Rep. Cody Harris

Maddy summaryHB 3933 prohibits Texas state agencies, local governments, and special districts from adopting or enforcing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions regulations related to electricity generation, transmission, distribution, or natural gas processing/transportation during a governor-declared extreme weather emergency. The bill makes such federal rules unenforceable in Texas during these emergencies if they interfere with maintaining reliable power service. It also allows affected parties to sue for damages if entities enforce prohibited EPA rules. The law applies only during emergencies defined under Texas law (Section 104.258).

Maddy summaryHB 4100 protects healthcare providers from retaliation when reporting certain issues related to patient care. It prohibits health care facilities, government entities, or others from taking adverse actions (like termination or demotion) against physicians or providers who report violations such as unsafe treatment practices, public health risks, mismanagement of funds, or abuse of authority. The bill creates a civil remedy, allowing affected providers to sue for damages if retaliation occurs. It applies broadly to all healthcare workers covered under the definition, including nurses, technicians, pharmacists, and medical students. The law aims to encourage reporting of serious concerns without fear of professional consequences.

Maddy summaryHB 3817 would create a new criminal offense in Texas law by making it a state jail felony to knowingly provide a false statement about one's biological sex (assigned at birth) to a government entity or employer. The bill specifically targets individuals who state they are the opposite sex of their birth-assigned sex in such communications. It does not affect general gender identity expression but applies only to false statements made to government offices or employers. The law would take effect on September 1, 2025, if passed. This bill directly impacts how individuals interact with government agencies or workplaces regarding gender-related identity documentation.

Maddy summaryHB 1668 increases penalties for enticing a child by raising the offense from a Class B misdemeanor to a third-degree felony (unless sexual intent is proven, making it a second-degree felony). It also expands sex offender registration requirements to apply to this specific offense. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of enticing children with the intent to sexually violate or abuse them. Key provisions clarify that sexual intent elevates the felony classification and mandate registration under existing sex offender laws. This change modifies Texas Penal Code Section 25.04 and the Code of Criminal Procedure's definition of reportable offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 3491 creates a process for specific election participants to request explanations about potential irregularities in Texas elections. It allows candidates, party chairs, election judges, or political committee heads to submit written requests to county clerks for explanations and documentation regarding issues like voting discrepancies or procedural violations. County clerks must respond within 20 days for initial requests and 10 days for follow-ups, with unresolved cases escalating to the Secretary of State for a potential audit within 30 days. The bill establishes clear timelines for addressing concerns but does not detail the civil penalty mentioned in its title.

Maddy summaryHB 3548 clarifies that open-enrollment charter schools must comply with existing education code requirements regarding health instruction on human sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity. It amends Section 12.104(b) of the Education Code to explicitly include charter schools under the same regulatory framework as traditional public schools for these topics. The bill ensures charter schools follow established rules for curriculum content, monitoring, and reporting related to this instruction. It does not change the content of required instruction but specifies that charter schools must adhere to the same standards as other public schools. The bill is currently in the Public Education committee for review.

Maddy summaryHB 3316 renames the "State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee" to the "Texas Water Fund Advisory Committee" and abolishes the "Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund Advisory Committee." The bill establishes a new 8-member Texas Water Fund Advisory Committee composed of the comptroller, water committee chairs from both legislative chambers, appointed senators and representatives, and a nonvoting emergency management director. This committee will advise on the Texas Water Fund, which supports water infrastructure projects across the state. The change streamlines committee structures under Texas water law without altering funding mechanisms or policy outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 3315 amends Texas Water Code Section 15.502(b) to clarify the specific state funds the Texas water fund can transfer money to, including existing programs like the water assistance fund and new water supply fund. The bill adds a new provision (subsection 4-a) specifically authorizing transfers to the flood infrastructure fund, while listing eight other designated accounts such as the state water implementation fund and rural water assistance fund. This procedural change does not create new programs but restricts fund usage to these nine explicitly named accounts. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and affects how state water funds are distributed to designated water infrastructure and assistance programs.

Maddy summaryHB 3403 clarifies who can be sued in property tax appeals in Texas. It requires that petitions for review in such appeals be filed against the appraisal district (not the appraisal review board) and prohibits the chief appraiser, appraisal district, or appraisal review board from filing counterclaims. The bill also allows appraisal districts to hire attorneys to defend the review board if a lawsuit is filed against it improperly. These changes apply only to appeals filed on or after September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects property owners challenging tax assessments and the local appraisal entities involved in those appeals.

Maddy summaryHB 3399 prohibits physicians and health care providers in Texas from performing certain gender transition procedures or prescribing specific treatments for minors (under 18) using public funds. It bans surgeries like hysterectomy, orchiectomy, and mastectomy, as well as prescription drugs that block puberty or cause infertility (e.g., puberty blockers or high-dose hormone therapy). The bill specifically targets Medicaid and public assistance programs, restricting their use for these services for children. Exceptions allow care with parental consent for individuals under 18. The law applies to all public health programs covered under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 161.