Rep. Jeff Barry

Maddy summaryBased on the provided context, no substantive bill text or summary is available for HB 2433. The bill title indicates it relates to hotel occupancy tax collection by accommodations intermediaries (like online booking platforms), but the actual provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties are not described in the materials provided. The "Bill Text" section states it is "not currently available" and directs users to a PDF that is also unavailable. Without the full text or a substantive summary, a factual description of the bill's policy changes cannot be generated.

Maddy summaryHB 2196 allows public school districts to offer virtual and hybrid courses under Chapter 30B of the Education Code and authorizes the commissioner of education to temporarily adjust how school attendance is calculated during emergencies (like natural disasters or pandemics). This adjustment helps ensure school districts maintain their state funding under the Foundation School Program when students learn remotely. The bill also permits the commissioner to charge a fee related to these modifications. It directly affects Texas public school districts, students, and educators by providing flexibility in attendance tracking during crises while preserving funding stability.

Maddy summaryHB 124 increases funding for school safety under Texas' Foundation School Program. It raises the per-student allotment from $10 to $14 annually for each student in average daily attendance and increases the per-campus allotment from $15,000 to $37,000. These changes directly affect all Texas public school districts and campuses by providing additional state funding for safety measures. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, with no further procedural details provided in the text.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill (HB 4901) requires app stores (like Apple App Store or Google Play) operating in Texas to verify users' ages and categorize them into four groups: child (<13), younger teen (13-15), older teen (16-17), and adult (18+). For minors (under 18), it mandates parental consent by linking accounts to a parent or guardian aged 18 or older. App stores must use reasonable methods to confirm age during account creation. The law directly affects app platforms and users under 18 in Texas, with no voting record available as the bill remains pending in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 5243 would prohibit SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) beneficiaries in Texas from using their benefits to purchase energy drinks, sweetened beverages, carbonated drinks, candy, potato/corn chips, and packaged cookies. The bill defines "energy drink" as containing at least 65mg caffeine per 8oz and "sweetened beverage" as any nonalcoholic drink with added sweetener. Exceptions include milk products, milk substitutes (like soy milk), unsweetened juices, infant formula, and certain fortified products containing protein or vitamins. This policy change directly affects SNAP recipients who would no longer use benefits for the listed items, while allowing coverage for specified healthier alternatives.

Maddy summaryHB 4660 establishes that space flight activities in Texas fall under both federal and state jurisdiction, prohibiting counties, municipalities, or other local entities from banning or regulating these activities (except as specified in Section 61.132 of the Natural Resources Code). The bill specifically applies to counties bordering the Gulf of Mexico with FAA-approved spaceports and smaller municipalities (under 150,000 population) that have beach access plans. It requires advance notice to local governments for launch dates between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (to the municipality) or 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. (to the commissioners court), and allows temporary beach closures near launch sites for public safety during those dates. The bill does not create new regulations but clarifies local governments' limited authority over space flight activities near coastal areas.

Maddy summaryHCR 49 is a Texas legislative resolution honoring Clarence Eugene Sasser, a Vietnam War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, for his service and sacrifice during military operations in 1968. The resolution, passed by both the Texas House and Senate and signed by the Governor, commemorates his heroic actions - where he treated wounded comrades under fire despite severe injuries - and recognizes his post-military contributions as a community leader and VA officer. It does not create new laws or affect any legal rights, but formally pays tribute to his legacy and extends condolences to his family.

Maddy summaryHB 1951 prohibits government entities from restricting or discriminating against contractors or subcontractors based on their union agreements for publicly funded construction projects. The bill amends Texas Education Code §51.7761 and Government Code §2269.0541 to prevent public agencies from: (1) discouraging union agreements related to public work contracts, or (2) penalizing bidders for being part of such agreements. It directly affects contractors bidding on projects funded with state/local money, government-backed debt, ratepayer funds, or user fees. The law applies only to contracts with solicitations published after the bill’s effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote).

Maddy summaryHB 2068 amends the governance structure of the Harris County Flood Control District, clarifying its boundaries and establishing a process for adjacent counties to join the district. The bill specifies that the district’s territory matches Harris County’s boundaries unless modified by specific laws, and adds a new section (Sec. 1C) allowing neighboring counties to petition to join the district via their commissioners court resolution. The district’s governing body, the Harris County Commissioners Court, would approve such petitions after a hearing if the addition benefits the district. This bill directly affects Harris County’s flood management operations and potentially adjacent counties seeking to participate in regional flood control efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 8 reduces the maximum tax rate school districts can collect for the 2025-2026 school year by $0.0331, calculated using a new method in Section 48.2554 of the Education Code. It directly affects all Texas public school districts by adjusting how their maximum tax rates are determined, ensuring rates don’t drop below 90% of neighboring districts’ rates. The bill updates references to "maximum compressed tax rate" in multiple education funding laws to reflect this change and expires on September 1, 2027. It takes effect September 1, 2025, with no additional funding or program changes beyond the tax rate adjustment.