Rep. David Spiller

Maddy summaryHB 1049 would establish a Texas-issued currency backed by physical gold and silver held in a state-managed depository. It authorizes the comptroller to create this currency, representing specific fractions of a troy ounce of gold or silver, and requires it to function as legal tender for debt payments. The bill mandates electronic transfer capabilities for the currency and designates the Texas Bullion Depository as the exclusive issuer. It also authorizes a fee to cover administrative costs, though specific fee amounts are not detailed in the provided text. This bill is procedural in nature, creating a new currency framework rather than altering existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 1158 requires Texas public schools to obtain written parental consent before providing human sexuality instruction to students. The bill mandates that schools give parents a separate, dedicated notice at least 14 days before such instruction begins, prohibiting bundling this request with other consent forms. It directly affects students in public schools receiving human sexuality education and their parents, who must provide written approval. The law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Jack County Commissioner Kenny Salazar, who died on February 19, 2025. The resolution formally pays tribute to his life, community service as a commissioner, and dedication to his family and neighborhood. It extends sympathy to his wife, four daughters, eight grandchildren, siblings, parents, and friends. The Texas House of Representatives adopted the resolution on March 6, 2025, as a ceremonial tribute.

Maddy summaryHR 328 is a memorial resolution honoring Benjamin Jay Thompson Henderson of Jacksboro, Texas, who passed away on February 8, 2025, at age 39. The resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on March 6, 2025, extends condolences to his family - including his parents Jerry and Jean Henderson, sister Hannah, and extended relatives - and formally pays tribute to his life and character. This resolution has no policy provisions or impact on legislation; it is purely commemorative, recognizing his contributions to his community and family.

Maddy summaryHB 945 allows licensed attorney justices of the peace in Texas to issue search warrants for blood specimens when a person is arrested for specific intoxication offenses (like driving under the influence under Penal Code Sections 49.04-49.08) and refuses a breath or blood alcohol test. It expands the current authority, which previously required a judge, to include qualified justices of the peace. The bill specifies that warrants can only be issued for these designated offenses and when the arrestee refuses testing. This change directly affects individuals arrested for DUI-related offenses who decline chemical testing. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 925 repeals two sections (46.15(n) and (o)) of the Texas Penal Code that previously established a defense for carrying handguns in certain prohibited locations and required specific notice to prosecutors. The bill eliminates these provisions, meaning future offenses involving handguns in those locations will no longer have this defense available. The repeal applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with prior offenses governed by the previous law. This is a procedural change to the penal code, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 898, titled the "Texas Sovereignty Act," is a declarative bill that states the Texas legislature's interpretation of constitutional limits on federal power. It asserts that the federal government oversteps its authority under the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing that states retain all powers not explicitly delegated to the federal government (per the Tenth Amendment) and that federal regulation of intrastate commerce is unconstitutional. The bill does not create new laws, impose state regulations, or alter existing legal authority - it solely expresses the legislature’s position on constitutional principles. It directly affects Texas’s political stance on federalism but has no binding effect on state or federal actions. This is a symbolic resolution, not a policy-changing bill.

Maddy summaryHB 962 requires healthcare providers and facilities that administer vaccines to submit reports of vaccine injuries to the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). This bill directly affects hospitals, clinics, and medical staff who give vaccines, as they must now report any adverse events through the federal system. The key provision mandates these reports be submitted to VAERS, which collects data on vaccine side effects for national safety monitoring. This policy change standardizes reporting to the federal database without altering VAERS itself.

Maddy summaryHB 811 exempts certain attorneys from Texas's lobbyist registration requirements when they provide legal services to local governments (like cities or counties). Specifically, it removes the need for registration if an attorney has a formal attorney-client relationship with a political subdivision and is paid under a written agreement for legal work. This directly affects lawyers hired by local governments for ongoing legal representation. The bill creates a clear exception to the state's lobbyist registration rules for these legal service providers, effective September 1, 2025. It does not change the legal duties of attorneys or alter how local governments hire legal counsel.

Maddy summaryHB 790 raises the threshold requiring competitive procurement for certain government purchases in Texas from $50,000 to $200,000. It affects school districts, municipalities, and counties when spending on goods or services exceeding this amount in a 12-month period. The bill amends multiple codes to mandate competitive bidding, sealed proposals, or other specified methods for contracts above $200,000, while maintaining separate requirements for historically underutilized businesses at the $3,000-$200,000 range. This change reduces the number of contracts subject to competitive procurement rules.