Rep. Eddie Morales

Maddy summaryHB 1971 exempts drillers and operators of closed-loop geothermal injection wells from specific requirements in the Natural Resources Code. It removes the applicability of sections 85.2021 and 91.142 (which typically govern certain well activities) for these operators when they obtain authorization through the Railroad Commission of Texas. The exemption applies to permit applications filed on or after September 1, 2025, streamlining regulatory compliance for this type of geothermal project. This change directly affects geothermal operators seeking to develop closed-loop systems under Railroad Commission oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 137 designates specific routes for permits allowing oversize and overweight vehicles to travel from international border crossings to ports and industrial areas in Cameron and Hidalgo counties. The bill specifies exact roadways, including State Highways 48 and 4, U.S. Highways 77 and 83, and Farm-to-Market Roads 509 and 106, that must be used for these movements. It also grants the transportation commission authority to approve alternative routes after consulting with port authorities. This bill directly affects commercial trucking companies transporting large cargo across the U.S.-Mexico border in these counties.

Maddy summaryHB 1463 requires tire manufacturers to submit unique identification data within 30 days of production and mandates electronic manifests for scrap tire transporters and storage facilities. It authorizes counties to charge a $5 fee per tire disposal, with $0.50 of each fee transferred to the state environmental agency. The bill also establishes fines up to $500 per improperly disposed tire for transporters and generators using unregistered services. This legislation directly affects tire manufacturers, transporters, storage facilities, and county governments managing tire waste.

Maddy summaryHB 5218 establishes designated routes for permits allowing larger cargo vehicles to move through specific areas near deepwater seaports on the U.S.-Mexico border. It directly affects commercial trucking companies transporting goods to and from these border ports by requiring permits for oversized or overweight vehicles traveling along these pre-approved routes. The bill's key provision is creating a formal system for route designation, streamlining permit issuance for vehicles serving border seaports while ensuring designated paths are used. This focuses on logistical efficiency for freight movement without altering vehicle size limits or creating new taxes. The bill is currently pending in the Transportation committee after a public hearing.

Maddy summaryHB 1647 establishes a task force within the Railroad Commission of Texas to study and address theft of petroleum products. The task force, required to include industry representatives, energy trade associations, and law enforcement agencies, must analyze theft impacts on sales tax revenue and the economy, and develop prevention recommendations for law enforcement training and stakeholder coordination. It must meet quarterly and submit annual reports to state officials by December 1 of even-numbered years. The bill directly affects Texas law enforcement, the oil and gas industry, and state tax collection systems by creating a structured process to study and mitigate petroleum theft.

Maddy summaryHB 2152 requires Texas' Public Utility Commission to direct the independent organization managing ERCOT's power region to develop and update a reliability plan specifically for the Permian Basin electric transmission system every five years. This plan aims to ensure stable electricity supply in the Permian Basin, a major oil and gas production area. The bill amends existing law to mandate this targeted planning process, replacing a previous requirement (repealed in Section 2). It directly affects the Commission, the ERCOT-independent organization, and electric service providers operating in the Permian Basin region. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4041 requires propane distribution system retailers in Texas to post financial surety (like a bond or letter of credit) with the Railroad Commission of Texas. The surety amount must equal either $3 multiplied by the retailer’s total propane storage capacity or $50,000, whichever is lower. Retailers who fail to comply face administrative penalties of up to $1,000 per violation per day, with a maximum $10,000 cap for related violations. Penalties are determined considering the retailer’s violation history, the seriousness of the violation, and public safety risks, and the Commission must provide a hearing opportunity before imposing fines. This bill directly affects propane retailers operating in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 1495 protects personal information collected during Texas jury selection by making it confidential. It prohibits courts, parties, attorneys, or court staff from disclosing specific details like home addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, or juror questionnaire responses. Disclosure is only allowed if a party or media member obtains court approval showing "good cause." The law applies only to individuals reporting for jury duty on or after September 1, 2025. This directly affects Texas residents summoned for jury service by safeguarding their sensitive personal data.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1507) requires Texas public institutions of higher education to waive tuition and laboratory fees for firefighters enrolled in fire science curriculum courses. It directly affects paid firefighters employed by state political subdivisions and qualifying volunteer firefighters who meet specific requirements: attending 20+ annual training hours approved by the State Firefighters' Association, supporting 25% of department emergencies, and holding either Accredited Advanced or Phase V fire service certification. The exemption applies only to fire science courses, not all programs, and takes effect for the 2025 fall semester. Existing fee policies continue to apply for academic periods before this effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 4810 extends the Trade Agricultural Inspection Grant Program, which helps reduce wait times for agricultural inspections at border crossings with Mexico. The bill requires the Texas Department of Agriculture to report on the program's effectiveness - including its impact on inspection wait times - by January 15, 2029, and sets an expiration date of September 1, 2029, unless renewed. Implementation depends on the legislature specifically appropriating funds for the program; without such funding, the department may use existing resources but isn't required to act. This bill directly affects agricultural inspections at border ports, aiming to streamline inspections for trucks and cargo entering Texas from Mexico.