Rep. Drew Darby

Maddy summaryHB 3503 establishes a Social Work Licensure Compact in Texas, creating a framework for mutual recognition of social work licenses across participating states. The bill allows social workers licensed in one participating state to practice in Texas without obtaining a separate license, reducing duplicate requirements for professionals and increasing access to services for clients. Key provisions include facilitating interstate practice, supporting military families, enabling telehealth services, and requiring states to share licensure and disciplinary information. This compact does not change current licensing standards but streamlines practice across state lines for qualified social workers.

Maddy summaryHB 3100 limits public Texas universities to awarding no more than 25% of sports scholarships for any athletic program to international student-athletes. It directly affects all public universities in Texas and international student athletes participating in varsity sports. The bill requires each university to cap foreign student scholarships at 25% of available sports funding per team, effective for the 2026-2027 academic year. This policy change applies to all intercollegiate athletic programs at public institutions.

Maddy summaryHB 3156 clarifies ownership and liability for processed oil and gas waste in Texas. It defines "treated product" as waste that has been filtered, refined, or altered to be suitable for beneficial reuse (like in drilling operations). The bill states that the person processing the waste owns it until transferred to another for disposal or reuse, and limits liability for those who process waste for beneficial use - meaning processors won't face tort claims for issues arising from the treated product's subsequent use, unless negligence is proven. This directly affects oil and gas companies, waste processors, and entities using recycled materials in drilling operations.

Maddy summaryHB 3190 amends Texas Education Code provisions affecting public school operations. It requires school districts to post elementary class sizes by grade on their websites by the 31st day of school, and to provide written notice to parents if class size limits are waived. The bill also limits classroom teachers to 510 minutes (8.5 hours) of daily work time and mandates prompt notification to parents about bomb or terroristic threats on school campuses. These changes directly affect school districts, teachers, and parents of students in Texas public schools. The bill does not address unemployment compensation eligibility as suggested in its title.

Maddy summaryHB 3035 creates a new organized oilfield theft prevention unit within the Texas Department of Public Safety. The unit will investigate thefts of oil and gas equipment (such as drilling machinery, pipes, and vehicles) and petroleum products, as defined under Texas Penal Code sections 31.19 and 31.03. Key provisions require the unit to develop specialized training for local law enforcement, conduct public outreach, maintain a statewide database of theft incidents, and coordinate with agencies like the Railroad Commission. The unit will operate primarily in the El Paso region, with statewide jurisdiction, and must submit biennial reports to state leadership.

Maddy summaryHB 2678 establishes the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Authority to strengthen the state's nuclear industry and accelerate the integration of advanced nuclear technology into Texas' energy grid by 2035. The Authority, administratively attached to the governor's office, will develop strategic plans with universities and industry stakeholders, identify regulatory barriers, manage nuclear projects, and support existing/new nuclear energy companies and supply chains. It is governed by an executive committee appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and House speaker, plus university leaders. The bill directly affects Texas' nuclear energy sector, higher education institutions, and state regulatory processes, with no funding or tax changes specified in the text.

Maddy summaryHB 76 prohibits local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to pay nonprofit organizations that accept public donations to post bail bonds for defendants. It directly affects political subdivisions that might fund such bail programs through public money. The bill bans this spending and allows taxpayers or residents to sue to stop it, with successful plaintiffs able to recover legal fees. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHJR 15 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing judges to deny bail to individuals accused of specific serious crimes - including first-degree sexual offenses, violent offenses, or continuous human trafficking - pending trial. Judges may deny bail only after a hearing where they find, by clear and convincing evidence, that bail would not ensure the defendant’s court appearance or community safety. The amendment requires judges to issue a written order detailing their findings and reasoning. It does not restrict defendants’ rights to challenge bail denials under existing law and specifies that judges must consider standard bail factors when making decisions. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the 2025 election.

Maddy summaryHJR 16 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas courts to deny bail to non-citizens (defined as "illegal aliens" under the bill) charged with felony offenses if a judge finds probable cause they committed the crime. The amendment specifies that bail denial applies only after a hearing where probable cause is established, not automatically. This change would require voter approval in November 2025 before taking effect, as it seeks to amend the Texas Constitution. The bill directly affects non-citizens facing felony charges in Texas courts who meet the defined "illegal alien" criteria.

Maddy summaryHR 136 is a memorial resolution honoring Clyde Vance Dunnam of Waco, a 94-year-old attorney who passed away on May 3, 2024. The resolution recognizes his 70-year career at Dunnam & Dunnam, LLP, his service as a mentor in Central Texas, and his community leadership in organizations like the Scottish Rite and Waco Jaycees. It also acknowledges his family life, including his marriage to Vicki Hohertz (until her death in 1995) and later to Merrilee Lafferty Harmon, and his dedication to faith and community. Adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on March 13, 2025, this procedural resolution serves as a formal tribute to his life and legacy, with no substantive policy changes.