Rep. Brent Money

Maddy summaryHB 218 modifies Texas groundwater permit rules for large transfers outside a conservation district's boundaries. It requires districts to obtain approval from at least two-thirds of other districts in the management area (with each district voting by majority) before issuing permits for wells producing 25,000+ gallons of groundwater daily outside their boundaries. The bill also clarifies that transfers for potable water supply within a utility's service area (if part is inside the district) and emergency interconnects between utilities are not considered "outside" transfers. These changes apply only to permits issued after the bill's effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryHB 217 creates legal immunity for groundwater conservation districts in Texas when they restrict well production. The bill states that districts cannot be held liable for damages resulting from actions like enforcing water rules, issuing permits, or limiting well output. This applies specifically to cases where the legal claim arises after the bill becomes effective. The law directly affects groundwater districts (which manage local water resources) and well owners who might otherwise sue over production restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 183 requires developers to include certified proof of groundwater availability when submitting land subdivision maps for properties where groundwater is the intended water source. This applies to all subdivision plats in Texas, directly affecting developers, landowners, and local planning authorities. The bill mandates certification by a licensed Texas engineer or geoscientist and specifies that local governments (municipalities or commissioners courts) must reject applications lacking this evidence. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will establish the exact rules for certification forms and acceptable evidence of groundwater supply.

Maddy summaryHB 173 prohibits political subdivisions (like cities, counties, or school districts) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that primarily represent such entities and hire lobbyists. It specifically bans spending public money to: (1) contract with registered lobbyists, or (2) support organizations that hire registered lobbyists for legislative advocacy. Exceptions include activities by sheriffs' associations, employees providing basic information to legislators, or nonprofits offering bill tracking or non-lobbying legislative services. The bill allows taxpayers to seek court injunctions and recover legal fees if a subdivision violates these restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 164 creates a commission to study alternative tax methods that could replace revenue lost by local governments if property taxes are abolished. The commission, composed of the comptroller, legislative appointees, and public members, must report its findings - including legislative recommendations - by December 1, 2026. This bill does not change tax policy but authorizes a study to explore potential replacements for property tax revenue. It expires on September 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHJR 20 proposes a constitutional amendment to end most property taxes (ad valorem taxes) imposed by local governments like cities and counties after January 1, 2030. It allows limited continuation of these taxes *only* to repay bonds issued before that date that were secured by property tax revenue. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in a May 2, 2026, election, with a ballot asking voters to support "the constitutional amendment to abolish ad valorem taxes." If passed, this would significantly alter how local governments fund services by eliminating a primary revenue source.

Maddy summaryHB 163 defines an unborn child as a human being from fertilization until birth for legal purposes, requiring Texas criminal and civil laws to apply equally to unborn children as to born individuals. The bill repeals existing laws that permitted "prenatal homicide" (harming an unborn child without criminal penalty) and that could be interpreted as allowing pressure on pregnant women to obtain abortions. It adds exceptions for lifesaving medical procedures to save a pregnant mother's life (when steps are taken to save the unborn child) and for spontaneous miscarriages. This would change how offenses against unborn children are treated in Texas courts, including in criminal prosecutions for causing harm or death.

Maddy summaryHB 127 prohibits local governments, such as cities, counties, and school districts, from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofit organizations that hire lobbyists to influence state legislation. The bill bans these expenditures and allows taxpayers or residents to sue to stop the spending and recover attorney fees if a violation occurs. This directly affects how local governments may spend taxpayer money on lobbying efforts, restricting the use of public funds for advocacy with the legislature. The bill creates a new legal provision in the Government Code to enforce this restriction.

Maddy summaryHB 32, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires that certain facilities - such as restrooms, locker rooms, and family violence shelters - be designated and used based on biological sex, defined as the physical condition of being male or female at birth as determined by sex organs, chromosomes, and original birth records. The law applies to correctional facilities, family violence shelters, institutions of higher education, local governments (political subdivisions), and state agencies. It authorizes civil penalties for violations and creates a private right of action, allowing individuals to file lawsuits if they believe the law has been breached. The bill does not apply to state agencies as political subdivisions but covers them separately under the law's definition of "state agency."

Maddy summaryHB 84 authorizes Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin for human use without a doctor's prescription, directly affecting pharmacists and patients seeking this medication. The bill requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order with standardized protocols for pharmacists, including patient instructions and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. It also provides legal protection for pharmacists who follow the order, shielding them from liability or disciplinary action. The commissioner must issue this order within 91 days after the legislative session ends, implementing the policy changes outlined in the new Health and Safety Code section.