Rep. Cody Harris

Maddy summarySB 1524 prohibits child-placing agencies and state departments from requiring foster homes to disclose specific types of firearms present in their homes or to report changes in firearm types. It also restricts agencies from using any existing firearm information for purposes beyond verifying weapon presence, and mandates that such information remains confidential under Texas law. Violations by agencies could result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per incident, enforceable by the attorney general. The bill directly affects foster care agencies, state departments, and foster parents by limiting how firearm information is handled and shared. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis Texas concurrent resolution urges Congress to preserve Sections 45U, 45Y, and 48E of the federal tax code, which provide tax incentives for nuclear and natural gas energy projects. It directly addresses Texas' energy sector, which relies on these provisions to maintain existing operations and support new development, employing over 12,000 workers in nuclear/gas plants and supplying nearly half the state's electricity. The resolution requests Congress preserve these tax incentives to sustain affordable energy production and Texas' leadership in electricity generation.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 1.5-mile buffer zone around schools, playgrounds, and colleges (called "school safety zones") where homeless services are prohibited. It directly affects homeless service providers (like shelters and support centers) and local governments operating such services within the buffer. The key provision bans these services in the zone unless operating as an emergency shelter during a declared disaster. Violating providers face civil penalties up to $50,000 per day, while non-compliant local governments lose flexibility to raise property tax rates above their "no-new-revenue" level. The bill excludes emergency shelters during official disaster declarations.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summarySB 1967 expands eligibility for Texas Water Development Board flood infrastructure funding to include nature-based flood mitigation projects and multi-purpose systems that capture stormwater or treated wastewater for water supply. It redefines "flood project" in the Water Code to explicitly cover planning, regulatory approval, structural construction, and nonstructural projects using natural features. This change directly affects communities, municipalities, and water districts seeking financial assistance for qualifying flood control and water management infrastructure. The bill amends the Water Code to include these expanded project types under the existing flood infrastructure fund, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5302 establishes the Texas Post-Adoption Assistance Account Program to help adoptive parents cover post-adoption expenses like counseling or medical costs. The program allows certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (meeting specific eligibility criteria) to accept donations and distribute grants to eligible adoptive parents. Certified organizations must partner with the state, undergo annual audits, and follow guidelines set by the comptroller. This directly affects adoptive parents in Texas foster care and the nonprofit organizations administering the grants.

Maddy summarySB 1035 allows agricultural operations (like farms and ranches) to sue local governments if those governments enforce rules that violate Texas agriculture laws. It creates a new legal right for affected businesses to seek court orders blocking enforcement of such rules and to recover legal fees if they win their case. The bill applies only to disputes arising after its effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote). This changes the process for resolving conflicts between local regulations and state agricultural law, giving farmers a direct legal remedy.

Maddy summarySB 1008 clarifies that Texas counties, municipalities, and public health districts can only require permits for food businesses (like restaurants, food trucks, and mobile vendors) if state law already mandates them. It prevents local governments from charging duplicate fees for alcohol permits if businesses already paid fees to operate locally, and requires them to post all fee schedules online. The bill directly affects food service operators and local governments by standardizing permit and fee rules to align with state law. Businesses can now legally challenge local ordinances that violate specific state codes (e.g., Health & Safety Code sections 437.001-437.012). This aims to reduce conflicting regulations for food service businesses across Texas.