Rep. Giovanni Capriglione

Maddy summaryHB 3371 allows Texas to seek federal reimbursement for state border security costs incurred during specific budget periods. It requires the governor to submit applications requesting $4.72 billion for the 2023 biennium and $6.54 billion for the 2025 biennium, with the attorney general authorized to sue the federal government if payments are delayed. Any recovered funds would be deposited into the state's general revenue fund. The bill expires August 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 321 creates an "express lane" to streamline eligibility for child health coverage by connecting Texas SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) applications with the child health plan program. It requires the state health agency to automatically check SNAP application data to determine if a child qualifies for health coverage, avoiding delays by opening a new case for health enrollment. The bill mandates parental consent before enrolling children and provides notice via the parent’s preferred contact method. This directly affects children whose families apply for SNAP benefits and may qualify for child health coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 4348 prohibits local governments in Texas from implementing certain roadway projects that reallocate existing vehicular lanes to non-vehicle uses, such as bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, or parking. It directly affects cities and counties that maintain roadways, requiring them to avoid projects that narrow lanes or shift space from vehicle travel. The bill links this prohibition to affordable housing funding: local entities violating the rule lose eligibility for state affordable housing funds distributed to local governments. The law creates a direct consequence for roadway project choices by tying access to housing funds to compliance with the new transportation restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 2969 prohibits the Texas State Bar from adopting rules, policies, or penalties that restrict law license applicants or holders based on religious beliefs or burden constitutional rights. It specifically bans limitations on licensing due to sincerely held religious beliefs, or restrictions on free speech (including religious or political views), religious association, or assembly. Exceptions allow rules that serve a compelling government interest narrowly tailored to that purpose, or that address willful bias in court proceedings. The bill enables licensees to challenge violations through administrative hearings or lawsuits under Texas law, but not in cases involving sexual misconduct allegations or criminal prosecution.

Maddy summaryHB 3223 shortens the time limit for lawsuits related to construction or repair defects on real property. It reduces the deadline from 10 years to 8 years after substantial completion for claims against architects, engineers, or contractors. If a written claim is submitted during this period, the deadline extends by two years (for most claims) or one year (for specific cases). This bill directly affects construction professionals and property owners by changing when legal action must be filed for defective work.

Maddy summaryHB 1674 would ban the production, sale, and use of certain agricultural products containing PFAS chemicals (like pesticides or crop protectants). It directly affects agricultural businesses, manufacturers, and sellers of these products. The bill creates criminal penalties for violations, treating unauthorized PFAS use as a punishable offense. The bill is currently pending in the Environmental Regulation committee after committee hearings. (Note: Full bill text is not yet available; this summary is based on the title and pending status.)

Maddy summaryHB 298 requires Texas driver's licenses and personal ID certificates to include a clear indication that the holder is a U.S. citizen. This applies to all licenses issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The bill specifies that licenses must also display the holder's full name, date of birth, a full-face photograph, a distinguishing number, and either a residence address or, for certain federal judges or officials, the courthouse address. It does not change existing requirements for non-citizens. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 41 prohibits Texas state and local government entities from acquiring or using unmanned aircraft (drones) or related equipment/services produced by companies owned by or tied to the governments of China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or Syria. The law defines "governmental entity" broadly to include state agencies, cities, counties, and school districts, with a grace period allowing existing systems (acquired before September 1, 2025) to remain in use until September 1, 2030. It also establishes a grant program to help law enforcement agencies obtain secure drone technology through the "Law Enforcement Secure Unmanned Aircraft Grant Program." The bill directly affects all Texas public entities purchasing or operating drone systems, aiming to restrict foreign technology access based on national security concerns.

Maddy summaryHB 129 prohibits Texas state and local government entities from entering contracts with companies designated as "foreign adversary companies" (those tied to countries like China, Russia, or Iran) or "federally banned companies" (listed on federal sanctions lists). The bill defines these companies based on U.S. federal designations, including entities restricted under federal defense laws or sanctions. Violating this prohibition could result in civil penalties imposed by the state. The law directly affects Texas government agencies and contractors working with them, aiming to align state procurement with federal security policies.

Maddy summaryHB 133 creates two new criminal offenses in Texas law. It criminalizes acting as an agent of a foreign government or terrorist organization to commit certain crimes (like assault or harassment) with the intent to force someone to leave the U.S., discourage protected speech, or retaliate for such speech. It also criminalizes unauthorized enforcement of foreign law within Texas, such as investigating or surveilling residents to prevent them from violating foreign laws without state approval. Penalties are increased (e.g., a Class A misdemeanor becomes a misdemeanor with 180 days minimum jail time). The bill also mandates a study and law enforcement training on transnational repression.