Rep. Janis Holt

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 summaryHJR 140 proposes a constitutional amendment to reform the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct. It reduces the commission's membership from 13 to 9 members and specifies new appointment rules: four judges (two from Supreme Court, two from Court of Criminal Appeals), five citizens appointed by the governor, and removes redundant categories like Justice of the Peace. The amendment adds requirements that members must reside in Texas and prohibits members from holding judicial positions in the same court type as other commission members. This directly affects judges, justices, and the commission's authority to sanction judicial misconduct.

Maddy summaryHB 2840 defines "milk" as liquid secreted by mammal mammary glands and "milk product" as any product containing milk. It prohibits businesses from labeling or advertising non-milk products as "milk" or "milk products." This bill directly affects food manufacturers and retailers selling plant-based or alternative dairy products that currently use terms like "milk" in their branding. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, requiring clear labeling that aligns with the defined terms.

Maddy summaryHB 2897 requires the chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court and the presiding judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals to deliver an annual written or oral "state of the judiciary" message at the start of each legislative session. The message must evaluate court accessibility for citizens and outline future court needs, aiming to improve communication between Texas's legislative and judicial branches. This procedural bill affects only the two judicial officers named and modifies existing law without changing court operations.

Maddy summaryHB 2704 defines "female," "male," and "sex" based on biological characteristics observed at birth, including reproductive anatomy. It requires facilities like restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters to be designated for "women" or "men" according to these biological definitions. The bill creates a civil right of action, allowing individuals to sue if they believe a facility designated for women is used by someone not biologically female. Its stated purpose is to protect women and girls from sexual assault in gender-segregated spaces.

Maddy summaryHB 2602 requires mobile food unit applicants (like food trucks and pop-up vendors) to submit detailed plans of their food preparation, storage, and sales areas before receiving a permit. It mandates a preoperational inspection to verify units are built per approved plans, have proper safety procedures, and comply with health regulations. The bill applies only to applications filed or inspections conducted on or after September 1, 2025, and directs the Health and Human Services Commission to create implementing rules. This standardizes permitting and inspections for mobile food units across Texas counties and public health districts.

Maddy summaryHB 2601 amends Texas Transportation Code to clarify disqualification periods for commercial drivers (those with a commercial driver's license or permit) who commit certain violations. It establishes specific disqualification periods: 60 days for two serious traffic violations or one railroad crossing violation within three years, 120 days for three serious violations or two railroad violations, and one year for offenses like DUI, hit-and-run, causing death, driving with a revoked license, refusing alcohol tests, or having an alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher while operating a commercial vehicle. The bill directly affects commercial drivers by linking specific traffic violations to mandatory driving suspensions. It focuses on safety-related disqualifications rather than general traffic penalties.

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 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 2532 amends Texas law to clarify definitions for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. The bill updates licensing definitions in the Occupations Code and authorizes a fee related to these regulations. It directly affects APRNs seeking or maintaining licensure and the Texas Board of Nursing, which oversees their regulation. The key provision standardizes terminology for nursing practice definitions but does not expand APRN scope of practice or prescribe new clinical duties. This is a procedural bill focused on regulatory clarity and fee authorization, not substantive practice changes.