Rep. Cody Harris

Maddy summaryHB 64, titled "Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying and certain other activities," was filed on July 14, 2025. The bill's title indicates it would regulate how local governments (like cities or counties) use public money for lobbying efforts or similar activities. However, the full bill text is currently unavailable, and no specific provisions or affected parties are described in the provided context. Without access to the detailed content, a complete summary of its mechanisms or scope cannot be provided.

Maddy summaryHB 84 authorizes Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin for human use without a doctor's prescription, directly affecting pharmacists and patients seeking this medication. The bill requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order with standardized protocols for pharmacists, including patient instructions and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. It also provides legal protection for pharmacists who follow the order, shielding them from liability or disciplinary action. The commissioner must issue this order within 91 days after the legislative session ends, implementing the policy changes outlined in the new Health and Safety Code section.

Maddy summaryHB 4530 amends Texas Water Code to establish clearer processes for dedicating surface and groundwater rights to the Texas Water Trust for environmental purposes. It requires commission review (for surface water) and board approval (for groundwater) before rights can be placed in the trust, with input from the Parks and Wildlife Department and agriculture agencies. The bill mandates that trust-managed water rights must align with their original environmental dedication (such as maintaining instream flows, habitat, or bay inflows) and maximize ecological benefits. This directly affects water rights holders seeking to voluntarily transfer rights, as well as state agencies managing water resources.

Maddy summaryHB 149, the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, regulates how businesses use artificial intelligence systems that capture or store biometric data (like fingerprints or facial scans). It requires companies to obtain explicit consent before using biometric data for commercial AI purposes, unless the data was publicly shared by the individual themselves. The law exempts financial institutions retaining voiceprints, AI training data, and systems used for security, fraud prevention, or investigating illegal activity. Violations result in civil penalties, and the law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1362 prohibits Texas state and local entities - including courts, law enforcement, and prosecutors - from recognizing, serving, or enforcing "extreme risk protective orders" (commonly called "red flag" orders). These orders typically restrict firearm access when a court deems someone a risk to themselves or others. The bill creates a criminal offense for violating this prohibition and blocks Texas entities from accepting federal grants meant to implement such orders. It directly affects all Texas government bodies and law enforcement agencies, preventing them from participating in programs that require enforcing these firearm restrictions. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1968 amends Texas law to define specific required training topics for real estate professionals seeking licenses through the Texas Real Estate Commission. It details 10 course categories (like agency law, property management, and appraisal) and mandates minimum topics within each, such as fair housing laws, contract elements, and ethics. The bill directly affects real estate license applicants and educators by standardizing the curriculum content for pre-licensing courses. The Texas Real Estate Commission will enforce these updated course requirements for all new license applicants.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 recognizes physical gold and silver coins meeting specific weight and purity standards as legal tender in Texas for debt payments, while prohibiting government markings except for identifying refiners. It authorizes the state comptroller to establish electronic payment systems backed by bullion held in depositories, allowing transactions using gold/silver-based currency. The bill explicitly states it does not replace U.S. dollars, restrict federal currency, or require businesses to accept gold/silver tender. It also permits the comptroller to set reasonable administrative fees for the system. This law applies to Texas residents and businesses using the state-administered electronic currency system, operating alongside existing federal currency.

Maddy summarySB 1804 requires courts to order defendants convicted of trafficking or prostitution-related offenses (under Texas Penal Code Chapters 20A or 43) to pay restitution for victims' tattoo removal costs incurred through force, fraud, or coercion. It amends Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to explicitly include "reasonable and necessary costs of tattoo removal" as a covered expense under mandatory restitution. This applies to all victims of these specific crimes, not limited to minors. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 7 requires the Texas Water Development Board to coordinate planning for water infrastructure projects to maximize use of existing utility corridors and minimize land acquisition through eminent domain. It mandates the Board to develop standardized specifications for water infrastructure, ensure different water systems can connect and operate together, and recommend building extra capacity during construction to accommodate future projects. The bill directly affects water project developers, utilities, and local governments working with the Board on infrastructure planning and financing. Key provisions include creating interconnectivity standards and facilitating collaboration between project sponsors and transportation/utility entities.

Maddy summaryHB 43 amends Texas law to update the definition of "agricultural business" in the Agriculture Code, explicitly including rural recreational businesses (like hiking or fishing on farmland) and nonprofit land conservation groups. It also revises the composition of the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority's board, requiring the governor to appoint nine members with specific representation: two young farmers/ranchers, two representatives from rural entities (chambers, trade associations), and others with agricultural lending expertise. These changes directly affect entities applying for the Authority's loan and grant programs, such as farmers, ranchers, rural tourism businesses, and conservation nonprofits. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, after passing both chambers unanimously.