Rep. Todd Hunter

Maddy summaryHB 3862 prohibits children under 18 from using social media platforms in Texas. The bill requires social media companies to verify users are 18+ using government-issued ID before allowing account creation (Section 120.113) and bans platforms from permitting minors to access their services (Section 120.112). Violations would be treated as deceptive trade practices under Texas law. The bill applies to platforms with over 50 million U.S. monthly active users. It is currently pending in the Texas legislature after committee review.

Maddy summaryHB 1958 requires Texas restaurants serving shrimp caught outside Texas state waters (defined as shrimp caught beyond the state's submerged lands in the Gulf of Mexico) to inform customers about the shrimp's origin. Restaurants must either post a visible notice in the dining area or include the notice on their menu. The requirement does not take effect until March 1, 2026, though the law becomes effective September 1, 2025. The Texas Health and Safety Code will be amended to include this rule, with the executive commissioner tasked to develop implementing regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 2343 requires restaurants serving shrimp caught outside Texas waters (defined as Gulf of Mexico shrimp outside state-owned lands) to clearly label the product and provide visible notices to customers about its importation. It also bans state agencies and school districts from serving imported shrimp or contracting with vendors who serve it, with penalties for violations. The bill mandates that food service establishments post notices in accessible locations or include them on menus, and directs health officials to create implementing rules. These provisions directly affect restaurants, school meal programs, and state food service contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 842 requires the Texas Public Utility Commission to study the feasibility of burying power lines in the Gulf Coast region (within 150 miles of the coast). The study must examine costs for burying existing overhead lines, maintenance expenses for underground lines, potential savings from reduced weather-related outages, and the use of relevant technologies. The commission must submit a report with findings and recommendations to state leaders by September 1, 2026, but the bill does not fund or mandate burying lines - only assess the costs and benefits. This affects Gulf Coast communities prone to weather-related power outages.

Maddy summaryHB 3743 repeals a requirement in the Texas Government Code that mandated state agencies maintain specific management-to-staff ratios. This bill directly affects all state agencies by removing an existing staffing ratio rule. The key mechanism is the deletion of Section 651.004 of the Government Code, which previously governed these ratios. The repeal takes effect on September 1, 2025, unless approved by a two-thirds vote for immediate implementation. This is a procedural change eliminating an existing administrative requirement.

Maddy summaryHR 863 is a commemorative resolution honoring the late James R. Pitts, a former Texas State Representative from Waxahachie who served from 1993 to 2015. The resolution recognizes his 22 years of public service, including his leadership as chair of the appropriations committee and his contributions to Ellis, Hill, and Henderson Counties. It formally commemorates his legacy following his passing on July 20, 2024, and highlights his work on community projects, education support, and his designation of Waxahachie as Texas' Crape Myrtle Capital. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal tribute to his service.

Maddy summaryHB 2587 requires Texas hospitals to report costs of providing care to patients without legal immigration status. Hospitals must ask about immigration status during intake (without affecting care) and submit quarterly data on costs and financial impact to a state agency. The agency then compiles an annual report for lawmakers by November 1, detailing total costs and how these expenses affected hospitals. This applies to all Texas hospitals serving patients who were not lawfully present at the time of care, focusing on transparency about uncompensated care expenses.

Maddy summaryHJR 138 proposes amending the Texas Constitution to prohibit the state legislature from imposing taxes based on the carbon content of fuels or emissions of carbon dioxide from goods and services. If approved by voters, it would prevent Texas from enacting any carbon tax policy. The bill failed to pass the Texas Legislature on May 12, 2025, so it did not advance to a voter referendum. This would have directly affected all Texans by blocking a potential state-level carbon tax mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 3462 amends Texas Local Government Code sections related to property acquisitions under the Public Property Finance Act, primarily affecting school districts and other local governments purchasing or using real property. The bill requires governing bodies to publish a 60-day public notice before approving such contracts, summarizing key terms and estimating costs, and delays bid advertisements until after this period. If 5% of registered voters petition for a referendum within 60 days of notice, the contract cannot proceed without majority voter approval. It also clarifies that payments from non-tax sources (like maintenance taxes) do not count as debt under state tax law.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 43) designates Port Aransas as Texas' "Official Fishing Capital" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing policies - it is a ceremonial recognition of Port Aransas' established reputation for fishing tourism, tournaments, and marine resources. The resolution cites the city's diverse fishing opportunities, local industry (charters, marinas), and conservation efforts as justification. The designation expires automatically on the 10th anniversary of the legislature's final passage, as permitted under Texas Government Code § 391.003(e). This is a symbolic honor with no direct regulatory or financial impact.