Rep. Cole Hefner

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas law enforcement agencies to maintain confidential "department files" for each employee who holds a law enforcement license (such as a peace officer). These files must include any documents about the employee not in their regular personnel file, including unsubstantiated misconduct allegations. Agencies must allow the licensing commission to access these files during hiring or investigations, and the files may be disclosed under specific legal provisions but remain confidential otherwise, not subject to public disclosure under Texas open records law. The bill applies to all Texas law enforcement agencies and their licensed employees.

Maddy summaryHB 218 modifies Texas groundwater permit rules for large transfers outside a conservation district's boundaries. It requires districts to obtain approval from at least two-thirds of other districts in the management area (with each district voting by majority) before issuing permits for wells producing 25,000+ gallons of groundwater daily outside their boundaries. The bill also clarifies that transfers for potable water supply within a utility's service area (if part is inside the district) and emergency interconnects between utilities are not considered "outside" transfers. These changes apply only to permits issued after the bill's effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryHB 215 modifies Texas law to limit landowner liability for groundwater use. It specifically protects landowners (including lessees, heirs, and assigns) who pump 25,000+ gallons of groundwater daily for beneficial use, stating they cannot be sued for interference unless their pumping: (1) lowers water tables harming neighboring land, or (2) unreasonably harms watercourses/lakes. The bill applies only to lawsuits filed after its effective date. This change directly affects large-scale groundwater users, such as agricultural or industrial operations, by reducing legal risks for routine use.

Maddy summaryHB 217 creates legal immunity for groundwater conservation districts in Texas when they restrict well production. The bill states that districts cannot be held liable for damages resulting from actions like enforcing water rules, issuing permits, or limiting well output. This applies specifically to cases where the legal claim arises after the bill becomes effective. The law directly affects groundwater districts (which manage local water resources) and well owners who might otherwise sue over production restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 216 would require Texas groundwater conservation districts to limit new permits so that no single applicant can produce and transfer out more than 5% of the district's modeled available groundwater across all permits issued to them. This directly affects groundwater conservation districts when reviewing permit applications and applicants seeking new groundwater rights for production and transfer. The key provision mandates districts to calculate this 5% cap based on the district's modeled available groundwater, as determined by the executive administrator. The bill applies only to permits issued on or after its effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryHB 32, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires that certain facilities - such as restrooms, locker rooms, and family violence shelters - be designated and used based on biological sex, defined as the physical condition of being male or female at birth as determined by sex organs, chromosomes, and original birth records. The law applies to correctional facilities, family violence shelters, institutions of higher education, local governments (political subdivisions), and state agencies. It authorizes civil penalties for violations and creates a private right of action, allowing individuals to file lawsuits if they believe the law has been breached. The bill does not apply to state agencies as political subdivisions but covers them separately under the law's definition of "state agency."

Maddy summaryHB 36 prohibits Texas local governments (cities, counties, and other political subdivisions) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that hire lobbyists. It specifically bans spending taxpayer money on lobbying activities aimed at influencing state legislation, such as hiring registered lobbyists to advocate before the legislature. However, the bill allows local officials to provide information to lawmakers, testify in person, or appear before committees without registering as lobbyists. Taxpayers can also sue if a local government violates these restrictions and seek recovery of legal fees. This law directly affects how local governments fund legislative advocacy efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 84 authorizes Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin for human use without a doctor's prescription, directly affecting pharmacists and patients seeking this medication. The bill requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order with standardized protocols for pharmacists, including patient instructions and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. It also provides legal protection for pharmacists who follow the order, shielding them from liability or disciplinary action. The commissioner must issue this order within 91 days after the legislative session ends, implementing the policy changes outlined in the new Health and Safety Code section.

Maddy summarySB 1362 prohibits Texas state and local entities - including courts, law enforcement, and prosecutors - from recognizing, serving, or enforcing "extreme risk protective orders" (commonly called "red flag" orders). These orders typically restrict firearm access when a court deems someone a risk to themselves or others. The bill creates a criminal offense for violating this prohibition and blocks Texas entities from accepting federal grants meant to implement such orders. It directly affects all Texas government bodies and law enforcement agencies, preventing them from participating in programs that require enforcing these firearm restrictions. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5659 requires the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District to hold public hearings and obtain approval from a majority of cities that appoint its directors before entering water transfer contracts or seeking permits from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The bill mandates that the District's Board provide public notice of these hearings following standard meeting notice procedures. It directly affects the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District and the cities with voting rights on its Board. The law adds procedural safeguards to water transfer decisions, ensuring public input and local government approval before such transfers proceed.