Rep. Stan Gerdes

Maddy summaryHB 644 protects businesses from civil lawsuits if they allow licensed concealed handgun carriers on their premises. It directly affects Texas businesses (like restaurants or retail stores) and license holders who carry concealed handguns legally under Texas law. The bill states that simply not posting "no concealed weapons" notices - rather than requiring explicit written or verbal permission - counts as allowing concealed carry, removing liability for damages from lawful concealed carry. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not apply to incidents that occurred before that date.

Maddy summaryHB 3045 exempts qualifying corporations from Texas' franchise tax if they operate a spaceport meeting two specific conditions: it must be licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the spaceport must be critical to a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense for spaceflight or launch services. This tax exemption directly affects corporations operating spaceports that support national defense contracts, reducing their state business tax burden. The bill creates a new tax exemption provision under the Texas Tax Code, effective September 1, 2025, for reports due after that date. It does not create new requirements for spaceports but modifies tax treatment for existing qualifying operations.

Maddy summaryHB 3717 establishes a Texas grant program to fund private entities conducting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug development trials using ibogaine. The program targets organizations (for-profit, nonprofit, or public benefit corporations) that can design and execute FDA trials to seek approval of ibogaine as a medication for treating opioid use disorder, co-occurring substance use disorder, and other neurological or mental health conditions where ibogaine shows effectiveness. Applicants must submit detailed trial designs, team expertise, and FDA approval strategies. The grant covers costs for these trials, aiming to advance ibogaine's potential approval as a treatment option.

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 3368 repeals existing restrictions on the wheelbase (length between front and rear axles) and horsepower for Texas state government passenger vehicles. This bill directly affects state agencies that operate vehicle fleets, such as those used by state departments and offices. The key provision removes Section 2158.003 of the Government Code, allowing agencies to purchase or lease vehicles without adhering to the previous length and power limitations. If passed, the change would take effect on September 1, 2025, enabling state agencies greater flexibility in vehicle selection. The bill focuses solely on policy change, not outcomes or advocacy.

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 4961 prohibits individuals from recovering non-monetary compensation (like pain and suffering) for injuries or property damage from a car collision if they failed to maintain required insurance coverage under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 601. It directly affects accident victims who did not establish financial responsibility (insurance) at the time of the collision, including those seeking wrongful death damages for a deceased family member. The bill amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to bar such noneconomic damages in both personal injury and wrongful death claims. It applies only to cases occurring on or after its effective date, September 1, 2025. This is a substantive policy change affecting insurance compliance and legal remedies in motor vehicle accidents.

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.)