Rep. Charlie Geren

Maddy summaryHB 2479 amends Texas law to clarify definitions for cable and video services. It explicitly excludes internet-based streaming services (like Netflix or Hulu) from the definitions of "cable service" and "video service," which previously could have included such offerings. The bill also clarifies that video services using public right-of-way infrastructure (like traditional cable) remain regulated, while excluding mobile providers, satellite services, and streaming content. This definition change directly affects how Texas regulates cable companies and internet-based video providers under existing utility laws.

Maddy summaryHB 3538 establishes rules for Texas' Managed Care Consumer Choice Program, affecting health plans (managed care organizations) seeking contracts to provide services under state health programs. It requires plans to first meet certification, financial solvency, and performance standards before contracting with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The bill ensures program recipients (like those in STAR, CHIP, STAR Kids, or STAR+PLUS) can choose any qualified health plan in their area, while outlining consequences like corrective action plans or enrollment suspensions for non-compliant plans. The law applies specifically to these Medicaid programs but excludes the STAR Health program.

Maddy summaryHB 1284 amends Texas Tax Code sections to clarify the process for property owners challenging tax appraisals. It requires appraisal review boards to issue written decisions on property owners' motions to correct appraisal rolls (under Section 25.25) and protests (under Chapter 41), and explicitly prohibits boards from claiming owners forfeited their right to file or have these motions/protests considered. This directly affects property owners who disagree with their tax assessments and seek to appeal through the appraisal review process. The bill applies only to motions filed after its effective date, ensuring future cases follow this standardized procedure.

Maddy summaryHJR 137 proposes a constitutional amendment to be submitted to Texas voters, which would authorize the legislature to regulate casino gaming and sports wagering through regular state laws. Key provisions require the legislature to impose taxes on gaming revenue, mandate licensing for operators, and set application fees for licenses. If approved by voters, this amendment would directly affect casino and sports wagering businesses by subjecting them to state licensing, tax, and fee requirements. The amendment itself does not create specific regulations but sets the framework for future legislation to establish detailed rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2762 clarifies that the owner of land surface rights automatically owns the underground pore space (geologic voids and cavities beneath the land) unless a deed, lease, or contract specifically states otherwise. This directly affects landowners, particularly in areas with oil, gas, or mineral exploration, as it defines ownership of subsurface spaces tied to surface ownership. The bill adds new provisions to Texas Property Code, stating surface owners hold pore space rights by default, without altering existing legal relationships between mineral and surface estates. It takes effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote or on September 1, 2025, if not.

Maddy summaryHB 2497 would automatically clear arrest records for public safety employees (such as police officers and firefighters) who successfully complete a specialized treatment court program designed for them. The bill amends Texas expungement law to create a new automatic process, eliminating the need for these employees to file separate court petitions to erase their records. This applies specifically to arrest records related to offenses that led to their participation in the treatment court program. The law would streamline record clearance for eligible employees without requiring additional legal steps.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 10-11, 2025, as "Tarrant County Days" at the Texas State Capitol. It formally recognizes Tarrant County’s history, status as Texas’ third-most populous county (over 2 million residents), and cultural assets like the Stockyards National Historical District, Six Flags, and major institutions including the University of Texas at Arlington. The resolution extends recognition to Tarrant County’s delegation visiting Austin during those dates. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect beyond symbolic acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryHR 136 is a memorial resolution honoring Clyde Vance Dunnam of Waco, a 94-year-old attorney who passed away on May 3, 2024. The resolution recognizes his 70-year career at Dunnam & Dunnam, LLP, his service as a mentor in Central Texas, and his community leadership in organizations like the Scottish Rite and Waco Jaycees. It also acknowledges his family life, including his marriage to Vicki Hohertz (until her death in 1995) and later to Merrilee Lafferty Harmon, and his dedication to faith and community. Adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on March 13, 2025, this procedural resolution serves as a formal tribute to his life and legacy, with no substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1283 amends Texas law to clarify penalties for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence in criminal cases. It reclassifies offenses involving human corpses as second-degree felonies (instead of third-degree) and sets misdemeanor-level penalties when evidence relates only to misdemeanor offenses. The bill also adds a defense if evidence destroyed was prohibited visual material under specific sections. These changes apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. The bill does not affect cases involving evidence related to felony offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 1287 allows certain Texas municipalities (with populations between 650,000 and 750,000) to use specific tax revenue to fund convention centers, arenas, venues, and related infrastructure. It adds a provision automatically extending the expiration date of designated special tax zones by two years for projects existing before March 15, 2020, due to pandemic-related losses in hotel revenues. The extension applies only to zones designated in or before 2019 and active on March 15, 2020. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.