2023 biennium and $6.54 billion for the 2025 biennium, with the attorney general authorized to sue the federal government if payments are delayed. Any recovered funds would be deposited into the state's general revenue fund. The bill expires August 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 32 clarifies eviction procedures in Texas by updating Property Code rules. It requires landlords to give tenants at least three days' written notice before filing eviction suits for nonpayment of rent (unless a lease specifies otherwise). The bill also limits courts to deciding actual possession rights - not property title - in eviction cases and prohibits adding counterclaims or third parties to these suits. Additionally, it states only the Texas legislature can change these eviction procedures. This bill directly affects landlords, tenants, and justice courts handling eviction cases.

Maddy summaryHB 2969 prohibits the Texas State Bar from adopting rules, policies, or penalties that restrict law license applicants or holders based on religious beliefs or burden constitutional rights. It specifically bans limitations on licensing due to sincerely held religious beliefs, or restrictions on free speech (including religious or political views), religious association, or assembly. Exceptions allow rules that serve a compelling government interest narrowly tailored to that purpose, or that address willful bias in court proceedings. The bill enables licensees to challenge violations through administrative hearings or lawsuits under Texas law, but not in cases involving sexual misconduct allegations or criminal prosecution.

Maddy summaryHB 778 requires most health insurance plans in Texas to cover medical expenses related to complications ("adverse effects") from gender transition treatments and procedures to reverse those treatments. It applies to individual, group, and employer-sponsored health plans, including HMOs, nonprofit health plans, and certain government-sponsored coverage. The law specifically mandates coverage for medical/surgical expenses tied to complications or reversals of gender transition procedures, not for standard transition care itself. This affects insurers offering plans under Texas Insurance Code chapters 842-846, 884-885, 941-942, and 1501-1682.

Maddy summaryHR 1031 is a commemorative resolution honoring Mary Helen VanDeaver of Clarksville, Texas, who passed away on March 27, 2025, at age 93. The resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on May 9, 2025, pays tribute to her life and legacy, including her work as a seamstress, business owner, and active member of her community and church. It extends sympathy to her family, including her three children, six grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren, and directs the House to adjourn in her memory. As a non-substantive memorial resolution, it does not create policy changes or affect any specific laws or individuals beyond the tribute itself.

Maddy summaryHB 4552, the Texas Antidiscrimination Act, prohibits governmental entities (like cities, counties, and state agencies) and their vendors from creating "discriminatory offices" that influence hiring or provide special benefits based on race, sex, color, or ethnicity. The bill defines such offices as unlawful unless approved in writing by the attorney general for specific, non-discriminatory purposes. It allows for legal action to stop violations and permits the state to withhold funds from local governments that fail to comply. The law aims to ensure government operations align with Texas constitutional protections against discrimination.

Maddy summaryHB 3223 shortens the time limit for lawsuits related to construction or repair defects on real property. It reduces the deadline from 10 years to 8 years after substantial completion for claims against architects, engineers, or contractors. If a written claim is submitted during this period, the deadline extends by two years (for most claims) or one year (for specific cases). This bill directly affects construction professionals and property owners by changing when legal action must be filed for defective work.

Maddy summaryHB 1674 would ban the production, sale, and use of certain agricultural products containing PFAS chemicals (like pesticides or crop protectants). It directly affects agricultural businesses, manufacturers, and sellers of these products. The bill creates criminal penalties for violations, treating unauthorized PFAS use as a punishable offense. The bill is currently pending in the Environmental Regulation committee after committee hearings. (Note: Full bill text is not yet available; this summary is based on the title and pending status.)