Rep. Cody Harris

Maddy summaryHR 788 is a symbolic resolution recognizing April 10, 2025, as "Texas Nuclear Legislative Day" at the State Capitol. It acknowledges the gathering of nuclear industry stakeholders, including employees, advocates, and experts, to discuss Texas' nuclear energy sector. The resolution highlights Texas' existing nuclear infrastructure (two plants powering ~3 million homes and employing 2,200 Texans) and references a 2023 state working group study on nuclear energy. As a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group beyond extending "sincere best wishes" to attendees.

Maddy summaryHB 365 amends the Texas Water Code to increase the maximum amount of non-repayable financial assistance the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) can provide to local governments in economically distressed areas. The bill raises the cap from 70% to 90% of the total principal amount of state-issued bonds (plus outstanding interest) authorized for water development projects under Article III of the Texas Constitution. This change allows the TWDB to grant more funding without requiring repayment, potentially expanding support for water infrastructure in struggling communities. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2750 prohibits health benefit plan issuers (like insurance companies or HMOs) with a financial interest in a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) from requiring people covered by their plans to use that specific PBM. The bill defines "financial interest" as ownership or investment in a PBM and applies to all health plans covering medical/surgical expenses, including individual policies, group plans, and Medicaid programs. It directly affects plan issuers who might have owned or invested in PBMs, preventing them from forcing enrollees to use those PBMs. The law creates a clear rule to avoid conflicts of interest between health plans and the PBMs they financially benefit from.

Maddy summaryHB 2773 prohibits public or election officials from unilaterally changing election procedures without legal authorization. It directly affects election officials who might attempt to alter voting standards, practices, or procedures. The bill requires the Secretary of State to investigate violations, demand compliance within two days, and trigger civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day for the first week of non-compliance and $5,000 per day thereafter. Penalties collected would go into the state general revenue fund. This bill aims to enforce existing election rules by establishing clear consequences for unauthorized changes.

Maddy summaryHB 8 reduces the maximum tax rate school districts can collect for the 2025-2026 school year by $0.0331, calculated using a new method in Section 48.2554 of the Education Code. It directly affects all Texas public school districts by adjusting how their maximum tax rates are determined, ensuring rates don’t drop below 90% of neighboring districts’ rates. The bill updates references to "maximum compressed tax rate" in multiple education funding laws to reflect this change and expires on September 1, 2027. It takes effect September 1, 2025, with no additional funding or program changes beyond the tax rate adjustment.

Maddy summaryHB 2418 allows the Texas Board of Professional Engineers to waive the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam requirement for certain applicants seeking a license. It applies specifically to individuals who have worked as engineers for at least 15 years, provided they request the waiver in writing, meet education requirements, and the board confirms the license won’t threaten public safety. The waiver does not apply to applications filed before the bill’s effective date (September 1, 2025), and existing applications remain governed by prior law. This change streamlines licensing for experienced engineers while maintaining safety safeguards.

Maddy summaryHB 10, the Regulatory Reform and Efficiency Act, creates the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office within the governor's office to streamline how state agencies develop and enforce rules. The bill requires agencies to identify unnecessary regulations, reduce costs for businesses and individuals subject to rules, and improve public access to rule information through a new online portal. Key provisions mandate agencies set goals to eliminate ineffective rules and minimize regulatory burdens while maintaining public protection. This bill directly affects state agencies and the businesses, professionals, and residents regulated by their rules.

Maddy summaryHB 5120 creates a franchise tax credit for Texas taxable entities that construct qualifying nuclear projects. The credit equals 10% of construction costs (capped at $250 million) for projects like nuclear power plants, reactors, manufacturing facilities, or uranium enrichment sites when first placed in service. Unused credit can be carried forward for up to 25 years to offset future franchise tax liabilities. Entities must apply for the credit when filing their franchise tax reports, and credits cannot be transferred unless most assets are sold in the same transaction.

Maddy summaryHB 5590 exempts advanced nuclear reactors from paying extra costs when connecting to Texas' ERCOT electricity grid. The exemption applies specifically to large reactors (400-1400 MW), small modular reactors (50-400 MW), and microreactors (<50 MW). Normally, interconnection costs exceeding utility allowances would be charged to the generator, but this bill removes that requirement for qualifying nuclear projects. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5119 exempts sales and use taxes on items used to construct specific nuclear infrastructure projects in Texas. The bill applies directly to businesses building nuclear power facilities, reactors, manufacturing plants, fuel recycling sites, or uranium enrichment facilities. It removes tax liability for construction materials incorporated into these projects or consumed during their building. The exemption covers all taxable items used in construction, reducing upfront costs for qualifying nuclear development.