Rep. Richard Hayes

Maddy summaryHB 449 would have made it a crime to create or share deepfake sexual media without the depicted person's consent, targeting AI-generated content that falsely shows real people in explicit situations. It defined "deep fake media" as computer-altered videos appearing authentic, and prohibited distributing such content showing a person's private body parts or sexual conduct. The bill applied only to offenses occurring after its effective date (September 1, 2025), and would have governed cases involving non-consensual deepfake content. However, the bill was vetoed by the Governor on June 22, 2025, so it never became law.

Maddy summarySB 1362 prohibits Texas state and local entities - including courts, law enforcement, and prosecutors - from recognizing, serving, or enforcing "extreme risk protective orders" (commonly called "red flag" orders). These orders typically restrict firearm access when a court deems someone a risk to themselves or others. The bill creates a criminal offense for violating this prohibition and blocks Texas entities from accepting federal grants meant to implement such orders. It directly affects all Texas government bodies and law enforcement agencies, preventing them from participating in programs that require enforcing these firearm restrictions. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 305 would have required Texas courts to hold pretrial hearings on key issues (like evidence or procedure) within 14 days after a defendant is restored to competency. This directly affects criminal defendants who regain competency and the courts managing their cases. The bill amended the Code of Criminal Procedure to set this specific deadline, ensuring cases progress more promptly after competency restoration. However, the bill was vetoed by the Governor on June 22, 2025, so this requirement never took effect.

Maddy summaryHB 766 requires candidates for precinct chair in Texas elections to provide either an email address, a phone number, or both in their ballot applications. This rule applies to all candidates running for precinct chair positions and adds to existing ballot requirements. The bill also makes this contact information confidential, preventing it from being disclosed as public records under Texas law. The changes take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 recognizes physical gold and silver coins meeting specific weight and purity standards as legal tender in Texas for debt payments, while prohibiting government markings except for identifying refiners. It authorizes the state comptroller to establish electronic payment systems backed by bullion held in depositories, allowing transactions using gold/silver-based currency. The bill explicitly states it does not replace U.S. dollars, restrict federal currency, or require businesses to accept gold/silver tender. It also permits the comptroller to set reasonable administrative fees for the system. This law applies to Texas residents and businesses using the state-administered electronic currency system, operating alongside existing federal currency.

Maddy summaryHCR 9 designates the first Saturday of every month as "Small Business Saturday" in Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution, which does not create new laws or funding, aims to encourage Texans to support local small businesses. It directly affects all Texas small businesses (defined as those employing fewer than 500 people) by promoting community shopping. The designation expires 10 years after the resolution's final passage, per Section 391.004(d) of the Texas Government Code.

Maddy summaryHB 27 requires all Texas public high school students to complete at least one-half credit in personal financial literacy as part of their social studies graduation requirements under Education Code Section 28.025(b-1)(4). The bill directs the State Board of Education to develop a list of free, open-source curricula for these courses and allows Advanced Placement courses meeting specific standards to count toward the requirement. This policy change affects all public high school students in Texas, mandating practical financial education alongside traditional subjects like history and government. The law, signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025, is now effective immediately for all public school districts.

Maddy summarySB 815 requires health insurers and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to disclose in written explanations of benefits whether artificial intelligence (AI) was used in processing claims or making coverage decisions. If AI was used, the disclosure must include a plain-language description of how the AI system operated. The bill directly affects insurers/HMOs by mandating these transparency requirements for patients and healthcare providers, specifically addressing "adverse determinations" like denied coverage. It does not restrict AI use but ensures consumers and doctors understand when automated systems influence their health benefit decisions.

Maddy summarySB 1448 updates Texas probate court procedures for transferring estate cases between counties and handling wills. It requires courts to electronically send specific documents (like transfer certificates and final orders) when moving cases, and mandates that applicants pay for physical will delivery. The bill also clarifies that copies of wills with valid self-proving affidavits can be used if original wills cannot be produced. These changes directly affect individuals handling estates, executors, and county clerks managing probate records.

Maddy summaryHB 3464 increases criminal penalties for bringing alcohol, drugs, or dangerous substances into a correctional facility or onto its property, with the highest penalties specifically targeting employees of the facility. It reclassifies offenses by correctional staff as second-degree felonies (previously third-degree), and if such an offense causes a death, it becomes a first-degree felony punishable by 15-99 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. The law applies to anyone who provides, possesses with intent to provide, or brings these items into a facility or on its grounds, but the enhanced penalties focus on employees. The bill took effect on September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.