Maddy summaryHB 1744 modifies the Texas Securities Act by removing the application of proportionate responsibility (a legal principle that reduces liability based on fault share) for claims against control persons (like company executives) and material aiders (such as financial advisors who assist in violations). This means defendants in securities lawsuits under this law may be held fully liable for the entire harm, rather than having their responsibility reduced by their share of fault. The bill directly affects executives, directors, and financial professionals who hold control or provide material assistance in securities matters. This policy change shifts liability standards to prioritize full accountability for key individuals in securities enforcement cases.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 2390 requires Texas cities and counties to enter written agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under a federal program to allow local officers to enforce federal immigration law. The bill mandates that these agreements specify the scope, duration, and limits of local enforcement authority. Local governments failing to comply could face lawsuits by the attorney general and lose state grant funds for the following fiscal year. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote.
Maddy summaryHB 2030 amends Texas Penal Code sections 43.24, 43.25, and 43.26 to add specific affirmative defenses for certain criminal offenses involving material or conduct that could be considered obscene or harmful to children. It establishes three key defenses: (1) conduct with scientific, educational, governmental, or similar justification; (2) when the defendant is the child’s spouse, engaging in conduct for medical/educational purposes, or being no more than two years older; and (3) judicial or law enforcement purposes. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, meaning prior offenses remain under older legal standards. This bill directly affects defendants facing prosecution under these specific sections of the Penal Code.
Maddy summaryHB 2220 creates a new 6.72% state value added tax (VAT) on businesses supplying services or property in Texas. The tax is calculated as the difference between a business's "output tax" (tax collected on sales) and "input tax" (tax paid on purchases), with the net amount due. It exempts small businesses, government entities, and religious/educational organizations from the tax, while excluding financial services, intercompany transactions, and property already taxed under other laws. The bill directly affects most Texas businesses engaged in commercial activity, with revenue directed to state funds as specified in the text.
Maddy summaryHB 2331 amends Texas Penal Code Section 20.05(a) to clarify and expand the definition of smuggling persons. It directly affects individuals who transport people or facilitate illegal entry into Texas, including those using vehicles to evade law enforcement or conceal migrants. Key provisions criminalize: (1) using conveyance to hide from officers or flee arrest, (2) encouraging illegal entry through concealment or harboring, and (3) guiding multiple people onto agricultural land without the owner’s consent. The law creates new criminal penalties for these specific smuggling activities, effective September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 1944 adds a new exemption to Texas' Election Code, protecting peace officers and prosecutors who investigate election offenses. The bill states that actions taken by these officials during an official investigation - when authorized by their agency and conducted in furtherance of the investigation - will not be considered violations under the Election Code. This applies specifically to conduct related to investigating election-related violations. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 2329 amends Texas law to clarify the line of succession for the commander-in-chief of the state military forces when the governor is unable to serve. It specifies that the adjutant general would assume command unless state constitution or law requires the lieutenant governor or senate president to perform the governor's duties. The bill directly affects Texas military leadership structure during gubernatorial vacancies or incapacity. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and makes no changes to existing constitutional succession rules.
Maddy summaryThe full text of HB 1725 is not available in the provided context. The bill's title indicates it concerns whether certain federal environmental regulations apply to motor vehicles exclusively manufactured, sold, and operated within the state. Without access to the bill's specific provisions or text, a detailed summary of its mechanisms or affected parties cannot be provided. The recent actions (filed, read first time, referred to State Affairs) do not clarify its content. For an accurate summary, the bill's full text would be required.
Maddy summaryHB 1923 removes the fingerprint requirement for applicants seeking or holding a Texas license to carry a handgun. The bill amends Texas Government Code sections 411.0891(d) and 411.174(a) to delete the provision mandating applicants submit "two complete sets of legible and classifiable fingerprints." This change directly affects individuals applying for or renewing a handgun carry license, streamlining the application process by eliminating this specific biometric step. Other requirements - such as providing a photo, proof of residency, a $40 fee, and evidence of handgun proficiency - remain unchanged.
Maddy summaryHB 2330 creates a new legal right for people or organizations (requestors) to sue government agencies in Texas if they illegally deny access to public records under state law. If a requestor wins such a lawsuit, they can collect up to $200,000 per violation plus attorney fees and court costs. The bill waives government immunity for these specific violations, meaning agencies can be held financially accountable. This law applies only to public information requests received by agencies on or after September 1, 2025.