Rep. Terry Canales

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 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 1936 removes a specific provision requiring law enforcement to issue a citation for unauthorized use of disability parking spaces in Texas. This change directly affects individuals who park in designated disability spaces without authorization, as it eliminates the mandatory citation requirement for this offense. The bill repeals Section 681.011(f-2) of the Transportation Code, meaning officers will no longer be required to issue citations for this violation. The law applies only to offenses occurring on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1677 requires municipalities with 10,000 or more residents to conduct administrative investigations into complaints against fire fighters before taking punitive actions like suspension or demotion. This law applies regardless of whether a fire fighter is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and it overrides any conflicting terms in such agreements. The bill ensures fire fighters receive a copy of complaints within a reasonable time and mandates that investigations follow specific standards set by law. It also allows collective bargaining agreements to add additional investigation requirements, as long as they don't conflict with the new rules.

Maddy summaryHB 3187 creates a "General Mobility Program" allowing municipalities within regional transportation authorities to use up to 25% of their local sales tax revenue for transportation infrastructure projects. It directly affects cities in these authorities, enabling them to fund sidewalks, trails, streetlights, traffic signals, and drainage improvements on roads. The bill requires municipalities to submit annual project lists to regional boards and mandates that funds be distributed 50% upfront and 50% on reimbursement, with unused funds applied to debt payments secured by a 1% sales tax. This establishes a new, structured way for local governments to allocate tax revenue toward mobility improvements within their communities.

Maddy summaryHB 32 clarifies eviction procedures in Texas by updating Property Code rules. It requires landlords to give tenants at least three days' written notice before filing eviction suits for nonpayment of rent (unless a lease specifies otherwise). The bill also limits courts to deciding actual possession rights - not property title - in eviction cases and prohibits adding counterclaims or third parties to these suits. Additionally, it states only the Texas legislature can change these eviction procedures. This bill directly affects landlords, tenants, and justice courts handling eviction cases.

Maddy summaryHB 1515 amends Texas Education Code provisions governing the Windham School District, which provides education to incarcerated individuals. The bill requires the district to develop career-focused educational programs (including vocational training leading to certification) specifically for inmates, with goals to reduce recidivism, lower confinement costs, and improve post-release employment outcomes. Key mechanisms include mandating the district to track specific metrics like post-release arrests, convictions, employment types, and program effectiveness. The bill directly affects inmates in Texas prisons by restructuring educational services within the correctional system.