Rep. Cole Hefner

Maddy summaryHB 1056 recognizes physical gold and silver coins meeting specific weight and purity standards as legal tender in Texas for debt payments, while prohibiting government markings except for identifying refiners. It authorizes the state comptroller to establish electronic payment systems backed by bullion held in depositories, allowing transactions using gold/silver-based currency. The bill explicitly states it does not replace U.S. dollars, restrict federal currency, or require businesses to accept gold/silver tender. It also permits the comptroller to set reasonable administrative fees for the system. This law applies to Texas residents and businesses using the state-administered electronic currency system, operating alongside existing federal currency.

Maddy summarySB 1455 authorizes surcharges on workers' compensation insurance policies to fund the Texas Department of Insurance's regulation of workers' compensation programs. The bill amends the Insurance Code to establish these surcharges as a dedicated revenue source, directly affecting workers' compensation insurance providers who would pay the added fees. Key provisions include updating funding mechanisms under Title 3 of the Insurance Code to allow surcharges for regulatory costs, while specifying that these funds must support the department's oversight functions. The bill became effective January 1, 2026, after passing both legislative chambers and being filed without the governor's signature.

Maddy summaryHCR 136 is a commemorative resolution honoring Deputy Melissa Pollard of the Wood County Sheriff's Office, who died in the line of duty on April 9, 2025. The resolution extends condolences to her family - including her daughter, grandchildren, sisters, and colleagues - and recognizes her 22-year law enforcement career, including her work training recruits and earning multiple certifications. It has no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation; it solely serves as a symbolic tribute. The resolution was passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor in June 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2383 allows retired commissioned officers of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to return to active duty as commissioned officers without being subject to certain employment restrictions. It specifically exempts these retired DPS officers - defined as those who retired under the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERST) from their last DPS commissioned role - from provisions in the Government Code that otherwise apply to new hires. The law applies only to individuals hired on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, and does not affect current employees or retirees hired before that date. This change streamlines the rehiring process for eligible retired DPS officers.

Maddy summarySB 1814 creates a state-maintained electronic database to connect service members transitioning from active duty to veterans with available benefits. It requires written consent from members discharged within 12 months, storing their contact information for approved state agencies and local veteran service organizations. These entities can access the database to provide targeted information about employment, housing, health care, entrepreneurship programs, and support services. The database becomes operational on September 1, 2025, after the bill was signed into law on June 20, 2025. This directly affects service members leaving active duty who consent to be included.

Maddy summarySB 523 allows parole officers, peace officers, probation officers, and prosecutors in Texas to list their office address instead of their home address on their driver's licenses. The bill requires these professionals to notify the Texas Department of Public Safety within 30 days of changing their office address or name. For peace officers, acceptable alternative addresses include their residence municipality/county or their employment county. The law, effective September 1, 2025, applies only to these specific law enforcement and legal professionals, not the general public.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SCR 21) commemorating Edwin Elmer Perryman of Tyler, who died on October 30, 2024. It honors his life, including his 36-year career with AT&T, his role as a devoted family man (with nine children and eight grandchildren), and his community involvement. The resolution extends condolences to his wife, children, sisters, grandchildren, and extended family. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 43 amends Texas law to update the definition of "agricultural business" in the Agriculture Code, explicitly including rural recreational businesses (like hiking or fishing on farmland) and nonprofit land conservation groups. It also revises the composition of the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority's board, requiring the governor to appoint nine members with specific representation: two young farmers/ranchers, two representatives from rural entities (chambers, trade associations), and others with agricultural lending expertise. These changes directly affect entities applying for the Authority's loan and grant programs, such as farmers, ranchers, rural tourism businesses, and conservation nonprofits. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, after passing both chambers unanimously.

Maddy summaryHB 127 creates the Higher Education Research Security Council to protect universities from foreign espionage risks. The council, made up of security officers from university systems and select research institutions, will identify best practices for securing academic research while mitigating threats from foreign adversaries. It directly affects public and private research-focused universities in Texas, particularly those designated as "tier one" institutions. The bill establishes this council as a formal body to coordinate security efforts across higher education, without changing existing trade secret laws. The council’s role is limited to advising institutions on security protocols, not enforcing new penalties.

Maddy summarySB 1558 limits liability for nonprofit organizations contracted by Texas' Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or single-source continuum contractors providing child welfare services. The bill creates a legal defense if these nonprofits meet specific safety requirements: conducting timely background checks, confirming eligibility to work with children, reporting misconduct, taking disciplinary action for performance issues, and requiring annual child abuse prevention and reporting training for staff. It does not apply to claims involving gross negligence, and nonprofits remain liable for claims authorized under other state or federal laws. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects nonprofits delivering community-based child welfare services in Texas.