Rep. David Spiller

Maddy summaryHB 2713 allows municipalities with fewer than 50,000 residents to repeal their civil service systems for firefighters and police officers through a voter-approved process. If 10% of qualified voters sign a petition, the city must hold an election; a majority vote to repeal voids the civil service chapter in that municipality. The bill applies only to petitions where elections haven't been ordered before its effective date (June 20, 2025). This changes how small cities can manage hiring and promotion rules for public safety staff, shifting authority to local voters.

Maddy summaryHCR 149 is a concurrent resolution directing the Texas governor to posthumously award the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to U.S. Navy SEAL Nathan Gage Ingram. The bill specifically recognizes Ingram, a Roanoke native and member of SEAL Team 3, for his heroic actions during a 2024 military operation in Somalia where he lost his life attempting to rescue a fellow SEAL. This resolution does not create new law or affect policy - it formally requests the governor to bestow the state's highest military honor on Ingram in recognition of his "valiant military service" and sacrifice. The resolution was signed by the governor on June 20, 2025, following passage by the Texas Legislature.

Maddy summarySB 2477 creates new rules for converting office buildings into housing in large Texas cities (those with over 150,000 residents in counties with over 300,000 residents). It defines "mixed-use residential" as requiring at least 65% of a building's square footage to be residential and "multifamily residential" as three or more dwelling units. The law sets requirements for municipal regulations on such conversions but does not override historic preservation rules or short-term rental restrictions. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 75 requires magistrates in Texas to provide written findings within 24 hours when they determine no probable cause exists for a criminal arrest. This applies specifically to cases involving offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. The law aims to create a clear, documented record of the magistrate's decision in these initial proceedings. It directly affects magistrates handling pretrial detention hearings for criminal defendants.

Maddy summaryHB 2128 directs the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service to study disparities between rural and urban firefighting and technical rescue capabilities. The study will examine funding gaps, staffing shortages, access to affordable training, and other relevant factors. The service must submit findings and recommendations to state leaders by December 1, 2026, with the bill expiring September 1, 2027. This procedural bill does not change existing services but aims to inform future policy based on identified gaps.

Maddy summaryHB 12 requires the State Commission on Governmental Operations to review state agencies that regulate activities through licensing, such as professional or business licensing boards. The bill mandates that these agencies post online notices about the review process and public participation opportunities, and regulatory agencies must also notify licensees and seek their input. The commission must include findings, recommendations, and a 10-year performance analysis for regulatory agencies in its final report. This applies to state agencies in the executive branch with statewide licensing authority (excluding river authorities) and became effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1481 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt written policies prohibiting student use of personal communication devices (such as cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day on school property or at school events. Exceptions allow device use for students with documented medical needs, individualized education plans (IEPs), or health/safety protocols. Schools may implement either a full device ban or a secure storage system for devices during school hours, and must return confiscated devices or dispose of them after providing parents 90 days' written notice. The law takes effect immediately upon the governor's signature.

Maddy summaryHB 1592 creates a statewide internet-based alert system managed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to notify the public about dangerous plant and wildlife pests, diseases, and quarantine orders. The system requires agencies like the Texas Department of Agriculture and Parks and Wildlife to share information within 72 hours, enabling email notifications for confirmed cases, quarantine changes, or compliance agreements. It directly affects farmers, ranchers, and residents in areas impacted by pest outbreaks by providing timely alerts. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and mandates coordination between state agencies to ensure rapid public notification.

Maddy summaryHB 2217 creates a state grant program to help law enforcement agencies purchase and install bullet-resistant components on vehicles used by peace officers. It directly affects state and local law enforcement agencies (including county and city police departments) by providing funding for bullet-resistant windshields, side windows, rear windows, and door panels. The program requires the Criminal Justice Division to set eligibility rules, application procedures, and grant amounts, while agencies must submit proof of installation after using funds. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and focuses solely on funding vehicle safety upgrades for officers.

Maddy summaryHB 45 requires law enforcement agencies to submit human trafficking reports to both local prosecutors and the Texas Attorney General simultaneously. If a local prosecutor fails to take action within six months, the Attorney General gains automatic jurisdiction to prosecute the case. This law directly affects law enforcement agencies (which must share reports), local prosecutors (who must act within six months or lose jurisdiction), and the Attorney General’s office (which gains authority to handle unprosecuted cases). The bill amends the Government Code and Penal Code to establish these procedures, applying only to human trafficking offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.