Rep. Hillary Hickland

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 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 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 summaryThis bill would have created the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention, a 13-member body tasked with developing recommendations to improve teacher retention and job satisfaction across Texas public schools. The commission would be appointed with specific representation: five members by the governor (including at least three current or former teachers with 10+ years experience), four by the lieutenant governor, and four by the speaker of the house, with geographic diversity as a consideration. Members would not receive salary but could be reimbursed for expenses, and the commission could hire staff and legal counsel to carry out its work. The bill passed the legislature but was vetoed by the governor on June 22, 2025, so it did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 3120 requires owners or operators of facilities housing unaccompanied immigrant children under federal contracts (like those with ICE or HHS) to conduct criminal background checks on staff applicants and employees. It permits these checks for employment screening only, prohibits using the results for any other purpose, and bans disclosure without consent or a court order. Facilities must destroy all such background information within 180 days of receiving it or after an employee's probationary period. The bill also mandates facilities to create agreements with local governments for reporting illnesses and health issues. This law directly affects private facilities contracted by federal agencies to house immigrant youth.

Maddy summaryHB 4466 (effective September 1, 2025) removes fees for certified birth records issued to counties or child welfare boards when requested for specific legal cases. The bill requires state and local registrars to provide these records without charge when the request relates to a "suit affecting the parent-child relationship" filed by a governmental entity under Texas Family Code Subtitle E, Title 5. This directly affects county governments and child welfare boards handling custody or parental rights cases. The provision applies only to these legally defined proceedings, not to general public requests for birth records.

Maddy summaryHB 1506 amends Texas law to allow retired judges of constitutional or statutory county courts - who served at least 48 months - to apply for a handgun carry license. The bill specifically adds these retired judges to the existing definition of "retired judicial officer" in the Government Code. This change applies only to new license applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, with prior applications governed by previous law. It directly affects retired county court judges meeting the service requirement, expanding their eligibility for carry licenses under the new rule. The law became effective September 1, 2025, after the governor signed it on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3214 modifies Texas' master plumber license eligibility requirements by reducing the required journeyman plumber experience from four years to two years. It allows applicants to qualify with either two years of experience or one year of experience plus completion of a nationally recognized apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. The bill applies only to new license applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing applications and current license holders unaffected. All other requirements - including passing exams and supervision duties - remain unchanged under the revised rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1661 requires election authorities to provide each precinct with ballots equal to 25% more than the number of voters in the last election for that precinct (capped at registered voters unless using countywide polling), aiming to prevent shortages. It creates criminal penalties for intentionally failing to meet this requirement or to promptly supplement ballots upon polling place requests, classifying these offenses as Class A misdemeanors (punishable by up to a year in jail). The bill modifies Texas Election Code sections 51.005, 51.008, 51.010, 51.011, and 61.007 to establish these specific requirements and penalties. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 1596 amends Texas Penal Code Section 46.05(a) to explicitly prohibit the possession, manufacture, transportation, repair, or sale of short-barrel firearms without proper registration or classification as a curio/antique. The bill directly affects individuals and businesses handling such firearms, adding them to existing prohibitions alongside machine guns and explosive devices. Key provisions include defining short-barrel firearms as illegal under the law (effective September 1, 2025) and establishing limited exceptions for antique/curio items or specific organizations. The bill repeals a prior Penal Code section (46.01(10)) and clarifies that new restrictions apply only to offenses occurring on or after the effective date.