Rep. Will Metcalf

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas's attorney general to prosecute criminal election law violations if local prosecutors do not act within six months. It mandates that law enforcement agencies send election crime reports to both local prosecutors and the attorney general simultaneously. The attorney general must then take over prosecution if local officials fail to initiate proceedings within six months of receiving the report. This applies to offenses under Texas election law, such as voter fraud or ballot tampering, and takes effect September 1, 2025. The law changes the attorney general's role from optional ("may") to mandatory ("shall") for these cases.

Maddy summaryHB 3455 requires manufacturers of experimental drugs or devices (including those approved for emergency use by the FDA) to provide clear, summary disclosures about potential health risks to purchasers. Purchasers must then give this disclosure directly to end consumers in person, and providers may only sell the product if someone capable of giving informed consent signs the form. Consumers who don’t receive proper disclosure can sue manufacturers for damages, including pain and suffering, punitive damages, and legal fees. The law applies only to cases occurring on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 17 would prohibit citizens of designated countries (China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or others named by the governor) from purchasing real property in Texas. It creates criminal penalties for violations, making such purchases illegal under state law. Exceptions apply to U.S. citizens, lawful residents, and businesses owned by them. The law would override existing property rights for these foreign buyers, directly affecting individuals and entities from designated countries seeking to buy land in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 4365 requires that training for members of independent school district boards of trustees must be provided only by the Texas State Board of Education or education providers approved by the State Board. It also prohibits the State Board from approving any training provider that is required to register as a lobbyist under Texas law or employs a lobbyist. The bill delays the requirement for the State Board to implement this training until after January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025. This training is intended for current and prospective board members of Texas independent school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 4357 requires law enforcement to obtain a search warrant before accessing or using financial records (like bank or credit/debit card transactions) related to firearm or ammunition purchases in criminal investigations. It applies specifically to records showing purchases of firearms or ammunition, directly affecting police and prosecutors seeking such data. The bill mandates warrants must be issued by a judge in the same judicial district as the law enforcement agency, with written applications detailing probable cause and specific record details. Records gathered without a warrant under this law cannot be used in criminal court, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 173 prohibits Texas public universities from soliciting or accepting money, gifts, or donations from specific foreign governments. It directly affects all public institutions of higher education in Texas by banning funds from China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or any country that supports foreign terrorist organizations. The bill requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create rules for implementation and takes effect September 1, 2025. This policy change aims to restrict financial ties between Texas universities and certain foreign entities.

Maddy summaryHB 4381 requires the Texas Education Agency to create a plain-language document in English and Spanish explaining parents' rights regarding their child's health information and decisions in public schools. The document must cover specific rights, including accessing health records (like counseling or immunization data), withholding consent for health activities, removing children from classes conflicting with religious beliefs, and opting out of certain screenings or vaccinations. School districts must post the document online and email it to all parents before the first day of each school year. The bill also authorizes administrative penalties for schools that fail to comply with these requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 3856 requires non-citizens in Texas who are legally required to carry federal immigration documentation to present it to police during a lawful detention. It makes it a misdemeanor (Class C, or Class B for repeat offenses or false information) to refuse to provide truthful immigration status, fail to show required documents, or give false information. The bill also mandates that police notify federal immigration authorities within 12 hours if they determine a detained person is unlawfully present in the U.S. This law directly affects non-citizens subject to federal immigration documentation requirements and law enforcement officers.

Maddy summaryHB 3934 prohibits Texas state agencies, local governments, and law enforcement from assisting federal agencies in enforcing certain federal gun regulations. It specifically blocks cooperation on federal requirements like gun registries, licensing for ownership, background checks for private sales, or confiscation of firearms from law-abiding owners. The bill also establishes new state protections for the right to bear arms through a new Government Code chapter. It applies to all Texas governmental entities, including counties, cities, and state departments.

Maddy summaryHB 3932 creates a Class A misdemeanor offense for federal government officers who conduct certain searches or arrests in Texas without meeting specific requirements. It directly affects federal agents and officers by prohibiting: (1) no-knock entries on Texas residents' property, (2) nighttime searches/arrests at residences (8 p.m.-8 a.m.), and (3) searches/arrests without first obtaining the local sheriff’s consent. The law would apply when federal officers act within Texas, with penalties for violations. This bill does not affect state law enforcement or Texas residents’ rights directly.