Rep. Will Metcalf

Maddy summaryHB 3210 requires state contractors, local governments (political subdivisions), and private employers in Texas to use the federal E-Verify program to confirm employee work authorization. The bill mandates that state agencies cannot award contracts to entities not registered with E-Verify, and contracts must include a certification statement confirming compliance. Contractors must maintain E-Verify participation throughout the contract term, and violations would be referred to the comptroller for action. This policy directly affects businesses and government entities entering into state contracts by making federal employment verification a contractual condition. The bill focuses on implementing existing federal verification requirements through state contract rules.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution directs the Texas Facilities Commission to name the transit center at 207 W. 14th Street in the Capitol Complex the "Lead On! Transit Amenity" in honor of Justin Dart. It commemorates Dart, a key advocate for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) who popularized the phrase "Lead On!" and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely names a facility to honor Dart's legacy. The bill was introduced on March 12, 2025, and referred to the State Affairs committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2793 allows bars and restaurants with mixed beverage permits in Texas to sell wine and malt beverages under 24% alcohol for on-premise consumption, and permits customers to bring their own wine to consume on the premises. The bill explicitly authorizes these businesses to charge a corkage fee for wine consumed under this provision. It also clarifies that permittees may possess wine covered by supplier invoices, with exceptions for the new BYO wine policy. This directly affects licensed establishments and customers who wish to bring wine from outside sources. The changes take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt most tangible personal property (like furniture, vehicles, and business equipment) from annual property taxes in Texas, effective January 1, 2026. It would directly affect owners of such property who currently pay these taxes, except for items already pledged as security for debt before 2026 - those could still be taxed until the debt is paid. The amendment requires voter approval in November 2025 and repeals existing constitutional provisions related to personal property taxation. It does not change taxes on real property (like land or buildings) or railroad equipment.

Maddy summaryHB 2816 protects healthcare providers and facilities from being required to participate in or provide certain health care services that conflict with their sincerely held religious or philosophical beliefs. It defines key terms like "conscience," "health care provider" (including students and non-licensed staff), and "health care service" (covering family planning, abortion-related counseling, and treatment). The bill creates a civil remedy for violations and authorizes disciplinary action against entities that force non-participation in services due to conscience objections. It directly affects hospitals, clinics, pharmacists, and all healthcare workers who may decline services like abortion care or contraception-related counseling. The law aims to prevent adverse actions against providers who refuse such services based on personal beliefs.

Maddy summaryHB 2887 prohibits Texas state and local governments from enforcing rules, fees, taxes, or mandates from the World Health Organization, United Nations, or World Economic Forum. The bill explicitly states these international organizations have no jurisdiction in Texas and bars enforcement of their policies by any Texas political subdivision. Key provisions require that state and local entities disregard any mandates from these three organizations starting September 1, 2025. This directly affects Texas government operations, ensuring state and local agencies cannot implement or enforce international organization directives.

Maddy summaryHB 2623 limits out-of-school suspensions for Texas public school students to a maximum of three school days. It amends Education Code sections to clarify that principals may suspend students for conduct violating school codes, but out-of-school suspensions cannot exceed three days. The bill directly affects public school students facing suspensions and school administrators implementing discipline policies. It takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year, applying to all Texas public schools.

Maddy summaryHB 76 prohibits local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to pay nonprofit organizations that accept public donations to post bail bonds for defendants. It directly affects political subdivisions that might fund such bail programs through public money. The bill bans this spending and allows taxpayers or residents to sue to stop it, with successful plaintiffs able to recover legal fees. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHJR 15 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing judges to deny bail to individuals accused of specific serious crimes - including first-degree sexual offenses, violent offenses, or continuous human trafficking - pending trial. Judges may deny bail only after a hearing where they find, by clear and convincing evidence, that bail would not ensure the defendant’s court appearance or community safety. The amendment requires judges to issue a written order detailing their findings and reasoning. It does not restrict defendants’ rights to challenge bail denials under existing law and specifies that judges must consider standard bail factors when making decisions. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the 2025 election.

Maddy summaryHJR 16 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas courts to deny bail to non-citizens (defined as "illegal aliens" under the bill) charged with felony offenses if a judge finds probable cause they committed the crime. The amendment specifies that bail denial applies only after a hearing where probable cause is established, not automatically. This change would require voter approval in November 2025 before taking effect, as it seeks to amend the Texas Constitution. The bill directly affects non-citizens facing felony charges in Texas courts who meet the defined "illegal alien" criteria.