Rep. Ryan Guillen

Maddy summaryHCR 40 is a Texas legislative resolution urging Congress to reimburse the state for border security costs incurred under Operation Lone Star. It states Texas has spent billions since 2021 on this initiative - including surveillance, law enforcement support, and managing migration - resulting in over 516,000 apprehensions and 45,300 arrests. The resolution formally requests Congress assume responsibility for border security costs, directing Texas officials to send copies to the U.S. President and congressional leaders. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create law but serves as a formal request to federal lawmakers.

Maddy summarySB 3073 requires magistrates in Texas to provide written findings within 24 hours when determining no probable cause exists for a criminal arrest. This affects individuals arrested for crimes and the magistrates reviewing their cases. The bill mandates that magistrates document their reasons for finding no probable cause in the official record. It applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with prior cases governed by existing law. The change aims to increase transparency in early criminal proceedings.

Maddy summarySB 455 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (for risks wholly located in Texas) include arbitration agreements conducted in Texas under Texas law, unless both insurer and policyholder agree to change the venue after the insurer provides written notice and a premium credit for added costs. This applies to new or renewed contracts on or after January 1, 2026, affecting insurers and policyholders purchasing specialized insurance for high-risk properties in Texas. The bill ensures arbitration venues and legal interpretations remain tied to Texas, preventing out-of-state arbitration without financial compensation to policyholders. It becomes effective September 1, 2025, but the new rules apply to contracts delivered after 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1730 prevents civil lawsuits seeking damages for injuries or death resulting from the use of force or deadly force if the defendant was not criminally charged, had charges dismissed, or was acquitted in a criminal case. The bill requires claimants whose lawsuits are blocked under this law to pay the defendant’s court costs and reasonable attorney fees. It applies only to new cases filed on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect cases that accrued before that date. This bill directly impacts individuals seeking compensation from police or others who used force in situations where criminal proceedings did not result in charges.

Maddy summarySB 2183 modifies Texas law to define specific time periods when retail fireworks permit holders can sell fireworks to the public. The bill establishes seven distinct sales windows, including periods around Independence Day (June 24-July 4), the May holiday week, Diwali, and the December 20-January 1 holiday period. It repeals a previous subsection (h) that allowed additional sales near the Texas-Mexico border under certain conditions. This bill directly affects businesses holding retail fireworks permits by restricting their sales to these designated dates, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1263 establishes a pilot program to increase safe disposal options for unused or expired prescription drugs, including controlled substances like opioids. Pharmacies in Texas may apply to participate if they are registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and meet federal collection requirements. The program, administered by the Department of State Health Services, would expand public access to collection bins at participating pharmacies. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code to define key terms and set eligibility rules for pharmacies joining the pilot. This policy change directly affects pharmacies that qualify and the public seeking safe drug disposal methods.

Maddy summaryHB 180 authorizes the Texas governor to negotiate and implement border protection agreements with the United Mexican States (Mexico) to enhance Texas's ability to secure its borders. The bill establishes a legal framework allowing the governor to appoint coordinators who will work with Mexican authorities to develop these agreements, subject to Texas state laws governing employees. This legislation directly affects Texas citizens by strengthening border security measures and Mexican authorities through formal coordination mechanisms. The bill does not alter immigration laws but creates a structured process for cross-border collaboration on border protection.

Maddy summaryHB 4308 would allow certain Texas counties to create "county industrial development districts" to spur economic growth. These districts could issue bonds for financing and impose assessments, fees, or taxes to fund specific projects. The bill defines eligible projects as those supporting advanced manufacturing, research facilities, transportation infrastructure (like airports and railports), waste treatment, water systems, distribution centers, and job training facilities. It directly affects counties that establish such districts and businesses seeking to develop or expand within them. The legislation is currently pending in the Local Government committee.

Maddy summarySB 2188 requires spaceflight operators in specific Texas counties (bordering the Gulf of Mexico with FAA-approved spaceports) and small municipalities (under 150,000 population) to submit proposed launch dates to local officials. It allows county commissioners courts or municipal governing bodies to temporarily close beaches near launch sites during designated times - Monday 8 a.m. to Friday 12 p.m., or Friday 12 p.m. to Monday 8 a.m. - to protect public safety. The bill directly affects spaceport operators and coastal communities with approved launch facilities, while prohibiting local governments from banning spaceflight activities outside these specific closure procedures. It clarifies that spaceflight regulation falls under federal and state jurisdiction, not local ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals to submit proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must provide a copy of specific documents, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate, with their voter registration application. If initial proof is not provided, voter registrars must attempt to verify citizenship using various databases. If citizenship cannot be verified or proof is not ultimately provided, the applicant will only be eligible to vote a limited federal ballot. The bill also creates a state jail felony offense for registrars who knowingly fail to reject applications that do not meet these new requirements.