Rep. Richard Hayes

Maddy summaryHB 129 prohibits Texas state and local government entities from entering contracts with companies designated as "foreign adversary companies" (those tied to countries like China, Russia, or Iran) or "federally banned companies" (listed on federal sanctions lists). The bill defines these companies based on U.S. federal designations, including entities restricted under federal defense laws or sanctions. Violating this prohibition could result in civil penalties imposed by the state. The law directly affects Texas government agencies and contractors working with them, aiming to align state procurement with federal security policies.

Maddy summaryHB 3647 clarifies when appeals can be taken from court decisions regarding government entities' challenges to a court's authority (pleas to the jurisdiction) in specific cases. The bill adds an exception to existing appeal rules, stating that appeals do not apply to orders granting or denying such pleas when the case involves a mandamus action (where someone seeks to force a government official to perform a duty). This directly affects government units (like cities or counties) and individuals or organizations suing them in mandamus cases. The change streamlines the legal process by removing the right to appeal certain jurisdictional decisions in these specific proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 2504 caps fees that homeowners' associations (HOAs) can charge for resale certificates and updates when selling property. It limits the fee for preparing and delivering a resale certificate to $375 and for updating it to $75, while prohibiting additional charges for inspections or other related activities. This directly affects homeowners in HOA-managed communities who buy or sell property, as these certificates are required for sales transactions. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, ensuring standardized, transparent costs for these essential documents.

Maddy summaryHB 3913 updates Texas licensing requirements for real estate professionals by defining mandatory educational courses for license holders. It requires qualifying courses to cover five specific areas: agency relationships, contract law, real estate principles (including 3+ hours on housing discrimination laws), property management, and appraisal fundamentals. The bill directly affects real estate brokers and agents seeking initial licensing or continuing education. Key provisions include mandating training on federal/state housing discrimination laws and specific topics like lease procedures and fiduciary duties, ensuring standardized education under the Texas Real Estate Commission.

Maddy summaryHB 4192 modifies Texas vehicle registration and emissions inspection rules. It establishes a three-year emissions inspection period for eligible vehicles (instead of annual or biennial inspections), adjusting fees to maintain revenue. New passenger cars and light trucks meeting specific criteria - like being current/preceding model year, never previously registered, and sold/purchased in Texas - will receive a 24-month registration period. Owners must pay all applicable fees (including emissions inspection fees) upfront for the full registration term, with $6 of each inspection fee remitted to the state. This bill directly affects new vehicle owners and impacts how emissions inspections and registration fees are structured.

Maddy summaryHB 3061 increases penalties for certain criminal offenses committed while wearing masks or disguises specifically to hide the offender's identity. It applies to offenses under Texas law covering assault, robbery, public disorder (Title 5, Chapters 28-30, or Sections 42.01/42.02). If proven, the punishment escalates to the next higher offense category, with a minimum 180-day jail term for Class A misdemeanors. Exceptions allow the penalty increase to be avoided if the disguise was for events like Halloween, proven by a preponderance of evidence.

Maddy summaryHB 3741 requires foreign students and employees at Texas public universities to sign a sworn affidavit stating they are not agents of a "foreign adversary" (defined as a nation hostile to the U.S. or Texas). The affidavit must include the exact statement: "I affirm that I am not an agent of a foreign nation hostile to the United States of America or the State of Texas." This applies to all non-citizen, non-permanent-resident students and employees enrolled or hired at public institutions, regardless of when they were admitted or hired. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board may create rules to implement the requirement, but the bill itself mandates the affidavit as a direct condition of enrollment or employment.

Maddy summaryHJR 40 proposes a constitutional amendment to remove a requirement that home equity loans must be closed only at a lender's office, an attorney's office, or a title company. This change would allow these loans to be finalized at other locations, directly affecting Texas homeowners seeking home equity financing. The amendment targets Section 50(a) of the Texas Constitution, which currently restricts where such loans can be processed. The bill is pending in committee after being reported favorably.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas licensing authorities to issue provisional occupational licenses for six months to applicants with criminal convictions who are otherwise qualified for the license, unless they have specific serious convictions listed in the Occupations Code. The provisional license begins upon the applicant's release from incarceration if they were imprisoned. It applies to most occupational licensing fields (like healthcare or trades) but excludes applicants convicted of offenses under Section 53.021(a). The bill provides a pathway for certain applicants to obtain licenses without full revocation of eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 323 requires Texas counties, cities, school districts, and other local government entities (political subdivisions) to use the federal E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. It mandates that these local governments register for and participate in E-Verify, with staff responsible for verification facing immediate termination for noncompliance. The bill defines "political subdivisions" broadly to include municipalities, school districts, and special districts. This requirement takes effect on September 1, 2025.