Rep. Richard Hayes

Maddy summaryHB 100 prohibits Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools from using state funds to purchase or adopt instructional materials that contain obscene or harmful content or appear on the State Board of Education's rejected materials list. The bill requires the State Board to issue a 45-day notice before adding materials to the rejected list, allowing time for revisions. It also bans the use of any instructional materials - whether traditional or open education resources - listed as rejected, while permitting local funds for non-rejected materials. This law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year and became effective immediately after the governor signed it on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 102 requires Texas public universities to offer early registration for courses and programs to students in military-related programs who are in good standing. Specifically, it mandates this for students enrolled in ROTC programs, cadet corps (including at senior military colleges), or maritime academies. The law, effective for the 2026 spring semester, obligates institutions to provide this early registration opportunity on the same basis as other designated student groups. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will develop rules to implement this requirement.

Maddy summarySB 33 prohibits Texas governmental entities from using taxpayer funds to pay for or facilitate abortion-related services. It bans transactions with "abortion assistance entities" (organizations providing financial help, travel, childcare, or abortion drugs) or abortion providers for abortion procurement. The law specifically prevents government spending on logistical support like travel, lodging, childcare, or food to help individuals access abortion services. This applies to all state and local government entities and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 33, titled the "Uvalde Strong Act," requires Texas public and charter schools to comply with additional safety and operational requirements related to active shooter incidents and emergencies. It amends the Education Code to mandate adherence to existing rules covering student data systems, criminal background checks, discipline practices, health/safety protocols, bullying prevention, and staff reporting obligations. The bill directly affects all public and charter schools by expanding their compliance obligations under current safety frameworks. It does not create new rules but requires schools to follow more existing provisions related to emergency preparedness and student safety. The law took effect on September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 4063 requires anyone filing a "unilateral memorandum of contract" (a document signed only by a non-owner claiming rights to buy or lease residential property) to provide their address, a certificate of mailing, and send a copy via certified mail to the property owner at both the property address and any address listed in property records. Property owners who receive such a notice can file an affidavit denying the claim with the county clerk and must then notify the filer via certified mail. The bill establishes clear procedures for filing, notifying owners, and owners' responses to prevent disputes over property rights. It became effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1734 requires courts transferring custody cases (suits affecting parent-child relationships) to electronically send specific court files within 10 working days of a transfer order. It mandates sending a transfer certificate, final orders, the transfer order itself, key pleadings, previous transfer records, and cost bills to the receiving court. The law applies only to cases where jurisdiction transfer orders are signed on or after September 1, 2025, leaving prior cases governed by older rules. This procedural change streamlines administrative handling of custody case transfers between courts.

Maddy summaryHB 3053 prohibits municipalities and counties in Texas from organizing, sponsoring, or participating in firearm buyback programs. The bill specifically bans local governments from creating programs that aim to remove firearms from circulation, reduce civilian firearm ownership, or allow sales without criminal prosecution concerns. This law directly affects local governments by preventing them from implementing such buyback initiatives. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 119 requires lobbyists who communicate directly with Texas lawmakers to influence legislation on behalf of a "foreign adversary" (as defined by state law) to register with the state. It specifically prohibits receiving compensation for such lobbying activities from foreign adversaries or their designated representatives. The bill establishes civil penalties for violations, including fines for unauthorized lobbying or compensation. This law directly affects lobbyists working for foreign governments or entities designated as national security threats by U.S. authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 3479 creates a state program to manage harmful vegetation, primarily Carrizo cane, along the Rio Grande River. The bill requires the state board to develop and implement this program specifically to address vegetation that impedes border security operations. It directly affects border security efforts by establishing a formal process for managing these plants in the Rio Grande corridor. The key provision mandates the state board to oversee this vegetation management, focusing on removing or controlling plants that obstruct border security.

Maddy summaryHB 4076 prohibits health care providers from denying organ transplants or related services (like evaluations, surgery, or waiting list placement) solely based on a patient's vaccination status. It allows providers to consider vaccination status only if medically significant to the transplant, following individualized assessment - such as if unvaccinated patients face higher infection risks. The law covers all transplant stages and protects providers who comply with it from penalties, while permitting alternatives like antibody testing instead of vaccination requirements. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies to all organ transplant candidates in Texas.