Rep. Drew Darby

Maddy summaryHB 32 clarifies eviction procedures in Texas by updating Property Code rules. It requires landlords to give tenants at least three days' written notice before filing eviction suits for nonpayment of rent (unless a lease specifies otherwise). The bill also limits courts to deciding actual possession rights - not property title - in eviction cases and prohibits adding counterclaims or third parties to these suits. Additionally, it states only the Texas legislature can change these eviction procedures. This bill directly affects landlords, tenants, and justice courts handling eviction cases.

Maddy summaryHB 2379 modifies Texas law to allow the West Coke County Hospital District board of directors to select any bank (not limited to those within the district) as the official depository for district funds. The bill amends Section 1112.155(a) of the Special District Local Laws Code to remove the previous requirement that depository banks must be located "in the district." This procedural change directly affects the West Coke County Hospital District's financial management practices. The bill requires a two-thirds vote for immediate effect or takes effect September 1, 2025, if not passed with that threshold.

Maddy summaryHB 3901 exempts the transfer of groundwater and surface water rights from standard property disclosure requirements when selling or conveying real estate. It modifies Texas Natural Resources Code sections to remove these water rights from mandatory disclosures that apply to other property interests, such as mineral leases or security interests. The bill requires specific coastal property notices (including tide line changes and state submerged land restrictions) for sales seaward of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, but excludes water rights transfers from needing these disclosures. This change directly affects property sellers and buyers involved in transactions involving water rights, streamlining disclosures for these specific transfers.

Maddy summaryHB 3158 sets new application fees for permits related to oil and gas waste disposal in Texas. It requires $200 for fluid injection well permits and $500 for landfarm, landtreatment, or land application permits (or amendments). Commercial facilities face higher fees: $2,000 for new waste separation permits, $3,000 for commercial surface waste facilities, and $1,000 for amendments. These fees apply only to applications filed on or after September 1, 2025, affecting businesses seeking these specific waste disposal permits. The bill does not change waste disposal rules, only the application fees.

Maddy summaryHB 1769 amends Texas' Tax Code to expand the definition of "retail trade" for franchise tax purposes. It adds specific rental activities to the definition, including apparel rental, tool/event supply leasing, heavy construction equipment rental, and industrial uniform/linen rental - each classified under specific federal industry codes. This change directly affects businesses in these newly classified categories, determining whether they pay franchise tax as retail entities. The bill applies only to tax reports due on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 41 prohibits Texas state and local government entities from acquiring or using unmanned aircraft (drones) or related equipment/services produced by companies owned by or tied to the governments of China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or Syria. The law defines "governmental entity" broadly to include state agencies, cities, counties, and school districts, with a grace period allowing existing systems (acquired before September 1, 2025) to remain in use until September 1, 2030. It also establishes a grant program to help law enforcement agencies obtain secure drone technology through the "Law Enforcement Secure Unmanned Aircraft Grant Program." The bill directly affects all Texas public entities purchasing or operating drone systems, aiming to restrict foreign technology access based on national security concerns.

Maddy summaryHB 129 prohibits Texas state and local government entities from entering contracts with companies designated as "foreign adversary companies" (those tied to countries like China, Russia, or Iran) or "federally banned companies" (listed on federal sanctions lists). The bill defines these companies based on U.S. federal designations, including entities restricted under federal defense laws or sanctions. Violating this prohibition could result in civil penalties imposed by the state. The law directly affects Texas government agencies and contractors working with them, aiming to align state procurement with federal security policies.

Maddy summaryHB 7 expands parental rights in Texas public schools by allowing parents to appeal school district decisions to the Texas Education Agency commissioner if those decisions violate state law or employment contracts causing financial harm to an employee. It creates an office of inspector general at the Texas Education Agency to oversee reporting of child abuse and neglect, making failure to report such incidents a criminal offense. The bill establishes procedures for the commissioner to remand cases back to school districts for additional review if procedural errors or insufficient evidence led to the initial decision. This bill directly affects parents, school districts, and employees, while excluding cases involving extracurricular activities or student disciplinary actions under Chapter 37 of the Education Code.

Maddy summaryHB 5111 regulates who can serve as a campaign treasurer for Texas political candidates or committees. It requires treasurers to be at least 18 and a Texas resident, while disqualifying those with certain criminal convictions, prior ethics violations, or conflicts of interest (like being a current treasurer or lobbyist). If a treasurer is found ineligible, the candidate or committee must appoint a new one within 14 business days. Violations carry civil penalties up to three times the political contributions accepted during the period of non-compliance. This bill directly affects candidates, political committees, and their appointed treasurers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas licensing authorities to issue provisional occupational licenses for six months to applicants with criminal convictions who are otherwise qualified for the license, unless they have specific serious convictions listed in the Occupations Code. The provisional license begins upon the applicant's release from incarceration if they were imprisoned. It applies to most occupational licensing fields (like healthcare or trades) but excludes applicants convicted of offenses under Section 53.021(a). The bill provides a pathway for certain applicants to obtain licenses without full revocation of eligibility.