Rep. Cody Harris

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas municipalities and counties to post public improvement district service plans and assessment documents online within seven days of approval or updates. It directly affects local governments (which must post the information) and property owners in improvement districts (who can access these documents online). Key provisions mandate that service plans and assessment rolls be published on the government's official website, with specific formatting requirements for electronic submission to appraisal districts. The law aims to increase transparency by making this financial information publicly accessible without requiring physical mailings.

Maddy summaryHB 1398 amends Texas Transportation Code sections 201.909 to reduce the duration memorial signs for victims of vehicle collisions can remain on highways from 10 years to 2 years. The bill requires applicants to pay a fee for new signs and specifies that the Texas Department of Transportation must replace damaged signs due to department negligence during the 2-year period. It also outlines procedures for sign replacement, including written requests and payment of a replacement fee, while allowing the department to retain damaged signs. This legislation directly affects families seeking highway memorial markers and the Texas Department of Transportation's management of such markers. The changes take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 13) urges the U.S. Department of State and the International Boundary and Water Commission to ensure Mexico complies with the 1944 Treaty on shared water resources. It specifically addresses Mexico's failure to deliver the required 350,000 acre-feet of water annually (averaged over five years), with a current deficit of 984,814 acre-feet. The resolution highlights how this shortfall harms Texas water users, including municipal, agricultural, and industrial sectors in the Rio Grande Valley, impacting reservoir levels and causing economic losses like the closure of Texas' only sugar mill. As a non-binding resolution, it formally requests U.S. federal agencies to take action but does not change legal obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas Education Code Section 85.24 to expand the Texas A&M University System's board of regents authority over utility systems. It directly affects Texas A&M's operations, specifically allowing the board to construct, acquire, improve, and equip power, water, and sewer systems on university property - particularly in Brazos County. Key provisions include enabling the board to charge for these services to campus buildings (like dorms and athletic facilities), allocate costs to revenue-producing facilities, and issue bonds backed by future service fees to fund projects. The law creates a clear process for financing infrastructure upgrades without requiring new state appropriations.

Maddy summaryHB 1026 requires the Texas Department of Transportation to maintain Farm-to-Market Road 1021 (FM 1021) between Eagle Pass and Laredo in Dimmit, Maverick, and Webb Counties to support both economic development and border security. The bill amends the Transportation Code to mandate that this specific road corridor be kept in a condition suitable for these purposes. It directly affects travelers, local businesses, and border security operations along this route. The requirement takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 370 amends Texas law to restrict eligibility for funding from the Events Trust Fund. It prohibits funding for events that allow biological males to compete in sports designated for female athletes. The bill defines "biological male" using official birth certificates or government records stating biological sex, requiring statements entered near birth or corrected for clerical errors. This applies only to events seeking trust fund support and does not affect biological males serving as coaches or support staff. The policy change directly affects sports events applying for state funding under the Events Trust Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 3695 limits copayments for physical therapy visits under certain health plans. It prohibits health maintenance organizations and preferred provider plans from charging enrollees a higher copayment for a physical therapist visit (without a referral) than for a primary care physician visit. The law applies to plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects Texas enrollees who use physical therapy services without needing a physician referral.

Maddy summaryHB 1431 defines "cell-cultured protein" as food made by harvesting animal cells and replicating them in a growth medium, then adds it to Texas' prohibited acts under the Health and Safety Code. The bill specifically bans the manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption within Texas. This targets companies producing or selling lab-grown meat alternatives, making such activities unlawful under existing food safety prohibitions without creating new regulatory requirements. The bill remains pending after being postponed on May 14, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1228 allows homeowners to immediately begin emergency repairs on damaged residential buildings if the repairs protect public safety, prevent further damage, or preserve structural integrity. Homeowners must apply for an emergency permit within three business days of starting repairs or when the municipality/county can accept the application. The bill requires cities and counties to permit these immediate repairs and prohibits them from blocking such work. If a local government violates this law, homeowners can sue for damages and recover attorney fees. This directly affects homeowners needing urgent repairs and local governments managing building permits.