Rep. Jeff Barry

Maddy summaryHB 274 establishes a framework for Texas to join an interstate compact focused on animal health initiatives with other states. The bill authorizes the governor to develop and execute this compact, enabling states to share resources like research facilities, surveillance systems, and personnel to address animal health outbreaks affecting livestock, wildlife, and other animals. Key provisions include joint planning for disease response, mutual support for infrastructure/equipment, and allowing fund transfers between states for research and response activities. The compact does not require congressional approval or increase states' political power relative to the federal government. This legislation creates a mechanism for future cooperation but does not mandate specific actions or funding.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 11) urges the federal government to take immediate action to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm - a parasitic fly that infests livestock - into Texas. It directly affects Texas ranchers, the state’s $1.8 billion livestock industry, and the broader national food supply chain, as an outbreak could cause widespread animal deaths and economic damage. The resolution requests federal agencies to: collaborate with Mexico on control plans, fund a Texas-based screwworm control facility, approve treatments for infected animals, and approve pesticides for prevention. It does not create new laws but formally asks Congress and federal agencies to act, citing the parasite’s proximity to Texas (370 miles from the border as of July 2025).

Maddy summaryHB 273 creates the Institute for Animal Health Research and Response as a component of Texas A&M University, operating under Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. The institute will partner with Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Texas Animal Health Commission to study animal diseases and parasitic infestations, develop prevention strategies, and create treatments. It may accept grants, hire staff, build facilities, and prioritize specific health threats, but implementation depends on legislative funding appropriations. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 272 establishes a special fund called the Screwworm Abatement Trust (SWAT) Fund to support efforts preventing, controlling, and eradicating the New World Screwworm pest. The fund, managed by the state comptroller outside the main treasury, can receive gifts, donations, or appropriations (capped at $50 million) to cover related programs, research, surveillance, and emergency responses. It directly affects state agricultural agencies, universities, and other public entities that administer or utilize these pest control activities. The bill creates a dedicated funding mechanism for coordinated intergovernmental efforts without imposing new taxes or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 275 modifies Texas property tax rules for agricultural land temporarily quarantined by the Texas Animal Health Commission due to ticks or screwworms. It ensures landowners maintaining agricultural designation during such quarantines (for at least 90 days) can request a reappraisal to reflect reduced land value caused by the infestation. The bill caps the reappraised value at 50% of the original tax year value or market value, whichever is lower. This directly affects Texas agricultural landowners in quarantine zones, providing relief during pest control efforts under Chapter 167 of the Agriculture Code. The changes apply to tax years with active quarantines and continue in subsequent years until the quarantine ends.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 276 ("Relating to parasitic insect control") is not currently available in the provided context. The system indicates the content will be available soon, with a note to refer to a PDF for details. No specific provisions, affected parties, or policy mechanisms can be identified from the available information. Without access to the bill's actual text or summary, a factual summary cannot be generated. We recommend checking the official bill document when it becomes available for details.

Maddy summaryHB 218 modifies Texas groundwater permit rules for large transfers outside a conservation district's boundaries. It requires districts to obtain approval from at least two-thirds of other districts in the management area (with each district voting by majority) before issuing permits for wells producing 25,000+ gallons of groundwater daily outside their boundaries. The bill also clarifies that transfers for potable water supply within a utility's service area (if part is inside the district) and emergency interconnects between utilities are not considered "outside" transfers. These changes apply only to permits issued after the bill's effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryHB 217 creates legal immunity for groundwater conservation districts in Texas when they restrict well production. The bill states that districts cannot be held liable for damages resulting from actions like enforcing water rules, issuing permits, or limiting well output. This applies specifically to cases where the legal claim arises after the bill becomes effective. The law directly affects groundwater districts (which manage local water resources) and well owners who might otherwise sue over production restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 216 would require Texas groundwater conservation districts to limit new permits so that no single applicant can produce and transfer out more than 5% of the district's modeled available groundwater across all permits issued to them. This directly affects groundwater conservation districts when reviewing permit applications and applicants seeking new groundwater rights for production and transfer. The key provision mandates districts to calculate this 5% cap based on the district's modeled available groundwater, as determined by the executive administrator. The bill applies only to permits issued on or after its effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryHB 193 prohibits taxing units (like cities, counties, or school districts) from using increases in maintenance and operations tax revenue - generated specifically from tax rate increases approved by voters in elections - for repaying debt. The bill amends the Texas Tax Code to state that such election-approved revenue cannot be diverted to pay off bonds or other debt obligations. An exception allows school districts to use tax increment funds from reinvestment zones (under Chapter 311) for debt repayment, as specified in their agreements with local governments. This law takes effect January 1, 2026, and applies only to tax years beginning after that date.