Rep. Ryan Guillen

Maddy summaryHB 3113 requires counties in Texas that manually count paper ballots to use ballots designed to be scanned by automatic tabulating equipment. This affects counties currently conducting hand counts of paper ballots, mandating they adopt scannable ballot formats by September 1, 2025. The bill specifies that ballots must be compatible with existing election equipment to ensure accurate processing during elections.

Maddy summaryHB 3061 increases penalties for certain criminal offenses committed while wearing masks or disguises specifically to hide the offender's identity. It applies to offenses under Texas law covering assault, robbery, public disorder (Title 5, Chapters 28-30, or Sections 42.01/42.02). If proven, the punishment escalates to the next higher offense category, with a minimum 180-day jail term for Class A misdemeanors. Exceptions allow the penalty increase to be avoided if the disguise was for events like Halloween, proven by a preponderance of evidence.

Maddy summaryHJR 5 proposes a constitutional amendment to create two dedicated funds supporting Texas State Technical College System (TSTC) capital projects and equipment. It establishes a "permanent technical institution infrastructure fund" for long-term capital needs (like buildings) and an "available workforce education fund" for immediate operational costs, both administered outside general state funding. This would remove TSTC from annual appropriations that typically apply to other public colleges, providing the system with guaranteed funding streams for infrastructure without competing for general higher education funds. The amendment requires specific distribution rules and prohibits using these funds for non-educational purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 184 creates a student loan repayment program for Texas prosecuting attorneys working in the border prosecution unit. To qualify, attorneys must be licensed in Texas, have completed one to four consecutive years of employment with the unit, and apply through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The program provides up to 25% of an attorney’s total student loan balance each year for up to four years, totaling up to 100% of the loan. Repayment is delivered as a lump sum directly to the lender or shared between the lender and the attorney.

Maddy summaryHB 1169 requires the Railroad Commission of Texas to develop a comprehensive plan protecting the state's oil and gas infrastructure - including pipelines and wellheads - from natural disasters, severe weather, cyberattacks, terrorism, power outages, and other threats. The plan must be updated periodically and adopted by September 1, 2026. It directly affects Texas's oil and gas infrastructure by mandating specific protective measures for critical systems. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, with the commission allowed to seek input from stakeholders during development.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas licensing authorities to issue provisional occupational licenses for six months to applicants with criminal convictions who are otherwise qualified for the license, unless they have specific serious convictions listed in the Occupations Code. The provisional license begins upon the applicant's release from incarceration if they were imprisoned. It applies to most occupational licensing fields (like healthcare or trades) but excludes applicants convicted of offenses under Section 53.021(a). The bill provides a pathway for certain applicants to obtain licenses without full revocation of eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Texas Employees Retirement System to make a one-time supplemental payment in January 2026 to eligible retirees and beneficiaries. The payment equals the lesser of $2,000 or the retiree’s regular December 2025 annuity amount, added to their existing monthly benefit. It excludes certain disability retirees, elected officials’ families, and other specific categories listed in the bill. The payment is in addition to regular benefits and subject to standard tax withholdings.

Maddy summaryHB 5337 requires Texas voters to submit proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must provide documents like a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or citizenship papers to county registrars. If proof isn't submitted, voters would only qualify for a limited federal ballot under Chapter 115. The bill creates criminal penalties for failing to provide required documentation and amends election code sections to implement these requirements. This directly affects all new voter registrants in Texas seeking full voting rights.

Maddy summaryHB 1407 allows counties, cities, and water/sewer districts to jointly operate water and sewer systems with greater financial flexibility. It grants participating public entities the authority to issue bonds, acquire land (including via eminent domain), and share facility costs, while clarifying that these joint agencies are separate political subdivisions. The bill amends Texas Local Government Code sections to define "public utility agency" and specify that these entities can use revenue from service fees to secure bonds, without imposing taxes. This directly affects local governments managing shared water and sewer infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 2363 amends Texas law to allow certain licensed peace officers (specifically those under Chapter 1701 of the Occupations Code) to make warrantless arrests outside their regular jurisdiction if they witness an offense. The bill specifically permits arrests for traffic violations under Texas Transportation Code (Subtitle C, Title 7) only when the violation occurs in counties where the officer’s employing city or district is located. This change applies to officers like municipal police or transit authority personnel working beyond their home jurisdiction. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not alter arrest authority for most other offenses.