Rep. Richard Hayes

Maddy summaryHB 186 prohibits children under 18 from using social media platforms in Texas, subject to federal law. The bill defines "social media platform" to exclude email, internet service providers, news websites, and interactive gaming platforms. Social media platforms must verify users are 18 or older before account creation using a reasonable method relying on public or private data, then delete all verification information immediately. This law directly affects children under 18 and social media companies operating in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 455 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (for risks wholly located in Texas) include arbitration agreements conducted in Texas under Texas law, unless both insurer and policyholder agree to change the venue after the insurer provides written notice and a premium credit for added costs. This applies to new or renewed contracts on or after January 1, 2026, affecting insurers and policyholders purchasing specialized insurance for high-risk properties in Texas. The bill ensures arbitration venues and legal interpretations remain tied to Texas, preventing out-of-state arbitration without financial compensation to policyholders. It becomes effective September 1, 2025, but the new rules apply to contracts delivered after 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 180 authorizes the Texas governor to negotiate and implement border protection agreements with the United Mexican States (Mexico) to enhance Texas's ability to secure its borders. The bill establishes a legal framework allowing the governor to appoint coordinators who will work with Mexican authorities to develop these agreements, subject to Texas state laws governing employees. This legislation directly affects Texas citizens by strengthening border security measures and Mexican authorities through formal coordination mechanisms. The bill does not alter immigration laws but creates a structured process for cross-border collaboration on border protection.

Maddy summarySB 2188 requires spaceflight operators in specific Texas counties (bordering the Gulf of Mexico with FAA-approved spaceports) and small municipalities (under 150,000 population) to submit proposed launch dates to local officials. It allows county commissioners courts or municipal governing bodies to temporarily close beaches near launch sites during designated times - Monday 8 a.m. to Friday 12 p.m., or Friday 12 p.m. to Monday 8 a.m. - to protect public safety. The bill directly affects spaceport operators and coastal communities with approved launch facilities, while prohibiting local governments from banning spaceflight activities outside these specific closure procedures. It clarifies that spaceflight regulation falls under federal and state jurisdiction, not local ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals to submit proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must provide a copy of specific documents, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate, with their voter registration application. If initial proof is not provided, voter registrars must attempt to verify citizenship using various databases. If citizenship cannot be verified or proof is not ultimately provided, the applicant will only be eligible to vote a limited federal ballot. The bill also creates a state jail felony offense for registrars who knowingly fail to reject applications that do not meet these new requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 1054 is a memorial resolution honoring Fred Joseph Mitchell of Lewisville, Texas, who passed away on April 21, 2025. The resolution commemorates his life, including his family (wife Bobbie, children Darin and Rhonda, 10 siblings, and multiple generations of descendants), his community involvement, and his career with local employers. It does not establish any policy changes or affect any group through legislative action - it solely serves as a formal tribute from the Texas House of Representatives. The resolution was adopted on May 23, 2025, and formally reported enrolled the following day.

Maddy summarySB 688 amends Texas Election Code Section 192.006 to change the meeting date for Texas presidential electors from "the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December" to "the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December." This procedural change directly affects Texas's electoral process for presidential elections, aligning the state's elector meeting date with federal deadlines. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and was signed into law by the governor on May 24, 2025. It makes no substantive policy changes beyond adjusting the calendar for elector convening.

Maddy summarySB 985 allows Texas counties to combine election precincts under specific conditions to avoid excessive election costs. It permits combining precincts with fewer than 500 registered voters (for counties under 1.2 million population) or between 500-750 voters (for counties with 250,000+ population), with a maximum of 10,000 voters per combined precinct. The bill requires that precinct combinations must not dilute voting strength or discourage participation by protected groups under federal Voting Rights Act. This applies to counties not using the countywide polling place program, primarily affecting local election officials and county commissioners courts.

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2903 requires Texas guardians of estates to attach specific documents to their annual financial accounts filed with the court. These documents include payment receipts or proof of payment, bank statements showing deposits, proof of securities or other assets, and property sale agreements. The law applies to all guardianship cases pending or commenced on or after September 1, 2025. This change standardizes the documentation needed for court review of estate finances.