Rep. Cecil Bell

Maddy summaryHB 240 proposes a limit on how much the appraised value of a primary residence (homestead) can increase for property tax purposes in Texas. It would cap annual increases at either 5% of the previous year's appraised value plus that value plus new improvements, or the previous year's market value - whichever is lower. This rule applies to homeowners who own their primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year. The bill modifies Texas Tax Code Section 23.23 to implement this limitation, affecting residential property owners seeking to avoid rapid tax increases.

Maddy summaryHJR 30 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the Texas legislature to limit annual increases in the taxable value of most real property (including homesteads) for property tax purposes. It would authorize capping the appraised value at 105% (or a higher percentage) of the previous year's value, rather than the full market value. This would directly affect homeowners, particularly those in rapidly appreciating markets, by potentially stabilizing annual tax bills. The amendment requires voter approval in the May 2026 election and would take effect in the tax year following its implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 242 requires cities and counties in Texas to install outdoor warning sirens in flood-risk zones - defined as river areas that flooded at least once in the past 100 years - every two miles along rivers. These sirens must include water-level sensors and solar-powered backups, and local governments (cities for incorporated areas, counties for unincorporated areas) must install, maintain, and test them regularly. The bill prohibits requiring duplicate sirens in the same zone and allows joint installations between local entities. It also mandates the state to create rules for siren standards and operation. The law directly affects local governments in flood-prone regions, aiming to improve public safety alerts during flooding events.

Maddy summaryHB 243 amends Texas Tax Code provisions to authorize the comptroller to charge a fee of up to $50 per person for training courses related to property appraisal. The bill requires the comptroller to provide continuing education for appraisal review board members, including a minimum four-hour course covering appraisal methods, independence requirements, and appeal processes. It prohibits appraisal districts, their chief appraisers, or employees from providing this training, requiring the comptroller to contract with external service providers instead. The bill directly affects appraisal districts, their leadership, and appraisal review board members who must complete this mandated training. These changes aim to standardize training requirements while allowing fee recovery for course costs.

Maddy summaryHB 13 requires local governments in Texas to offer credits against water and wastewater impact fees to builders and developers who construct eligible water conservation or reuse projects. These credits apply to projects that reduce water consumption, decrease wastewater infrastructure needs, or improve stormwater management through efficiency measures. Local governments must establish fair procedures to calculate, apply, and approve these credits. The bill directly affects developers building new projects and local governments managing development fees.

Maddy summaryHB 11 requires the Texas Attorney General to prosecute criminal offenses related to election laws, shifting responsibility from local prosecutors to the state level. It mandates that law enforcement agencies report such offenses to the Attorney General and obligates local prosecutors to provide requested information and assist in prosecutions. The Attorney General may also direct local district attorneys to either prosecute these cases or support the state's efforts. These changes apply only to offenses committed after the bill's effective date, which is set for 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Texas local government agencies from using subjective or unrelated factors when selecting contractors for goods and services. It requires agencies to base their decisions only on objective criteria directly tied to cost, quality, reliability, or legal compliance, and it forbids giving preference to bids based on environmental or social standards unless they directly impact those core factors. The law mandates that all selection criteria be clearly written and shared with vendors before the bidding process begins. Additionally, it establishes a mechanism where the attorney general can investigate complaints, order the removal of prohibited criteria, or void contracts if an agency violates these rules.

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 215 modifies Texas law to limit landowner liability for groundwater use. It specifically protects landowners (including lessees, heirs, and assigns) who pump 25,000+ gallons of groundwater daily for beneficial use, stating they cannot be sued for interference unless their pumping: (1) lowers water tables harming neighboring land, or (2) unreasonably harms watercourses/lakes. The bill applies only to lawsuits filed after its effective date. This change directly affects large-scale groundwater users, such as agricultural or industrial operations, by reducing legal risks for routine use.

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.