Rep. John McQueeney

Maddy summaryHB 4849 requires election authorities to number physical ballots consecutively starting from "1" and prohibits using electronic devices described in Section 31.014 (or network-connected devices) for ballot numbering. It also explicitly extends these numbering rules to electronic system ballots. The bill applies directly to Texas election officials preparing ballots and takes effect September 1, 2025. This is a procedural change focused on ballot numbering standards, not substantive policy.

Maddy summaryHB 4430 requires the Texas Department of Transportation to conduct an annual study of motor vehicle collisions statewide. The study must identify the 50 areas with the highest collision frequency and develop specific reduction plans for each. The department must submit a report to the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature by September 1 each year, including the study results, identified areas, and proposed reduction plans. This bill creates a procedural requirement for ongoing data collection and planning, directly affecting the transportation department's annual reporting obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 17 would prohibit citizens of designated countries (China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or others named by the governor) from purchasing real property in Texas. It creates criminal penalties for violations, making such purchases illegal under state law. Exceptions apply to U.S. citizens, lawful residents, and businesses owned by them. The law would override existing property rights for these foreign buyers, directly affecting individuals and entities from designated countries seeking to buy land in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 173 prohibits Texas public universities from soliciting or accepting money, gifts, or donations from specific foreign governments. It directly affects all public institutions of higher education in Texas by banning funds from China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or any country that supports foreign terrorist organizations. The bill requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create rules for implementation and takes effect September 1, 2025. This policy change aims to restrict financial ties between Texas universities and certain foreign entities.

Maddy summaryHB 4065 requires cities and towns (political subdivisions) to use binding interest arbitration when negotiations between fire and police departments and their employers break down over contracts. It mandates that employers and bargaining agents submit unresolved issues to an arbitrator if they reach an impasse or fail to settle within 61 days after a contract negotiation deadline. The bill outlines specific notice requirements (5 days after an impasse) and a process for selecting an arbitrator from a list provided by the American Arbitration Association. This applies broadly to fire and police departments, except to cities that already have mandatory arbitration systems or to cities with populations over 1.9 million unless voters approve it.

Maddy summaryHB 3400 amends Texas law to define which law enforcement entities qualify as "designated" for rules about tracking equipment and communications access. It specifies that designated offices include: county sheriff's departments in counties with 500,000+ residents, municipal police departments in cities with 200,000+ residents, and the Inspector General offices of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Texas Juvenile Justice Department. The bill clarifies which agencies must follow existing legal procedures when using tracking technology or accessing communications. This definition change takes effect September 1, 2025.

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.