Rep. Terry Wilson

Maddy summaryHB 1618 modifies Texas Water Code to allow specific aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) projects in Williamson County east of Interstate 35 that transect the Edwards Aquifer. It permits these projects - where water is injected into underlying geologic formations - as an exception to the general ban on injection wells in the aquifer. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality must adopt implementing rules by March 1, 2026. The bill affects water project developers and regulators in the specified Williamson County area, with implementation dependent on legislative approval for immediate effect or set to take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 125 is a concurrent resolution passed by the Texas Legislature urging the U.S. Department of Defense and national security leadership to recognize Texas' critical role in defense innovation and maintain/expansion of federal investment in the state's defense infrastructure. It specifically highlights Texas' hosting of major defense entities like the U.S. Army Futures Command, Defense Innovation Unit, and 16+ military/intelligence agencies, noting their contributions to national security and economic growth. The resolution expresses concern that federal budget shifts could weaken Texas' defense capabilities and requests continued support for research, development, and operational infrastructure at these locations. The Texas secretary of state will forward this resolution to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, the President, and Texas' congressional delegation.

Maddy summaryHB 267 amends Texas Penal Code sections 43.24 and 43.25 to add specific affirmative defenses for defendants accused of distributing obscene or harmful material involving children. It allows defenses if the conduct was for judicial, law enforcement, or legislative purposes (Section 43.24(c)), or if the defendant was a spouse, acting for educational/medical purposes, or within two years of the child’s age (Section 43.25(f)). The bill applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and does not change existing criminal penalties. As of May 2025, the bill remains pending in the legislature after being postponed and laid on the table.

Maddy summaryHB 118 establishes the Texas Advisory Committee on Pacific Conflict to advise the state on preparing for potential conflicts in the Pacific Ocean region. The bill defines "Pacific conflict" as threats involving U.S. allies in the Pacific, including attacks on U.S. homeland or disruptions to supply chains with China or Taiwan. The committee will focus on reducing security vulnerabilities in Texas, protecting critical infrastructure (like oil/gas systems, water supply, and communications networks), and ensuring critical procurement for state operations. This is a procedural bill creating an advisory body, not a direct policy change, with no voting record yet as it remains pending in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 3701 expands the Texas A&M University System's board of regents authority to build, acquire, improve, and equip utility systems (including power plants, water, and sewer systems) across all its campuses. It specifically allows the board to charge institutions for these services and use the revenue to fund future infrastructure projects through bonds. The bill also explicitly permits utility construction on A&M property in Brazos County. This directly affects Texas A&M System campuses by streamlining their ability to manage and finance essential infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) unwelcome at the Texas Capitol. It directly affects CAIR's access to state legislative facilities based on the resolution's stated reasons. The resolution cites alleged ties between CAIR and terrorist organizations (including Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood), FBI actions suspending contacts with CAIR, and specific legal cases involving CAIR associates convicted of terrorism-related offenses. The policy change is purely symbolic, establishing a formal statement of inaccessibility for CAIR at the Capitol without creating new legal requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5510, titled the Women and Child Protection Act, creates civil liability for distributing abortion-inducing drugs and establishes a private civil right of action against individuals or organizations that facilitate access to elective abortions. The bill directly affects abortion assistance organizations - defined as entities providing financial support, travel arrangements, childcare, or logistical services to enable abortions - as well as those distributing abortion-inducing drugs. Key provisions include authorizing private lawsuits for damages related to these activities and creating criminal offenses for certain violations. The law harmonizes existing abortion-related provisions in Texas law while focusing on civil enforcement mechanisms rather than criminal penalties for patients.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 945), not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It formally honors Pope Francis following his death on April 21, 2025, recognizing his life, leadership as the first Latin American pope, and global efforts to serve the vulnerable. The resolution memorializes his legacy, including his work during Argentina's economic crisis, interfaith initiatives, and pandemic-era outreach. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes. As a procedural resolution, it serves only to express collective remembrance.

Maddy summarySB 14, titled the Regulatory Reform and Efficiency Act, creates the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office within the governor's office to streamline how state agencies develop and review regulations. The office will help agencies identify unnecessary rules, reduce costs for businesses and individuals, and establish a public online portal for searching regulatory information. This bill directly affects state agencies that create regulations and the public who interact with those regulations. The new office will operate until 2037 unless extended under the Sunset Act, with its work focused on improving regulatory efficiency and transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 5188 creates an exemption from groundwater conservation district permit requirements for certain brackish groundwater wells. Specifically, it allows operators to drill or operate wells in designated brackish groundwater zones without a district permit if they provide documentation showing the well produces water with at least 3,000 milligrams of total dissolved solids per liter. This directly affects oil and gas operations, landowners, and water users who rely on brackish groundwater for drilling or production activities. The key mechanism requires third-party documentation to verify water salinity, while districts retain authority to revoke exemptions if well use changes or exceeds permitted levels.