Rep. Richard Hayes

Maddy summaryHB 106 requires the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to partner with U.S. Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct DNA testing via rapid tests on individuals crossing the Texas-Mexico border between ports of entry who are detained by DHS and suspected of human trafficking offenses under Texas Penal Code Chapter 20A. The bill mandates DPS destroy all biological samples after testing and prohibits DPS from maintaining a DNA database, entering results into federal CODIS systems, or searching existing DNA databases. DHS must cover all costs for this program, and any agreement between DPS and DHS must include these destruction and prohibition requirements. The law directly affects DPS operations, DHS enforcement, and individuals detained for suspected trafficking-related activity.

Maddy summaryHB 34 revises the definition of "eligible school district" for the comptroller's study of school district property values. A district qualifies only if, in the most recent study, its local property value was invalid (not meeting standards) but did not exceed the state value, and for the two prior studies, its local value was valid (met standards). This change applies exclusively to property value studies for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, meaning it will not affect past studies. The bill focuses on clarifying eligibility criteria for the comptroller's ongoing assessment process.

Maddy summaryHJR 6 proposes a constitutional amendment clarifying that the Texas Attorney General has the authority to prosecute criminal offenses under state election laws, alongside county or district attorneys. This would allow the Attorney General's office to directly handle election-related criminal cases in addition to local prosecutors. The bill does not create new election crimes but specifies that the Attorney General shares jurisdiction with local officials for existing election law violations. If approved by voters in May 2026, this change would modify Article IV, Section 22 of the Texas Constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 83 prohibits cities, counties, and other local governments from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofits that lobby on their behalf. It specifically bans spending taxpayer money to employ registered lobbyists or support organizations that primarily represent local governments and hire lobbyists. Taxpayers or residents can sue to stop violations and recover legal fees if public funds are improperly used for lobbying. The bill restricts how local governments spend public money on influencing state legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 65 addresses abortion-related matters by establishing civil liability for distributing abortion-inducing drugs and creating a private right to sue for violations. The bill also includes provisions to harmonize related laws and make conforming changes to existing statutes. It directly affects individuals and entities distributing such drugs, as well as those seeking legal recourse. However, the full bill text is unavailable in the provided context, so specific details about implementation or affected groups cannot be confirmed. For complete information, refer to the bill's official PDF.

Maddy summaryBased on the provided context, no substantive text for HB 63 is available. The document states: "This version is not currently available, but is coming soon. In the meantime, please see the PDF for the content of this bill." The bill's summary field is empty, and only a filing date (2025-07-14) is listed. Without access to the actual bill text or PDF, a summary cannot be generated.

Maddy summaryHB 85 requires Texas law enforcement agencies to send reports about election-related crimes to both local prosecutors and the attorney general. If a local prosecutor doesn't file charges within six months of receiving such a report, the attorney general must prosecute the offense. The bill amends Texas law to make the attorney general's role in prosecuting election crimes mandatory (replacing "may" with "shall") rather than discretionary. This directly affects the attorney general's office, local law enforcement, and county prosecutors by clarifying jurisdiction and timelines for handling election law violations.

Maddy summaryHB 32, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires that certain facilities - such as restrooms, locker rooms, and family violence shelters - be designated and used based on biological sex, defined as the physical condition of being male or female at birth as determined by sex organs, chromosomes, and original birth records. The law applies to correctional facilities, family violence shelters, institutions of higher education, local governments (political subdivisions), and state agencies. It authorizes civil penalties for violations and creates a private right of action, allowing individuals to file lawsuits if they believe the law has been breached. The bill does not apply to state agencies as political subdivisions but covers them separately under the law's definition of "state agency."

Maddy summaryHB 36 prohibits Texas local governments (cities, counties, and other political subdivisions) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that hire lobbyists. It specifically bans spending taxpayer money on lobbying activities aimed at influencing state legislation, such as hiring registered lobbyists to advocate before the legislature. However, the bill allows local officials to provide information to lawmakers, testify in person, or appear before committees without registering as lobbyists. Taxpayers can also sue if a local government violates these restrictions and seek recovery of legal fees. This law directly affects how local governments fund legislative advocacy efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 84 authorizes Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin for human use without a doctor's prescription, directly affecting pharmacists and patients seeking this medication. The bill requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order with standardized protocols for pharmacists, including patient instructions and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. It also provides legal protection for pharmacists who follow the order, shielding them from liability or disciplinary action. The commissioner must issue this order within 91 days after the legislative session ends, implementing the policy changes outlined in the new Health and Safety Code section.