Rep. Cole Hefner

Maddy summaryHCR 149 is a concurrent resolution directing the Texas governor to posthumously award the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to U.S. Navy SEAL Nathan Gage Ingram. The bill specifically recognizes Ingram, a Roanoke native and member of SEAL Team 3, for his heroic actions during a 2024 military operation in Somalia where he lost his life attempting to rescue a fellow SEAL. This resolution does not create new law or affect policy - it formally requests the governor to bestow the state's highest military honor on Ingram in recognition of his "valiant military service" and sacrifice. The resolution was signed by the governor on June 20, 2025, following passage by the Texas Legislature.

Maddy summarySB 467 creates a temporary property tax exemption for homeowners whose primary residence improvements (like a kitchen or roof) are completely destroyed by fire. The exemption amount equals the appraised value of the destroyed improvement multiplied by the fraction of the tax year remaining after the fire date (e.g., 100 days left = 100/365 of the value). Homeowners must apply within 180 days of the fire, with verification from fire marshals or insurance adjusters. This exemption applies only to the tax year the fire occurs and reduces property taxes for affected homeowners.

Maddy summaryHB 75 requires magistrates in Texas to provide written findings within 24 hours when they determine no probable cause exists for a criminal arrest. This applies specifically to cases involving offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. The law aims to create a clear, documented record of the magistrate's decision in these initial proceedings. It directly affects magistrates handling pretrial detention hearings for criminal defendants.

Maddy summaryHB 12 requires the State Commission on Governmental Operations to review state agencies that regulate activities through licensing, such as professional or business licensing boards. The bill mandates that these agencies post online notices about the review process and public participation opportunities, and regulatory agencies must also notify licensees and seek their input. The commission must include findings, recommendations, and a 10-year performance analysis for regulatory agencies in its final report. This applies to state agencies in the executive branch with statewide licensing authority (excluding river authorities) and became effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 130, the Texas Genomic Act of 2025, prohibits medical facilities, research organizations, companies, and nonprofits conducting genome sequencing in Texas from providing residents' genetic data to foreign adversaries. It creates a private right for individuals to sue entities that violate this rule and imposes civil penalties for noncompliance. The law applies to any entity handling human genome sequencing or testing within the state, defining "foreign adversary" per federal regulations. This policy directly affects organizations processing genetic data in Texas, requiring them to safeguard residents' information from unauthorized foreign access. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 3642 designates three specific highway segments as memorial highways in Texas: U.S. Highway 183 in Eastland County as the Deputy Sheriff David Bosecker Memorial Highway, U.S. Highway 79 in Freestone and Leon Counties as the Cecil and Dorothy Bell Memorial Highway, and State Highway 315 in Panola County as the Hamby-Webb Memorial Highway. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends and key intermediate points along each designated highway segment. These markers will display the memorial name, the phrase "In Memory Of," and the names of the honorees. The legislation, signed into law on June 20, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, is a commemorative measure honoring specific individuals through highway naming.

Maddy summaryHB 4623 creates new liability standards for Texas public schools and their employees regarding student sexual misconduct. It holds schools financially responsible if they act with gross negligence or intentional misconduct in hiring or supervising employees who commit sexual misconduct against students or fail to report suspected abuse. The law caps damages at $500,000 per victim in successful claims and requires the employee who committed the act to be named as a defendant. This directly affects public school districts, charter schools, and all professional school employees covered by the definition, including teachers, administrators, and even student interns. The law became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 1481 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt written policies prohibiting student use of personal communication devices (such as cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day on school property or at school events. Exceptions allow device use for students with documented medical needs, individualized education plans (IEPs), or health/safety protocols. Schools may implement either a full device ban or a secure storage system for devices during school hours, and must return confiscated devices or dispose of them after providing parents 90 days' written notice. The law takes effect immediately upon the governor's signature.

Maddy summarySB 2366 creates a state grant program to fund specific improvements for smaller railroads (Class II or III as defined by federal law). The program provides grants to railroad companies or local transportation districts to replace tracks/bridges, improve rail capacity, or restore rail lines, aiming to enhance safety, economic development, and reduce traffic. Grants require at least 10% non-state matching funds and must be approved by the Texas Transportation Commission. Funding comes only from state appropriations or federal grants - not highway funds - and the program became law on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 132 defines specific information as confidential for Texas governmental entities. It requires confidentiality for emergency response staffing details, tactical plans, contact numbers (including mobile numbers), critical infrastructure risk assessments, encryption codes for public communications, and federal report details related to terrorism or hostile acts by foreign adversaries. This law applies to agencies like law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency services that collect such information. The bill became effective immediately after Governor Abbott signed it on June 20, 2025.