Rep. John McQueeney

Maddy summaryHB 275 modifies Texas property tax rules for agricultural land temporarily quarantined by the Texas Animal Health Commission due to ticks or screwworms. It ensures landowners maintaining agricultural designation during such quarantines (for at least 90 days) can request a reappraisal to reflect reduced land value caused by the infestation. The bill caps the reappraised value at 50% of the original tax year value or market value, whichever is lower. This directly affects Texas agricultural landowners in quarantine zones, providing relief during pest control efforts under Chapter 167 of the Agriculture Code. The changes apply to tax years with active quarantines and continue in subsequent years until the quarantine ends.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 276 ("Relating to parasitic insect control") is not currently available in the provided context. The system indicates the content will be available soon, with a note to refer to a PDF for details. No specific provisions, affected parties, or policy mechanisms can be identified from the available information. Without access to the bill's actual text or summary, a factual summary cannot be generated. We recommend checking the official bill document when it becomes available for details.

Maddy summaryHB 110 clarifies definitions for Texas farm product tax exemptions, directly affecting farmers who sell livestock, poultry, eggs, or timber. It adds these specific products to the definition of "farm products" under tax law and defines when such items count as "in the hands of the producer" (e.g., owned by the farmer on January 1 of the tax year). The bill takes effect only for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, but only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment in 2025. This change ensures consistent tax treatment for certain agricultural products without altering current exemption rules.

Maddy summaryHB 32, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires that certain facilities - such as restrooms, locker rooms, and family violence shelters - be designated and used based on biological sex, defined as the physical condition of being male or female at birth as determined by sex organs, chromosomes, and original birth records. The law applies to correctional facilities, family violence shelters, institutions of higher education, local governments (political subdivisions), and state agencies. It authorizes civil penalties for violations and creates a private right of action, allowing individuals to file lawsuits if they believe the law has been breached. The bill does not apply to state agencies as political subdivisions but covers them separately under the law's definition of "state agency."

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 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 summaryHB 127 creates the Higher Education Research Security Council to protect universities from foreign espionage risks. The council, made up of security officers from university systems and select research institutions, will identify best practices for securing academic research while mitigating threats from foreign adversaries. It directly affects public and private research-focused universities in Texas, particularly those designated as "tier one" institutions. The bill establishes this council as a formal body to coordinate security efforts across higher education, without changing existing trade secret laws. The council’s role is limited to advising institutions on security protocols, not enforcing new penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 75 requires magistrates in Texas to provide written findings within 24 hours when they determine no probable cause exists for a criminal arrest. This applies specifically to cases involving offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. The law aims to create a clear, documented record of the magistrate's decision in these initial proceedings. It directly affects magistrates handling pretrial detention hearings for criminal defendants.

Maddy summaryHB 130, the Texas Genomic Act of 2025, prohibits medical facilities, research organizations, companies, and nonprofits conducting genome sequencing in Texas from providing residents' genetic data to foreign adversaries. It creates a private right for individuals to sue entities that violate this rule and imposes civil penalties for noncompliance. The law applies to any entity handling human genome sequencing or testing within the state, defining "foreign adversary" per federal regulations. This policy directly affects organizations processing genetic data in Texas, requiring them to safeguard residents' information from unauthorized foreign access. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 4623 creates new liability standards for Texas public schools and their employees regarding student sexual misconduct. It holds schools financially responsible if they act with gross negligence or intentional misconduct in hiring or supervising employees who commit sexual misconduct against students or fail to report suspected abuse. The law caps damages at $500,000 per victim in successful claims and requires the employee who committed the act to be named as a defendant. This directly affects public school districts, charter schools, and all professional school employees covered by the definition, including teachers, administrators, and even student interns. The law became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.