Rep. Ron Reynolds

Maddy summaryHB 1049 would establish a Texas-issued currency backed by physical gold and silver held in a state-managed depository. It authorizes the comptroller to create this currency, representing specific fractions of a troy ounce of gold or silver, and requires it to function as legal tender for debt payments. The bill mandates electronic transfer capabilities for the currency and designates the Texas Bullion Depository as the exclusive issuer. It also authorizes a fee to cover administrative costs, though specific fee amounts are not detailed in the provided text. This bill is procedural in nature, creating a new currency framework rather than altering existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 894 requires election workers to receive training on accepting photo identification that may not match a voter's gender identity or expression, and includes information about transgender voters' historical disenfranchisement. It clarifies that a gender mismatch on a voter's ID does not invalidate it for voting purposes under Texas Election Code Section 63.0101. The bill directly affects transgender voters and election workers statewide by standardizing ID acceptance procedures. It takes effect September 1, 2025, as amended in Section 3.

Maddy summaryHB 822 would require most Texas employers (those with 15+ employees) to provide paid sick leave to their workers. Employees could use this leave for their own illness, caring for a family member (as broadly defined to include spouses, children, parents, and others), or in cases of family violence, harassment, sexual abuse, or stalking. The law establishes administrative and civil penalties for employers who fail to comply with these requirements. It creates new Chapter 83 in the Texas Labor Code to govern these provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 859 establishes the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council and an Environmental Justice Review Board to advise state agencies on environmental justice issues. The Council, composed of eight members appointed by state agency leaders and the governor, will review state environmental programs to assess their impact on communities of color and low-income populations. The Review Board, with 15 members including community representatives and experts from public health, civil rights, and business sectors, will provide input to the Council on environmental justice concerns. This bill creates advisory structures but does not directly change environmental regulations or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 866 establishes the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council to study climate change effects on Texas residents. The council, composed of legislative appointees and public experts in climate science, state economy, land management, and tourism, will assess impacts on health, safety, natural resources, and the economy. It must research solutions for climate-driven issues like flooding and wildfires, then recommend policies by January 2027. The council will dissolve after submitting its final report, with membership appointments required by December 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 853 requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to conduct a new analysis before issuing air quality permits for major facility construction or significant modifications in areas failing federal air quality standards (nonattainment areas). The analysis must evaluate alternative locations, facility sizes, production methods, and pollution controls to ensure the project's benefits outweigh environmental and social costs. It also mandates consideration of cumulative pollution impacts from the proposed facility without changes to its site or operations. This applies only to pending permit applications after September 1, 2025, affecting major industrial facilities in nonattainment zones.

Maddy summaryHB 812 would establish a new state minimum wage of $15 per hour for most Texas workers, effective September 1, 2025. This bill directly affects all Texas employers who pay hourly wages, replacing the current state minimum wage with the higher $15 rate (while still allowing employers to pay the federal minimum wage if it exceeds $15). The bill amends the Labor Code to set this $15 hourly rate as the minimum, repealing the previous Section 62.151. It does not include exemptions for certain industries or adjust the wage for inflation beyond this fixed rate.

Maddy summaryHB 838 allows Texas transmission utilities, municipally owned utilities, and electric cooperatives to build and operate facilities for connecting the ERCOT power grid to external grids. It requires the Public Utility Commission to approve interconnection applications and mandates that identified facilities must pursue synchronous interconnection with outside grids by 2027. The bill establishes new requirements for federal approvals and commission oversight while specifying a deadline of September 1, 2027, for identifying eligible transmission facilities. This directly affects entities managing Texas power infrastructure seeking to expand grid connectivity beyond ERCOT.

Maddy summaryThe Texas House of Representatives has passed a resolution recognizing March 4, 2025, as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Day at the State Capitol. This ceremonial resolution honors the fraternity's founding in 1906 as the first intercollegiate Greek-letter organization for African Americans and its century-long legacy of civic engagement, leadership, and contributions to civil rights. It acknowledges the fraternity's history in Texas, including prominent alumni and its role in advancing educational and social justice. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic tribute to the organization's impact.

Maddy summaryHJR 61 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas to expand Medicaid eligibility to all individuals who apply and qualify under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), using available federal matching funds. If approved by voters, the state would be mandated to provide Medicaid coverage to these applicants starting January 1, 2026, with the requirement temporarily expiring January 1, 2027. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the November 4, 2025 election, with the ballot asking whether Texas should adopt this Medicaid expansion mandate.