Rep. Richard Hayes

Maddy summaryHB 3210 requires state contractors, local governments (political subdivisions), and private employers in Texas to use the federal E-Verify program to confirm employee work authorization. The bill mandates that state agencies cannot award contracts to entities not registered with E-Verify, and contracts must include a certification statement confirming compliance. Contractors must maintain E-Verify participation throughout the contract term, and violations would be referred to the comptroller for action. This policy directly affects businesses and government entities entering into state contracts by making federal employment verification a contractual condition. The bill focuses on implementing existing federal verification requirements through state contract rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2804 amends Texas Election Code Section 85.035 to clarify that voters requesting assistance preparing their early voting ballots at polling places may be helped by a single election officer. The bill directly affects voters who need help with ballot preparation during early voting. It specifies that this assistance must be provided in the same manner as previously outlined, ensuring consistent support for voters requiring help. The change takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2774 grants the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District the authority to regulate the construction of structures below Medina Lake's high water line within their district boundaries. The bill requires the district to adopt permitting rules for such structures but exempts projects built by cities, counties, or other government entities. This directly affects property owners and developers planning near Medina Lake, as they may now need permits for construction in the regulated zone. The key provision creates a new regulatory framework for lakefront development without changing water rights or environmental standards. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2759 restricts firearm possession for individuals convicted of specific violent or property crimes, such as burglary, robbery, assault, or offenses involving force. It prohibits possession for five years after release from prison or supervision, and even after five years, only allows possession at one's home. The law applies to convictions under defined sections of Texas Penal Code covering violent crimes (e.g., Title 5) or certain property crimes (e.g., burglary, robbery, assault). This bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and only applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 2816 protects healthcare providers and facilities from being required to participate in or provide certain health care services that conflict with their sincerely held religious or philosophical beliefs. It defines key terms like "conscience," "health care provider" (including students and non-licensed staff), and "health care service" (covering family planning, abortion-related counseling, and treatment). The bill creates a civil remedy for violations and authorizes disciplinary action against entities that force non-participation in services due to conscience objections. It directly affects hospitals, clinics, pharmacists, and all healthcare workers who may decline services like abortion care or contraception-related counseling. The law aims to prevent adverse actions against providers who refuse such services based on personal beliefs.

Maddy summaryHB 2887 prohibits Texas state and local governments from enforcing rules, fees, taxes, or mandates from the World Health Organization, United Nations, or World Economic Forum. The bill explicitly states these international organizations have no jurisdiction in Texas and bars enforcement of their policies by any Texas political subdivision. Key provisions require that state and local entities disregard any mandates from these three organizations starting September 1, 2025. This directly affects Texas government operations, ensuring state and local agencies cannot implement or enforce international organization directives.

Maddy summaryHB 2922 prohibits health insurance companies from using artificial intelligence algorithms as the sole basis to deny, delay, or modify health care services for plan members based on medical necessity. The bill requires that only physicians or licensed health care providers can determine if care is medically necessary or appropriate, ensuring human oversight in critical decisions. It also grants the insurance commissioner authority to audit insurers' use of AI in these reviews at any time. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting health benefit plans, insurers, and the care decisions of plan members.

Maddy summaryHB 2743 requires Texas to dedicate state surplus revenue to property tax relief. It mandates that each biennium, the comptroller transfer either $1.5 billion or 10% of the state's estimated ending budget balance (minus transfers) to a dedicated fund. These funds can only be used to reduce property taxes for homeowners and businesses. The law takes effect for the 2027-2028 budget cycle, beginning September 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 2656 prohibits peace officers from making motor vehicle stops while operating unmarked law enforcement vehicles. The bill requires that any law enforcement vehicle used for traffic stops must be clearly marked as such. This applies only to stops occurring on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect existing stops before that date. The law directly affects police officers conducting traffic stops in Texas and aims to increase transparency during vehicle interactions.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 2710 is not available in the provided context. Only the title ("Relating to affirmative defenses to prosecution for certain criminal offenses involving material or conduct that may be obscene or is otherwise harmful to children") and recent actions (filed March 2025, referred to State Affairs) are documented. Without access to the bill's actual provisions or specific language, a factual summary of its mechanisms or affected parties cannot be generated. The context indicates the bill is procedural (pending review) rather than containing concrete policy text.