Rep. Cody Harris

Maddy summaryHB 76 prohibits local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to pay nonprofit organizations that accept public donations to post bail bonds for defendants. It directly affects political subdivisions that might fund such bail programs through public money. The bill bans this spending and allows taxpayers or residents to sue to stop it, with successful plaintiffs able to recover legal fees. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHJR 15 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing judges to deny bail to individuals accused of specific serious crimes - including first-degree sexual offenses, violent offenses, or continuous human trafficking - pending trial. Judges may deny bail only after a hearing where they find, by clear and convincing evidence, that bail would not ensure the defendant’s court appearance or community safety. The amendment requires judges to issue a written order detailing their findings and reasoning. It does not restrict defendants’ rights to challenge bail denials under existing law and specifies that judges must consider standard bail factors when making decisions. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the 2025 election.

Maddy summaryHJR 16 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas courts to deny bail to non-citizens (defined as "illegal aliens" under the bill) charged with felony offenses if a judge finds probable cause they committed the crime. The amendment specifies that bail denial applies only after a hearing where probable cause is established, not automatically. This change would require voter approval in November 2025 before taking effect, as it seeks to amend the Texas Constitution. The bill directly affects non-citizens facing felony charges in Texas courts who meet the defined "illegal alien" criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, contain only the specific text listed in the bill (including the full biblical wording), and be legible from any point in the classroom. Schools may accept privately donated displays meeting these requirements or use district funds to purchase compliant displays if needed. This law applies to all public schools and explicitly states they cannot claim exemption from this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 2548 prohibits Texas public institutions of higher education from requiring students to take courses that include specific topics in their descriptions, assignments, or learning outcomes. These banned topics include critical theory, systemic racism, anti-racism, intersectionality, gender identity, social justice, and concepts promoting racial bias or differential treatment based on race or sex. The bill applies to all degree or certificate programs and prevents institutions from using state funds for such courses or constraining students' course choices. It does not ban all courses on these topics but restricts their mandatory inclusion in graduation requirements. The legislation targets course design and enrollment requirements, not academic freedom or faculty content choices.

Maddy summaryHB 2410 would allow public and private institutions of higher education (like colleges and universities) to apply for charters to operate open-enrollment charter schools on their campuses or in nearby locations. The bill requires these charter schools to use innovative teaching methods, be directly supervised by faculty with education expertise, and set measurable goals for student performance. It amends Texas Education Code sections to establish these requirements for institutions seeking to run charter schools under their authority. The bill directly affects higher education institutions seeking to expand into K-12 education through charter schools.

Maddy summaryHB 2552 prohibits tolls on highway segments that were part of a terminated comprehensive development agreement between a toll project entity (like a private toll company) and the state. It directly affects toll project entities and drivers using those highway sections, preventing them from charging tolls after such agreements end. The bill amends the Texas Transportation Code to explicitly state that tolls cannot be charged on any part of the project covered by a terminated agreement. This creates a clear, immediate policy change without new fees or complex processes.

Maddy summaryHB 2503 requires Texas voter registrars to submit voter registration data to the secretary of state on an expedited basis, with specific procedures ensuring they collect and report the correct month, day, and year of birth for each registered voter. This bill directly affects local election officials responsible for maintaining voter registration records. The key provision mandates that electronic submission processes must verify accurate birth date information, reducing errors in the statewide voter registration list. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2547 bans manufacturers and dealers from producing or selling new motor vehicles equipped with remote vehicle disabling technology (any software, hardware, or device that can disable a vehicle when activated). The bill specifically excludes ignition interlock devices used for DUI offenses. It prohibits these actions starting January 1, 2026, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects vehicle manufacturers and dealers in Texas who would otherwise sell vehicles with such technology.

Maddy summaryHB 930 requires the Texas National Guard to obtain specific Congressional action before being activated for active combat duty. It mandates that such activation can only occur if the U.S. Congress either officially declares war (per Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution) or takes other official action authorized under Clause 15 of the same section. The bill directly affects the Texas National Guard and the governor, who must ensure compliance with this requirement. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and establishes a clear constitutional threshold for combat deployments.