Rep. Will Metcalf

Maddy summaryHB 2744 requires state contractors, local governments, and private employers in Texas to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the employment authorization of new hires. The bill mandates that contractors register with E-Verify before receiving state contracts and maintain participation throughout the contract term. Contracts must include a certification statement from the contractor confirming compliance, and failure to comply may result in civil penalties. The law creates a process where state agencies must refer non-compliant contractors to the comptroller for enforcement action. This bill directly affects businesses and government entities receiving state contracts or public funds.

Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, contain only the specific text listed in the bill (including the full biblical wording), and be legible from any point in the classroom. Schools may accept privately donated displays meeting these requirements or use district funds to purchase compliant displays if needed. This law applies to all public schools and explicitly states they cannot claim exemption from this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 2456 requires all Texas public schools to fly the U.S. and Texas flags on every regular school day starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill permits schools to additionally display flags of the U.S. Armed Forces or their own official school flag, but prohibits displaying any other flags. This legislation directly affects all public schools governed by the Texas Education Code by establishing specific, mandatory flag display requirements. The policy change is limited to flag display protocols and does not alter other school operations or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2547 bans manufacturers and dealers from producing or selling new motor vehicles equipped with remote vehicle disabling technology (any software, hardware, or device that can disable a vehicle when activated). The bill specifically excludes ignition interlock devices used for DUI offenses. It prohibits these actions starting January 1, 2026, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects vehicle manufacturers and dealers in Texas who would otherwise sell vehicles with such technology.

Maddy summaryHB 930 requires the Texas National Guard to obtain specific Congressional action before being activated for active combat duty. It mandates that such activation can only occur if the U.S. Congress either officially declares war (per Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution) or takes other official action authorized under Clause 15 of the same section. The bill directly affects the Texas National Guard and the governor, who must ensure compliance with this requirement. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and establishes a clear constitutional threshold for combat deployments.

Maddy summaryHB 2519 requires property sellers and buyers (grantors and grantees) to submit a completed "notice of real property title transfer" form when recording property deeds in Texas. This form must include both parties' full names, addresses, telephone numbers, citizenship status, and social security numbers or taxpayer identification numbers. The county clerk must keep this notice separate from public property records, making it confidential under state law, though it may be shared with state agencies for government purposes. The bill directly affects all individuals or entities buying or selling real property in Texas by adding new disclosure requirements for property transfers.

Maddy summaryHB 2106 creates an advisory committee called the "Texas Department of Government Efficiency" to study and recommend ways for Texas state agencies to operate more efficiently. The committee, composed of eight members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislative leaders, will provide reports to all executive branch agencies. It requires the committee to serve two-year terms and establishes procedures for filling vacancies and selecting a presiding officer. This bill directly affects all state agencies by requiring them to consider the committee's recommendations on operational improvements.

Maddy summaryHB 2108 modifies how Texas school districts calculate local tax revenue used for state funding under the Foundation School Program. It reduces the maximum additional tax rate from 9 cents to 8 cents per dollar of property value for "enrichment tax" revenue. The bill also adjusts the formula for calculating the state's guaranteed funding per student, using a 1.6% multiplier for the first 8 cents of tax effort and a 0.8% multiplier for any excess tax effort. These changes directly affect all Texas school districts that collect enrichment taxes and participate in the Foundation School Program, altering their state funding calculations starting September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1849 prohibits citizens of designated countries (China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or those later designated by the governor) from purchasing or acquiring title to real property in Texas. The bill creates a criminal offense for violations, with penalties to be determined by law. It exempts U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and entities owned by exempt individuals. The law applies to all real property transactions, excluding leasehold interests. This legislation directly affects foreign individuals and entities from designated countries seeking to buy Texas real estate.

Maddy summaryHB 1906 establishes the Health Impact, Cost, and Coverage Analysis Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston to assess bills that would require health insurers to cover new services, adjust payments to providers, or add administrative rules. The program analyzes how such "mandates" would affect coverage options and costs for health benefit plan issuers (including insurers, HMOs, and Medicaid managed care organizations) and enrollees. It authorizes a fee to fund this analysis, which the legislature can request for proposed bills before they become law. The bill does not change current coverage requirements but creates a process to evaluate future mandates' financial and coverage impacts.