Rep. Ron Reynolds

Maddy summaryHB 268 requires background checks for firearm sales at gun shows in Texas. It defines "gun shows" as events with three or more vendors charging fees, and mandates that sellers conduct federal background checks before completing sales and maintain sales records. Gun show promoters must notify local law enforcement 30 days in advance and ensure background checks are completed for all sales, with exceptions for peace officers and licensed handgun carriers. Violations are classified as Class A misdemeanors for sellers and promoters who fail to comply. The bill directly affects gun show sellers, promoters, and attendees purchasing firearms at such events.

Maddy summaryHB 267 allows Texas cities and counties to use driver's license applicant contact information for emergency warning systems, with resident consent. When applying for or renewing a driver's license, residents can voluntarily opt-in to share their contact details (phone, email, address) for local emergency alerts. Residents may also request removal from the system at any time. The bill requires the Texas Department of Public Safety to include a consent option on license applications and prohibits using collected contact information for any purpose other than emergency warnings.

Maddy summaryHB 225 requires new residential and commercial construction in unincorporated county areas to follow the 2018 International Residential Code (for homes) and International Building Code (for businesses). It allows counties to adopt newer building codes through their commissioners court, rather than being limited to the 2018 standards. The bill also authorizes counties to collect a fee related to enforcing these building code requirements. This affects homeowners, developers, and contractors building new structures outside city limits in participating counties. The law updates existing code standards but does not change current requirements for existing buildings.

Maddy summaryHB 227 establishes building code requirements for new residential and commercial construction in unincorporated areas of Texas counties. It mandates that new residential construction follow the International Residential Code as of January 1, 2018, and new commercial construction follow the International Building Code as of that date. County commissioners courts may adopt newer building codes or set their own standards for new construction. The bill authorizes a fee related to these building code requirements, though specific fee details are not provided in the given text.

Maddy summaryHB 201 requires sellers at gun shows in Texas to conduct federal background checks (via the National Instant Criminal Background Check System) before selling firearms and to maintain sales records. It directly affects gun show sellers and promoters, who must ensure background checks are completed for all sales (except to peace officers or licensed handgun carriers) and provide written notice to local law enforcement 30 days before the event. The bill adds criminal penalties for non-compliance, making violations Class A misdemeanors. These changes aim to align gun show sales with federal background check requirements for firearm transactions.

Maddy summaryHB 199 allows Texas utilities (including transmission companies, municipal utilities, and electric cooperatives) to build infrastructure connecting the ERCOT power grid to outside power systems, enabling them to purchase wholesale electricity from other regions. The law creates a process requiring the Public Utility Commission to approve interconnection applications and mandates the Commission to identify potential connection points by September 1, 2027. It applies to both synchronous (direct) and non-synchronous (indirect) grid connections, with federal approval requirements for certain interconnections. The bill does not change electricity rates, generation policies, or existing grid operations - it only establishes a legal framework for future interconnection.

Maddy summaryHB 202 would create a new criminal offense for knowingly selling, renting, leasing, or otherwise transferring a semiautomatic rifle. The bill classifies this act as a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in a state jail. It directly affects individuals who engage in these transfers without legal authorization. The law allows for prosecution under this bill alongside other applicable laws if the same conduct violates multiple statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 203 requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to study and report on water rights that may be canceled for nonuse. Specifically, the TCEQ must analyze permits, filings, and certificates where water wasn't used for 10 consecutive years, then submit a report identifying: (1) rights with exemptions from cancellation, (2) rights potentially subject to cancellation, and (3) details about water volume, cancellation status, and possible dedication to the Texas Water Trust. The first report is due by March 31, 2027, with subsequent reports every five years. This bill directly affects water permit holders who haven’t used their allocated water for a decade, but does not change water rights laws - only mandates periodic TCEQ reporting.

Maddy summaryHB 200 creates a voluntary system for Texas municipalities and counties to operate emergency warning systems. It allows residents to opt-in to receive emergency alerts by consenting during driver's license applications, authorizing the state to share their contact information (phone, email, address) with local governments. Residents can later opt-out by submitting a written request or text message. The bill requires local governments to contract with the state department for this service and restricts contact information use solely to emergency alerts, prohibiting other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes temperature standards for facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), requiring indoor temperatures to be maintained between 65°F and 85°F. It directly affects all TDCJ-operated facilities, including prisons and correctional centers. The law mandates these temperature ranges but delays full compliance until September 1, 2026. The bill takes effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.