Rep. Trent Ashby

Maddy summaryHB 226 requires youth camp operators in Texas to provide each camper with an active radio frequency identification (RFID) tag capable of tracking location if a camper goes missing or during severe weather/disasters. The bill directly affects youth camp operators and requires them to obtain written consent from a camper’s parent or legal guardian before issuing a tag. Key provisions include mandating the tags for emergency location tracking, prohibiting their use without parental consent, and directing the health commissioner to adopt implementing rules. The bill does not require ongoing tracking but only activates the tag during specific emergency scenarios.

Maddy summaryHB 64 creates a rule that Texas state senators and representatives lose their seats if absent from all legislative proceedings without approved leave for seven consecutive days when their house is in session. This provision directly affects legislators who miss sessions without permission, triggering an immediate vacancy. The bill specifies that the absence must occur during days the house is meeting, not just calendar days. It would take effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote, otherwise 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryHB 214, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires certain facilities like restrooms, locker rooms, and shelters to be designated for use based on biological sex (male or female). It directly affects correctional facilities, family violence shelters, institutions of higher education, and political subdivisions (e.g., cities, school districts). The bill prohibits the use of multiple-occupancy private spaces (like shared restrooms) by individuals whose biological sex differs from the space’s designated sex, while allowing single-occupancy spaces for individual use. Violations may result in civil penalties or private lawsuits for affected individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 186 restricts how local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) can use public funds for lobbying. It prohibits spending public money to hire registered lobbyists or pay nonprofit groups that represent local governments and employ lobbyists. Exceptions include activities by elected officials, employees providing information to legislators, travel expenses for such activities, and services by associations representing sheriffs or law enforcement. The bill allows taxpayers to sue to stop prohibited spending and recover legal fees if they win. This directly affects local government budget decisions regarding legislative advocacy.

Maddy summaryHB 239 modifies Texas property tax rules for land affected by animal health quarantines. It allows landowners to request a reappraisal of their property during active Texas Animal Health Commission quarantines (lasting 90+ days) for ticks or screwworms. The bill caps the reassessed value at half the original appraised value or the current market value, whichever is lower, to account for reduced land usability during the quarantine. This directly affects Texas agricultural landowners whose properties are under such quarantine orders, providing temporary tax relief while the quarantine remains in effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 240) aims to clarify specific definitions related to the tax exemption for farm products sold by producers. It directly affects agricultural producers who sell farm products, as it would define terms to determine eligibility for exemption from ad valorem (property) taxes on those products. The bill does not describe new tax rates or financial impacts but focuses on standardizing terminology to streamline the existing exemption process. However, the actual bill text is not currently available in the provided context, so specific definitions or mechanisms cannot be detailed. The bill was filed on August 18, 2025, and referred to the Ways & Means committee.

Maddy summaryHB 52, titled the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires certain facilities - including restrooms, locker rooms, shelters, correctional facilities, and colleges - to be designated for use based on biological sex (male or female) as defined by reproductive anatomy. The bill authorizes civil penalties for violations and allows private lawsuits to enforce compliance. It specifically applies to "multiple-occupancy private spaces" like shared restrooms and "family violence shelters," but excludes state agencies. The law defines "female" as individuals with a reproductive system for egg production and "male" as those with a system for sperm production.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJR 21) proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the state legislature to define specific terms related to farm product tax exemptions. It would directly affect farmers and agricultural producers by clarifying how certain farm products qualify for exemption from ad valorem (property) taxes when sold by the producer. The amendment aims to establish a clear legal framework for these tax exemptions, though the exact definitions and scope are not detailed in the available context. As a constitutional amendment proposal, it requires voter approval after legislative passage. Note: The full bill text is currently unavailable, so specific provisions cannot be described.

Maddy summaryHB 167 restricts local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofits that lobby on their behalf. It prohibits spending taxpayer money to contract with registered lobbyists or support organizations representing local governments that employ lobbyists, though exceptions exist for direct communication by government employees or advocacy by elected officials. The bill allows reimbursement for travel expenses related to permitted activities and lets taxpayers sue to stop violations and recover legal fees. It directly affects how local governments allocate public funds for legislative advocacy efforts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Governor Greg Abbott to return federal reconciliation funds to Texas taxpayers by implementing property tax relief. The Texas House of Representatives passed this non-binding resolution to formally request the Governor use the funds for property tax cuts, directing the chief clerk to forward a copy to the Governor's office. It does not require legal action or change existing tax policy, as resolutions like this serve only as a formal expression of legislative opinion.