Maddy summaryHB 10, the Regulatory Reform and Efficiency Act, creates the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office within the governor's office to streamline how state agencies develop and enforce rules. The bill requires agencies to identify unnecessary regulations, reduce costs for businesses and individuals subject to rules, and improve public access to rule information through a new online portal. Key provisions mandate agencies set goals to eliminate ineffective rules and minimize regulatory burdens while maintaining public protection. This bill directly affects state agencies and the businesses, professionals, and residents regulated by their rules.
Rep. Todd Hunter
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 5329 limits the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to entering no more than two design-build contracts per state fiscal biennium. Design-build contracts allow a single contractor to handle both the design and construction of transportation projects, rather than separate contracts for each phase. The bill amends Section 223.242(d-1) of the Transportation Code to establish this two-contract cap. The law would take effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote in both chambers, or on September 1, 2025, otherwise.
Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 3919 is not available in the provided context. Only the title ("Relating to size and density requirements for residential lots in certain municipalities; authorizing a fee") and recent committee actions (referred to Land & Resource Management, pending in committee) are documented. Without the full bill text or specific provisions, a summary of its policy changes or affected parties cannot be generated. The PDF reference mentioned is inaccessible here.
Maddy summaryHB 13 creates the Texas Interoperability Council to develop a statewide plan ensuring emergency communication systems (like those used by police, fire, and medical responders) can work together effectively during crises. The council will administer grants to help local governments (counties, cities, and special districts) purchase interoperable equipment and build necessary communication infrastructure. Key provisions require the council to create a strategic plan for statewide emergency communication coordination and establish a grant program focused on equipment that connects across different emergency services. The council is composed of seven members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and House speaker, with specific terms and governance rules. This bill directly affects local emergency response capabilities by addressing equipment compatibility gaps.
Maddy summaryHB 16 expands funding options for water infrastructure projects under the Texas Water Development Board. It allows the state water fund to provide financial assistance to local governments (political subdivisions) for specific projects like desalination plants (marine and brackish water), produced water treatment (excluding oil/gas exploration), aquifer storage, reservoirs with federal/state permits, and potable water reuse systems. The bill also clarifies that funds can be transferred to designated state water programs, including the state water implementation fund and water bank account. This directly affects communities and local agencies developing new water sources to address Texas' growing demand. The changes amend existing Water Code sections to enable these financing mechanisms.
Maddy summaryHB 4095 allows small coastal municipalities (population under 5,000 with a state highway ferry system) to temporarily increase their hotel occupancy tax rate above 7% - up to 8% - if approved by voters. Municipalities collecting at 7% must dedicate at least 1% of room tax revenue to tourism infrastructure like parks, marinas, or visitor facilities. If they exceed 7%, they may use the extra revenue for street beautification and main street improvements (e.g., pedestrian safety), but cannot spend more on these projects than they fund from other sources. The bill expires December 31, 2035. (Current status: Referred to Ways & Means committee.)
Maddy summaryHB 3950 creates a legal right for individuals to control digital copies of their voice or visual likeness. It allows people to sue companies that make realistic digital replicas (like AI-generated videos or audio) without permission, covering both living and deceased individuals. The law applies to online platforms such as social media and music services, and includes a fee for filing such lawsuits. This directly affects all Texans whose voice or image could be digitally replicated without consent.
Maddy summaryHB 3538 establishes rules for Texas' Managed Care Consumer Choice Program, affecting health plans (managed care organizations) seeking contracts to provide services under state health programs. It requires plans to first meet certification, financial solvency, and performance standards before contracting with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The bill ensures program recipients (like those in STAR, CHIP, STAR Kids, or STAR+PLUS) can choose any qualified health plan in their area, while outlining consequences like corrective action plans or enrollment suspensions for non-compliant plans. The law applies specifically to these Medicaid programs but excludes the STAR Health program.
Maddy summaryHR 266 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing February 19, 2025, as "Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors the university's history, contributions to South Texas, and its role in providing education to over 11,400 students across multiple degree programs. The resolution commends the university's administration, faculty, staff, and students for their commitment to excellence. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws, allocate funding, or affect any policies - only expressing the Texas House of Representatives' recognition of the institution.
Maddy summaryHR 136 is a memorial resolution honoring Clyde Vance Dunnam of Waco, a 94-year-old attorney who passed away on May 3, 2024. The resolution recognizes his 70-year career at Dunnam & Dunnam, LLP, his service as a mentor in Central Texas, and his community leadership in organizations like the Scottish Rite and Waco Jaycees. It also acknowledges his family life, including his marriage to Vicki Hohertz (until her death in 1995) and later to Merrilee Lafferty Harmon, and his dedication to faith and community. Adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on March 13, 2025, this procedural resolution serves as a formal tribute to his life and legacy, with no substantive policy changes.