Rep. Cody Harris

Maddy summarySB 1080 requires Texas licensing authorities to issue either a full occupational license or a provisional license (valid for six months) to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses, instead of automatically denying their applications. The provisional license begins on the date an applicant is released from prison if they were incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This bill directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (such as for nursing, contracting, or other licensed professions) who meet all other qualification requirements. It aims to reduce barriers to employment by providing a temporary licensing pathway for these applicants.

Maddy summaryHCR 40 is a Texas legislative resolution urging Congress to reimburse the state for border security costs incurred under Operation Lone Star. It states Texas has spent billions since 2021 on this initiative - including surveillance, law enforcement support, and managing migration - resulting in over 516,000 apprehensions and 45,300 arrests. The resolution formally requests Congress assume responsibility for border security costs, directing Texas officials to send copies to the U.S. President and congressional leaders. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create law but serves as a formal request to federal lawmakers.

Maddy summarySB 3073 requires magistrates in Texas to provide written findings within 24 hours when determining no probable cause exists for a criminal arrest. This affects individuals arrested for crimes and the magistrates reviewing their cases. The bill mandates that magistrates document their reasons for finding no probable cause in the official record. It applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with prior cases governed by existing law. The change aims to increase transparency in early criminal proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 186 prohibits children under 18 from using social media platforms in Texas, subject to federal law. The bill defines "social media platform" to exclude email, internet service providers, news websites, and interactive gaming platforms. Social media platforms must verify users are 18 or older before account creation using a reasonable method relying on public or private data, then delete all verification information immediately. This law directly affects children under 18 and social media companies operating in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 2306 requires licensed child-placing agencies in Texas to post an itemized list of all adoption costs on their public website. This applies directly to adoption agencies, making cost transparency mandatory for prospective adoptive families. The law mandates that agencies display every cost associated with an adoption, such as fees, legal expenses, or agency charges, in a clear, itemized format. It takes effect on September 1, 2025, and is now law after being signed by the Governor on May 27, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 455 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (for risks wholly located in Texas) include arbitration agreements conducted in Texas under Texas law, unless both insurer and policyholder agree to change the venue after the insurer provides written notice and a premium credit for added costs. This applies to new or renewed contracts on or after January 1, 2026, affecting insurers and policyholders purchasing specialized insurance for high-risk properties in Texas. The bill ensures arbitration venues and legal interpretations remain tied to Texas, preventing out-of-state arbitration without financial compensation to policyholders. It becomes effective September 1, 2025, but the new rules apply to contracts delivered after 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1927 would have amended Texas law to prevent municipalities from banning the removal of Ashe juniper trees on residential properties or charging fees for such removals, except in specific areas. The exception applies to regions within 15 miles of active military bases (as defined in state law) and in counties with populations exceeding 2 million. This bill directly affects homeowners in those designated areas who might otherwise face restrictions on removing Ashe juniper trees. The bill was reported adversely by the Senate Local Government Committee on April 14, 2025, and did not advance further.

Maddy summarySB 993 amends Texas law to allow peace officers commissioned by the comptroller (such as those working for tax or revenue enforcement) to apply for court orders authorizing mobile tracking devices on vehicles. The bill directly affects these specific comptroller-commissioned officers by expanding their eligibility to seek such orders, which previously only applied to "authorized peace officers." Key provisions add this group to the list of applicants under Article 18B.202(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, requiring the same judicial review process as other officers. The bill makes a specific procedural change to the application process without altering the requirements for obtaining a tracking device order.

Maddy summaryHB 180 authorizes the Texas governor to negotiate and implement border protection agreements with the United Mexican States (Mexico) to enhance Texas's ability to secure its borders. The bill establishes a legal framework allowing the governor to appoint coordinators who will work with Mexican authorities to develop these agreements, subject to Texas state laws governing employees. This legislation directly affects Texas citizens by strengthening border security measures and Mexican authorities through formal coordination mechanisms. The bill does not alter immigration laws but creates a structured process for cross-border collaboration on border protection.

Maddy summaryHB 23 allows applicants for property development permits and landowners to hire qualified third parties to review plans or inspect improvements if local government agencies miss 15-day deadlines for approvals or inspections. It requires these third parties to be licensed engineers, International Code Council-certified inspectors, or employees of other government agencies approved for the role. The bill mandates that third-party reviews and inspections follow the same standards as the local agency and must be reported to the agency within 15 days of completion. This directly affects developers, property owners, and local government agencies handling land development approvals in Texas.