Rep. Greg Bonnen

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 summaryHB 32 clarifies eviction procedures in Texas by updating Property Code rules. It requires landlords to give tenants at least three days' written notice before filing eviction suits for nonpayment of rent (unless a lease specifies otherwise). The bill also limits courts to deciding actual possession rights - not property title - in eviction cases and prohibits adding counterclaims or third parties to these suits. Additionally, it states only the Texas legislature can change these eviction procedures. This bill directly affects landlords, tenants, and justice courts handling eviction cases.

Maddy summaryHB 321 creates an "express lane" to streamline eligibility for child health coverage by connecting Texas SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) applications with the child health plan program. It requires the state health agency to automatically check SNAP application data to determine if a child qualifies for health coverage, avoiding delays by opening a new case for health enrollment. The bill mandates parental consent before enrolling children and provides notice via the parent’s preferred contact method. This directly affects children whose families apply for SNAP benefits and may qualify for child health coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 2969 prohibits the Texas State Bar from adopting rules, policies, or penalties that restrict law license applicants or holders based on religious beliefs or burden constitutional rights. It specifically bans limitations on licensing due to sincerely held religious beliefs, or restrictions on free speech (including religious or political views), religious association, or assembly. Exceptions allow rules that serve a compelling government interest narrowly tailored to that purpose, or that address willful bias in court proceedings. The bill enables licensees to challenge violations through administrative hearings or lawsuits under Texas law, but not in cases involving sexual misconduct allegations or criminal prosecution.

Maddy summaryHB 41 prohibits Texas state and local government entities from acquiring or using unmanned aircraft (drones) or related equipment/services produced by companies owned by or tied to the governments of China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or Syria. The law defines "governmental entity" broadly to include state agencies, cities, counties, and school districts, with a grace period allowing existing systems (acquired before September 1, 2025) to remain in use until September 1, 2030. It also establishes a grant program to help law enforcement agencies obtain secure drone technology through the "Law Enforcement Secure Unmanned Aircraft Grant Program." The bill directly affects all Texas public entities purchasing or operating drone systems, aiming to restrict foreign technology access based on national security concerns.

Maddy summaryHB 129 prohibits Texas state and local government entities from entering contracts with companies designated as "foreign adversary companies" (those tied to countries like China, Russia, or Iran) or "federally banned companies" (listed on federal sanctions lists). The bill defines these companies based on U.S. federal designations, including entities restricted under federal defense laws or sanctions. Violating this prohibition could result in civil penalties imposed by the state. The law directly affects Texas government agencies and contractors working with them, aiming to align state procurement with federal security policies.

Maddy summaryHB 4538 requires the Parks and Wildlife Department to transfer 5% of monthly vessel registration fees (from source Subsection (b)(15)) to a new "derelict vessels and structures account" managed by the General Land Office. This fund will specifically cover the costs of removing abandoned boats and structures from Texas waterways. The bill creates a dedicated account within the general revenue fund, with money transferred monthly and allowed to carry over if unused in a fiscal year. It directly affects state agencies responsible for waterway maintenance and vessel regulation, providing a dedicated funding source for derelict vessel removal.

Maddy summaryHB 133 creates two new criminal offenses in Texas law. It criminalizes acting as an agent of a foreign government or terrorist organization to commit certain crimes (like assault or harassment) with the intent to force someone to leave the U.S., discourage protected speech, or retaliate for such speech. It also criminalizes unauthorized enforcement of foreign law within Texas, such as investigating or surveilling residents to prevent them from violating foreign laws without state approval. Penalties are increased (e.g., a Class A misdemeanor becomes a misdemeanor with 180 days minimum jail time). The bill also mandates a study and law enforcement training on transnational repression.

Maddy summaryHB 3061 increases penalties for certain criminal offenses committed while wearing masks or disguises specifically to hide the offender's identity. It applies to offenses under Texas law covering assault, robbery, public disorder (Title 5, Chapters 28-30, or Sections 42.01/42.02). If proven, the punishment escalates to the next higher offense category, with a minimum 180-day jail term for Class A misdemeanors. Exceptions allow the penalty increase to be avoided if the disguise was for events like Halloween, proven by a preponderance of evidence.

Maddy summaryHB 4661 authorizes local county officials to temporarily close beaches near space launch sites during launch operations to protect public safety. It requires evacuations from FAA-defined hazard areas and allows beach closures on launch or backup dates, based on federal safety calculations. Violating these closure orders is a criminal offense, punishable as a Class B misdemeanor (or Class A if previously convicted). The bill directly affects beachgoers near launch sites, local governments managing closures, and spaceflight operators coordinating safety protocols.