Rep. Richard Hayes

Maddy summaryHB 76 prohibits local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to pay nonprofit organizations that accept public donations to post bail bonds for defendants. It directly affects political subdivisions that might fund such bail programs through public money. The bill bans this spending and allows taxpayers or residents to sue to stop it, with successful plaintiffs able to recover legal fees. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHJR 15 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing judges to deny bail to individuals accused of specific serious crimes - including first-degree sexual offenses, violent offenses, or continuous human trafficking - pending trial. Judges may deny bail only after a hearing where they find, by clear and convincing evidence, that bail would not ensure the defendant’s court appearance or community safety. The amendment requires judges to issue a written order detailing their findings and reasoning. It does not restrict defendants’ rights to challenge bail denials under existing law and specifies that judges must consider standard bail factors when making decisions. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the 2025 election.

Maddy summaryHJR 16 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas courts to deny bail to non-citizens (defined as "illegal aliens" under the bill) charged with felony offenses if a judge finds probable cause they committed the crime. The amendment specifies that bail denial applies only after a hearing where probable cause is established, not automatically. This change would require voter approval in November 2025 before taking effect, as it seeks to amend the Texas Constitution. The bill directly affects non-citizens facing felony charges in Texas courts who meet the defined "illegal alien" criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, contain only the specific text listed in the bill (including the full biblical wording), and be legible from any point in the classroom. Schools may accept privately donated displays meeting these requirements or use district funds to purchase compliant displays if needed. This law applies to all public schools and explicitly states they cannot claim exemption from this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 2566 requires Texas peace officers to verify a person's immigration status within 48 hours if the person fails to provide acceptable identification (like a driver's license, passport, or DHS document) during a lawful detention for a suspected crime. It limits officers' ability to inquire about immigration status to specific circumstances: only when necessary for investigating the current crime or assisting victims/witnesses with federal protective visas. The bill creates civil penalties for violations of these requirements and applies to state agencies, local entities, and peace officers enforcing state or federal immigration laws. This legislation directly affects law enforcement procedures during criminal investigations and individuals stopped for suspected offenses who cannot produce standard ID.

Maddy summaryHJR 129 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) members to be elected by qualified voters in general elections instead of appointed by the governor. Currently, the governor appoints TWDB board members, but this amendment would shift selection to direct voter elections. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 4, 2025 election, with a temporary provision allowing current board members to serve until after the election and until January 1, 2030. This change would directly affect how TWDB leadership is chosen and requires voter approval to take effect.

Maddy summaryHJR 118 is a Texas legislative resolution applying to Congress to call an Article V constitutional convention. It specifically requests a convention limited to proposing a constitutional amendment that would restrict members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to a maximum number of terms. The resolution directs Texas officials to transmit copies to Congress and other states, seeking to aggregate Texas's application with similar efforts from other states to reach the required two-thirds threshold. This is a procedural step only - it does not change term limits but aims to initiate the process for a potential constitutional amendment.

Maddy summaryHB 2552 prohibits tolls on highway segments that were part of a terminated comprehensive development agreement between a toll project entity (like a private toll company) and the state. It directly affects toll project entities and drivers using those highway sections, preventing them from charging tolls after such agreements end. The bill amends the Texas Transportation Code to explicitly state that tolls cannot be charged on any part of the project covered by a terminated agreement. This creates a clear, immediate policy change without new fees or complex processes.

Maddy summaryHJR 116 proposes a constitutional amendment to Texas' state constitution, stating that Texas does not recognize federal authority to regulate firearms, accessories, or ammunition within the state. If approved by voters in the 2025 election, the amendment would amend Article I, Section 23 to explicitly reject federal regulatory power over these items. The bill does not change current Texas laws but asserts state sovereignty over firearm regulation. This procedural resolution requires voter approval and would take effect if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 2456 requires all Texas public schools to fly the U.S. and Texas flags on every regular school day starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill permits schools to additionally display flags of the U.S. Armed Forces or their own official school flag, but prohibits displaying any other flags. This legislation directly affects all public schools governed by the Texas Education Code by establishing specific, mandatory flag display requirements. The policy change is limited to flag display protocols and does not alter other school operations or policies.