Rep. Cody Harris

Maddy summaryHB 5588 would exempt from ad valorem property taxes the full appraised value of real property (including land) and qualifying tangible personal property used in "qualified data centers" in Texas. To qualify, a data center must be at least 100,000 square feet, primarily used for processing/storage/distribution of data (not telecom), and meet specific energy requirements - including using backup power for all energy needs and having an energy contract with the ERCOT grid. The exemption applies only to owners of properties meeting these criteria and would take effect January 1, 2026, but only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment in 2025.

Maddy summaryThe full text of HB 5622 is not available in the provided context, so a detailed summary cannot be generated. The bill's title indicates it would prohibit private employers from requiring certain vaccines as a condition of employment and authorize administrative penalties for violations. Without access to the complete bill text, specific mechanisms, scope of "certain vaccine mandates," or direct affected parties cannot be accurately described. For a precise summary, please consult the official bill text or PDF.

Maddy summaryHB 5100 requires Texas public schools to include specific adoption information in the existing parenting and paternity awareness program taught in high school health classes (with optional use in middle/junior high). The bill mandates curriculum covering differences between private adoption and foster care, adoption processes (private/foster care systems), and adoption as an alternative to parenthood. This policy change applies to all Texas public school districts beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill amends Education Code sections 28.002(p) and (p-2) to add these adoption-related requirements to the existing program.

Maddy summaryHB 3232 creates a "strong families credit" for businesses that make designated contributions to qualifying organizations, which can be applied against certain taxes paid under Texas' Alcoholic Beverage Code. The credit equals the amount of qualifying contributions made (capped at the business's alcohol tax liability for the year), with annual limits set by the Tax Code. Businesses must apply through the comptroller's office to claim the credit, which expires January 1, 2028. This bill directly affects alcohol taxpaying entities that donate to approved organizations, offering a refundable tax benefit for those contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 4677 requires local governments to allow third-party reviews of development documents (like building permits) or inspections if they miss a 15-day deadline for approval. It permits licensed engineers, ICC-certified inspectors, or other government employees (not the applicant or owner) to perform these tasks. The bill clarifies that local governments aren’t liable for third-party work done under this rule. It applies to cities, counties, and other political subdivisions handling development approvals.

Maddy summaryHB 4962, titled "Relating to the disclosure of citizenship of a candidate for public office," would require candidates for public office to disclose their citizenship status as part of their filing documentation. This requirement directly affects candidates running for elected positions at the local or state level. The bill's key mechanism involves adding citizenship verification to standard candidate filing forms, though specific enforcement details are not provided in the available context. The bill was filed on March 13, 2025, and referred to the Elections committee on April 3, 2025, but its full text is unavailable for detailed analysis.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Texas public schools to provisionally admit students who haven't completed required immunizations but have submitted a request for an exemption affidavit to the Department of State Health Services. It requires schools to accept documentation proving such a request was made, and mandates the health department to provide standardized receipts for all exemption requests (submitted online, in person, by mail, or fax). The policy applies to elementary and secondary schools for the 2025-2026 school year. This creates a temporary enrollment pathway while exemption requests are processed, without altering existing immunization requirements.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 3919 is not available in the provided context. Only the title ("Relating to size and density requirements for residential lots in certain municipalities; authorizing a fee") and recent committee actions (referred to Land & Resource Management, pending in committee) are documented. Without the full bill text or specific provisions, a summary of its policy changes or affected parties cannot be generated. The PDF reference mentioned is inaccessible here.

Maddy summaryHB 3455 requires manufacturers of experimental drugs or devices (including those approved for emergency use by the FDA) to provide clear, summary disclosures about potential health risks to purchasers. Purchasers must then give this disclosure directly to end consumers in person, and providers may only sell the product if someone capable of giving informed consent signs the form. Consumers who don’t receive proper disclosure can sue manufacturers for damages, including pain and suffering, punitive damages, and legal fees. The law applies only to cases occurring on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 17 would prohibit citizens of designated countries (China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or others named by the governor) from purchasing real property in Texas. It creates criminal penalties for violations, making such purchases illegal under state law. Exceptions apply to U.S. citizens, lawful residents, and businesses owned by them. The law would override existing property rights for these foreign buyers, directly affecting individuals and entities from designated countries seeking to buy land in Texas.