Rep. Cole Hefner

Maddy summaryHB 4257 requires peace officer license applicants in Texas to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, with the requirement applying only once per license (renewals don't need re-submission). It directly affects individuals seeking peace officer licenses and law enforcement agencies hiring them, mandating agencies verify citizenship before employment. Exceptions allow hiring for legal permanent residents who've applied for citizenship, or honorably discharged veterans with at least two years of military service. The bill adds these verification steps to existing licensing and hiring processes under the Texas Occupations Code.

Maddy summaryHB 4789 creates a state-maintained electronic database to connect transitioning military members with veteran resources. It requires service members leaving active duty within 12 months to provide written consent before their contact information is added. Approved state agencies and veteran service organizations (like county veteran offices) can access this database to share details about employment, housing, healthcare, and support services. The database becomes operational on September 1, 2025, after the commission establishes access rules.

Maddy summaryHB 4053 amends Texas law to clarify how state funds can support veterans cemeteries. It requires the Texas Veterans Commission board to select up to seven locations statewide for cemeteries and establish eligibility rules. The bill limits annual spending to $7 million from specific funds (veterans' land fund and housing assistance funds) for cemetery planning, operation, maintenance, or improvements - but explicitly prohibits using these funds to purchase land for new cemeteries. The bill is pending in committee and would take effect September 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 3324 designates a specific segment of Farm-to-Market Road 3535 in Camp County (between FM 1520 and U.S. Highway 271) as the "Camp County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway" for commemorative purposes. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the highway and at appropriate intermediate locations along the route. This is a purely ceremonial designation with no funding or policy changes, solely honoring Vietnam War veterans. The bill does not affect any other roads or create new obligations beyond the marker placement.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 289) honoring Michael Mars for his service as Titus County Republican Party executive committee chair from 2022 to January 2025. It recognizes his 12 years of involvement with the party, including roles as Precinct 9 chair and his work promoting Republican values like limited government and candidate support. The resolution formally expresses the Texas House of Representatives' appreciation and extends "sincere best wishes" to Mars, with a copy to be presented to him. As a non-binding tribute, it has no policy impact or effect on legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 2684 requires health care providers to inform pregnant women diagnosed with a life-threatening condition in their preborn child about available perinatal palliative care options. The bill mandates the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to create and maintain online informational materials describing palliative care services and a geographically indexed list of providers (excluding abortion providers). It directly affects pregnant women facing such diagnoses and their health care providers. The law aims to ensure access to supportive care focused on reducing suffering for both the pregnant woman and her preborn child. The bill also establishes an administrative penalty for noncompliance, though specific penalty details are not provided in the truncated text.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill (HB 4901) requires app stores (like Apple App Store or Google Play) operating in Texas to verify users' ages and categorize them into four groups: child (<13), younger teen (13-15), older teen (16-17), and adult (18+). For minors (under 18), it mandates parental consent by linking accounts to a parent or guardian aged 18 or older. App stores must use reasonable methods to confirm age during account creation. The law directly affects app platforms and users under 18 in Texas, with no voting record available as the bill remains pending in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 5243 would prohibit SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) beneficiaries in Texas from using their benefits to purchase energy drinks, sweetened beverages, carbonated drinks, candy, potato/corn chips, and packaged cookies. The bill defines "energy drink" as containing at least 65mg caffeine per 8oz and "sweetened beverage" as any nonalcoholic drink with added sweetener. Exceptions include milk products, milk substitutes (like soy milk), unsweetened juices, infant formula, and certain fortified products containing protein or vitamins. This policy change directly affects SNAP recipients who would no longer use benefits for the listed items, while allowing coverage for specified healthier alternatives.

Maddy summaryHB 3789 amends Texas law to expand eligibility for handgun carry licenses to include certain active and retired judicial officers. Specifically, it adds state judicial officers (such as district court judges and county court judges) and retired federal judges who reside in Texas to the existing list of qualifying individuals under the license law. The bill changes the legal definitions in the Government Code to clarify who qualifies, without creating new requirements or restrictions. This policy change directly affects judicial officers who currently may not be covered under existing license eligibility rules. The bill would take effect on September 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 1951 prohibits government entities from restricting or discriminating against contractors or subcontractors based on their union agreements for publicly funded construction projects. The bill amends Texas Education Code §51.7761 and Government Code §2269.0541 to prevent public agencies from: (1) discouraging union agreements related to public work contracts, or (2) penalizing bidders for being part of such agreements. It directly affects contractors bidding on projects funded with state/local money, government-backed debt, ratepayer funds, or user fees. The law applies only to contracts with solicitations published after the bill’s effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote).