Rep. Brent Money

Maddy summaryHB 3491 creates a process for specific election participants to request explanations about potential irregularities in Texas elections. It allows candidates, party chairs, election judges, or political committee heads to submit written requests to county clerks for explanations and documentation regarding issues like voting discrepancies or procedural violations. County clerks must respond within 20 days for initial requests and 10 days for follow-ups, with unresolved cases escalating to the Secretary of State for a potential audit within 30 days. The bill establishes clear timelines for addressing concerns but does not detail the civil penalty mentioned in its title.

Maddy summaryHB 3401 would remove "insupportability" (marital incompatibility) as a legal ground for divorce in Texas. It applies only to divorce cases filed on or after September 1, 2025, while existing cases filed before that date would continue under current law. The bill repeals Section 6.001 of the Texas Family Code, which previously listed insupportability as a valid reason for dissolution of marriage. This change affects Texas residents filing new divorce petitions after the effective date, but does not impact ongoing or prior cases.

Maddy summaryHB 3399 prohibits physicians and health care providers in Texas from performing certain gender transition procedures or prescribing specific treatments for minors (under 18) using public funds. It bans surgeries like hysterectomy, orchiectomy, and mastectomy, as well as prescription drugs that block puberty or cause infertility (e.g., puberty blockers or high-dose hormone therapy). The bill specifically targets Medicaid and public assistance programs, restricting their use for these services for children. Exceptions allow care with parental consent for individuals under 18. The law applies to all public health programs covered under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 161.

Maddy summaryHB 3018 establishes a nine-member commission to study alternative tax methods that could replace revenue lost by local governments if property taxes (ad valorem taxes) are abolished. The commission, including the comptroller, legislative leaders, and public members, must analyze these alternatives and report findings by December 2026. This bill creates a procedural study with no immediate policy changes, requiring the commission to dissolve by September 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 3017 imposes an additional franchise tax on solar and wind energy producers in Texas with over 1 megawatt of capacity. The tax equals the total value of federal subsidies, tax credits, or other federal benefits the company received during a reporting period. Affected businesses must file specific reports detailing these federal benefits, even if they would otherwise be exempt from reporting. The law applies only to reports due on or after January 1, 2026, when the tax becomes effective.

Maddy summaryHB 3047 clarifies that all audio and visual materials created by Texas legislative bodies (including committees and agencies) are public property with no copyright restrictions. This means anyone can freely use recordings, photos, or videos from legislative sessions or committee meetings without needing permission. The bill removes existing copyright barriers by adding a new section to the Government Code and repealing two older provisions. It takes effect on September 1, 2025, making legislative recordings fully accessible to the public.

Maddy summaryHB 2952 clarifies the definition of a "cottage food production operation" in Texas, allowing home-based producers to make and sell specific foods directly to consumers. It permits items like baked goods (excluding refrigerated items), jams, candy, dried fruits, nuts, and non-refrigerated snacks, while excluding foods requiring temperature control for safety. Producers must earn under $50,000 annually from sales and cannot sell through retailers or restaurants. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, with rules to be adopted by the Health and Human Services Commission.

Maddy summaryHB 2953 allows small egg producers (those selling only eggs from their own flock) to sell up to 120 dozen ungraded eggs weekly directly to consumers or wholesale. It requires clear labeling on egg cartons with "ungraded," the producer’s name, address, license number (for wholesale sales), and packing date. Wholesale sellers must hold a specific license, maintain records, and follow sanitation rules. The bill directly affects backyard chicken owners and small farms selling ungraded eggs, not commercial egg producers. It takes effect September 1, 2025, if not passed with a two-thirds vote.

Maddy summaryHB 3236 increases criminal penalties for driving while intoxicated in school crossing zones during reduced speed periods. It amends Texas Penal Code Section 49.04 to elevate such offenses from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony when operating a vehicle in a school crossing zone under the reduced speed limit (as defined in Transportation Code Section 541.302). The bill applies only to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. This change directly affects drivers convicted of driving under the influence near schools during designated crossing times, imposing stricter penalties than current law. The legislation does not alter existing penalties for similar offenses outside school zones.

Maddy summaryHB 3186 requires out-of-state colleges competing against Texas public universities in intercollegiate athletics to certify 30 days before the event that they will follow Texas' biological sex-based team eligibility rules. It directly affects out-of-state institutions competing against Texas schools in sports, mandating this certification to ensure compliance with Texas' policy. The bill adds this certification requirement to the Education Code, applying to all such competitions starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. It does not alter existing rules for Texas schools or individual athlete eligibility.