Rep. Hillary Hickland

Maddy summarySB 412 amends Texas Penal Code sections 43.24 and 43.25 to add new affirmative defenses for certain offenses involving material or conduct harmful to children. It allows judicial or law enforcement officers to use their official duties as a defense when prosecuted under specific sections, and adds two other defenses: being the child’s spouse or being no more than two years older than the child. The bill applies only to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, and does not affect past cases. These changes directly affect prosecutors, defendants in such cases, and law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity.

Maddy summaryHB 5014 creates a new "SPECIAL FORCES VETERAN" designation for handgun license holders in Texas. It requires applicants to list qualifying military service (12+ consecutive months in specific Army Special Forces roles like 18A detachment commander or 18B weapons sergeant) and provide proof of eligibility. The bill amends license forms to include this designation alongside existing categories like "VETERAN." It directly affects Texas veterans who served in designated Special Forces positions at E5-E9, W1-W5, or O1-O10 pay grades.

Maddy summarySJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that non-U.S. citizens cannot vote in Texas. It amends Article VI, Section 1(a) of the Texas Constitution by adding "persons who are not citizens of the United States" as a prohibited voting class. This would clarify existing voting eligibility rules by making citizenship a constitutional requirement, directly affecting non-citizen residents. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 4, 2025, election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 2028 requires certain Texas governmental entities - including municipalities, counties, school districts, junior college districts, development corporations, regional mobility authorities, and specific district authorities - to post meeting notices and agendas on their website home pages in addition to existing posting requirements. This applies only to entities that maintain a website, effective September 1, 2025. The bill ensures public access to meeting information through a centralized online location while allowing for technical issues beyond the entity’s control to not invalidate compliance. It does not apply to all governmental bodies or entities without websites.

Maddy summarySB 1194 creates the Central Texas Water Alliance, a regional water authority designed to manage water resources across multiple jurisdictions. The bill grants the Alliance the power to issue bonds for funding projects, acquire land through eminent domain, and charge fees for water services. It directly affects local governments (cities, counties) and private entities that join as members, focusing on groundwater, surface water, and treated wastewater systems. The Alliance’s operations are structured under Texas Constitution Section 59 to address regional water needs through concrete infrastructure and resource management. This legislation became effective immediately upon the Governor’s signature on May 15, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5187 creates new regulations for converting office buildings to residential use in specific large Texas cities and counties. It applies only to municipalities over 90,000 population in counties over 300,000 population, requiring that converted buildings meet strict criteria: at least 65% residential space overall and per floor, with buildings constructed at least five years prior to conversion. The bill defines "mixed-use residential" (65% residential space) and "multifamily residential" (three or more dwelling units), while explicitly exempting historic preservation rules and short-term rentals from its requirements. This legislation standardizes conversion processes but does not override existing private property restrictions or historic district protections.

Maddy summaryHB 1551 requires Texas public school districts and charter schools to notify parents or guardians within two school days if an employee is charged with certain criminal offenses under Texas law (specifically Article 42.018, which covers crimes against children). The notice must include the employee's name, position, employment status, length of employment, and the charge, while stating that the employee is presumed innocent. Schools cannot disclose the alleged victim's identity but may add non-sensitive facts about the case. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHJR 112 proposes adding a new section to the Texas Constitution that affirms parents' inherent right to make decisions about their children's upbringing, including care, custody, and control. It would limit state interference with this right unless the government proves the interference is essential for a compelling interest and narrowly tailored to achieve it. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 2025 election, with the ballot phrasing "The constitutional amendment establishing parents as the primary decision-makers for their children." This would directly affect all Texas parents and state agencies involved in child welfare decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1431 defines "cell-cultured protein" as food made by harvesting animal cells and replicating them in a growth medium, then adds it to Texas' prohibited acts under the Health and Safety Code. The bill specifically bans the manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption within Texas. This targets companies producing or selling lab-grown meat alternatives, making such activities unlawful under existing food safety prohibitions without creating new regulatory requirements. The bill remains pending after being postponed on May 14, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1228 allows homeowners to immediately begin emergency repairs on damaged residential buildings if the repairs protect public safety, prevent further damage, or preserve structural integrity. Homeowners must apply for an emergency permit within three business days of starting repairs or when the municipality/county can accept the application. The bill requires cities and counties to permit these immediate repairs and prohibits them from blocking such work. If a local government violates this law, homeowners can sue for damages and recover attorney fees. This directly affects homeowners needing urgent repairs and local governments managing building permits.