Rep. Ryan Guillen

Maddy summaryHB 255 clarifies definitions for a property tax exemption on farm products produced by farmers. It adds livestock, poultry, and timber (including standing timber) to the list of "farm products" eligible for the exemption. The bill specifies that "in the hands of the producer" means livestock/poultry/eggs owned by the farmer on January 1 of the tax year, or timber still on the property where it was grown. This bill takes effect for tax years starting January 1, 2026, but only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment.

Maddy summaryHB 863 creates a statewide database requiring senior independent living communities (residential communities for residents 55+ that operate as housing for older adults) to submit health and safety plans. The database, maintained by a state agency, will include these plans and be accessible to emergency response teams for coordination during crises. Communities that fail to file required plans or violate related rules may face administrative penalties. The database is confidential, and the bill mandates a standard template for health and safety plans to ensure consistency.

Maddy summaryHJR 31 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the Texas Legislature to define "farm products" and "in the hands of the producer" for property tax exemption purposes. This would clarify which agricultural goods and production stages qualify for the existing tax exemption, potentially including livestock, poultry, timber, and farming supplies. If approved by voters in November 2025, the amendment would change the state constitution to give the Legislature authority to set these definitions through regular law, without altering the exemption itself. The bill directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses claiming the tax exemption.

Maddy summaryHB 1495 protects personal information collected during Texas jury selection by making it confidential. It prohibits courts, parties, attorneys, or court staff from disclosing specific details like home addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, or juror questionnaire responses. Disclosure is only allowed if a party or media member obtains court approval showing "good cause." The law applies only to individuals reporting for jury duty on or after September 1, 2025. This directly affects Texas residents summoned for jury service by safeguarding their sensitive personal data.

Maddy summaryHB 1964 creates a legal right for farmers and agricultural operations to sue local governments (like counties or cities) if those governments enforce rules that violate Texas Agriculture Code provisions. The bill allows affected individuals to seek court orders to stop enforcement of such rules and recover legal fees and costs if they win their case. It applies only to lawsuits filed after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote earlier). This directly affects farmers facing local enforcement actions and local governments that may be sued under this new provision. The law does not change existing agricultural regulations but provides a new remedy for disputes.

Maddy summaryHB 5524 would create the Palangana Energy District to manage energy infrastructure projects in a designated area. The bill grants the district limited eminent domain authority to acquire private property for energy development, allows it to issue bonds for project financing, and authorizes the district to impose assessments, fees, and taxes on properties within its boundaries. This would directly affect property owners and businesses located in the Palangana Energy District. The bill has been referred to committee but has not advanced further as of the latest update.

Maddy summaryHB 3676 requires the Texas Public Utility Commission to prioritize grant and loan applications from the Texas Energy Fund for electric power plants with a capacity of at least 750 megawatts. This policy directly affects large-scale power generation facilities seeking state funding for infrastructure projects. The bill mandates that the Commission give preference to these larger facilities when awarding funds under the Utilities Code. The rule applies only to applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, and does not change existing funding criteria for smaller projects.

Maddy summaryHB 3364 prohibits veterinarians in Texas from establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship **solely** through telephone or electronic means. This means an initial in-person meeting is required to form the relationship, directly affecting veterinarians and pet owners seeking veterinary services. The bill amends the Occupations Code to clarify this requirement, taking effect September 1, 2025. It focuses on defining the foundational relationship for veterinary care, not on specific treatment protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 19) is a concurrent resolution naming a new building in the Texas Capitol Complex. It directs the Texas Facilities Commission to name the structure at the northwest corner of Congress Avenue and 15th Street the "Irma Rangel Building." The resolution honors Irma Rangel, a pioneering Texas legislator who was the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas Legislature (1976) and championed education access, domestic violence services, and opportunities for marginalized communities. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new policy or affect any specific group beyond recognizing her legacy.

Maddy summaryHB 1696 would allow Texas residents with a valid concealed handgun license to add a visible indicator on their driver's license or commercial driver's license showing they are licensed to carry a handgun. The designation would include the handgun license number and the validity period, but only apply while the handgun license remains active. This changes how identification must be displayed when carrying a handgun, requiring either the license with the new indicator or both the standard license and separate handgun license. The bill directly affects Texans who hold concealed handgun licenses and choose to opt into this visible indicator.