Rep. Ryan Guillen

Maddy summaryHB 135 exempts the purchase and sale of game animals (such as deer and elk) and exotic animals (like reptiles or big cats) from Texas sales and use taxes. This means businesses and individuals involved in trading these animals - such as breeders, pet stores, or hunters - no longer pay state sales tax on these transactions. The bill amends the Texas Tax Code to add these animals as a new category of exempt items, similar to existing agricultural exemptions for feed or farm equipment. This directly reduces tax costs for the wildlife trade and pet industries while aligning with broader agricultural tax policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1837 creates a mandatory training program for Texas law enforcement officers on handling fentanyl-related offenses. The bill requires the Department of Public Safety to establish training covering collaboration with prosecutors on fentanyl cases, identifying border-related criminal activity involving Penalty Group 1-B substances (like fentanyl), and safest handling methods for these drugs. It also includes instruction on proper opioid antagonist use (for overdose reversal) and allows the training to count toward officers' required continuing education hours. The program directly affects local peace officers and aims to improve safety and investigative capabilities related to fentanyl trafficking.

Maddy summaryHB 1128 amends Texas Penal Code Section 46.03 to create an exception allowing licensed election judges and certain early voting staff to carry concealed handguns while performing their duties at polling places. This directly affects election judges (as defined in Election Code Chapter 32) and early voting clerks/deputies serving as election judges at early voting locations. The bill modifies the existing prohibition on concealed carry at polling places to exclude these specific election personnel who hold valid handgun licenses. The change applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits late payment fees charged by municipal water utilities in Texas. It caps fees at $5 or 2% of the overdue amount before day 32, $5 or 5% between days 32-41, and $5 or 10% after day 41. Utilities cannot begin charging penalties before 21 days after billing a customer, and penalties end when the full amount is paid. The rules apply only to fees charged on or after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed by two-thirds vote).

Maddy summaryHB 4331 requires the Texas Water Development Board to study ways to streamline the state environmental review process for flood control and drainage projects seeking financial assistance from the flood infrastructure fund (under Water Code Chapter 15). The study must be completed by January 1, 2027, and the Board must then implement new internal procedures based on the findings. This directly affects flood infrastructure projects eligible for state funding, aiming to reduce delays in environmental reviews. The bill expires September 1, 2027, and takes effect in 2025 if passed with a two-thirds vote.

Maddy summaryHB 5513 establishes a state program to provide child care financial assistance to rural law enforcement officers in Texas. The bill creates a dedicated fund (administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety) to cover child care costs for eligible officers and their families, ensuring access to quality child care services. Key provisions require the department to set eligibility rules, application procedures, and grant amounts, while mandating contracts with recipients to ensure proper use of funds. The program aims to support rural law enforcement workforce stability and strengthen community ties by addressing child care barriers. It directly affects rural law enforcement officers and their families in Texas through accessible, state-funded child care assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 4329 requires the Texas Water Development Board to study factors affecting the costs of developing drainage infrastructure across Texas, with a report due by January 1, 2027. The study must identify cost drivers like location, materials, and project scale, then compare regional cost differences. The Board must submit a written report to the legislature based on this analysis. The bill expires September 1, 2027, and does not allocate funding or mandate specific infrastructure projects.

Maddy summaryHB 2876 amends a 2007 agreement for State Highway 130 (Segments 5 and 6) to extend its term by up to 20 years. It requires the private participant to provide consideration (such as payments) and detail public benefits for the extension. Funds from this agreement must be used exclusively for nontolled transportation projects between I-35 and SH 130 in the affected county, with county approval required before spending. The Texas Department of Transportation must report on implementation by December 1, 2026. The bill passed in May 2025 and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 74 creates the Puerto Verde Port Authority District in Maverick County, Texas, as a special district to advance economic development in the area. The bill grants the district authority to issue bonds for infrastructure, impose fees and taxes on properties within the district, and acquire private property through limited eminent domain for port-related projects. It directly affects property owners and businesses in the designated district area by enabling the district to fund and develop port facilities, transportation infrastructure, and economic initiatives. The legislation aims to promote job growth, commerce, and community development in Maverick County under Texas Constitution provisions for special districts.

Maddy summaryHB 256 authorizes the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to conduct rapid DNA tests using mouth swabs on individuals detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Texas-Mexico border who are suspected of falsely claiming family relationships with others detained by CBP. The program requires DPS to destroy biological samples after testing and prohibits creating a DNA database from these tests. Results must be shared with CBP for federal immigration enforcement, and the agreement with CBP must include these destruction and database restrictions. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.