Rep. Brian Harrison

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 2690 is unavailable in the provided context, as the system states it "is not currently available, but is coming soon" and directs users to a PDF. Without access to the actual bill language, key provisions, affected parties, or specific mechanisms cannot be described. The summary cannot be generated from the available information, including the recent actions (filed, read first time, referred to State Affairs). For an accurate summary, please refer to the full bill text once it becomes available.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 2577 requires Texas tax notices to taxable entities that miss franchise tax filing deadlines to avoid stating that the entity "is required to pay a specific amount of franchise tax solely because of the late filing." This bill directly affects businesses or organizations that fail to submit franchise tax reports on time by changing the wording of official notices from the Texas Comptroller. The key provision prohibits notices from implying automatic tax liability for late filing, ensuring communications focus on the need to file rather than predetermined penalties. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, unless approved for immediate effect by a two-thirds vote.

Maddy summaryHB 2574 requires local governments (like cities, counties, or school districts) to obtain approval from at least 60% of voters in a public election to issue general obligation bonds - such as those funding schools, roads, or parks - instead of the current simple majority (50%+1). This change applies only to bond authorizations approved by a political subdivision's governing body on or after September 1, 2025. The bill does not affect existing bond authorizations or other bond types (like revenue bonds). It directly impacts local governments seeking to borrow money for public projects, raising the voter approval threshold for such bonds.

Maddy summaryHB 2576 requires Texas public schools to include instruction about victims of communist regimes in the social studies curriculum for government courses. The bill mandates specific content covering historical figures like Mao Zedong, Stalin, Castro, Lenin, Pol Pot, and Maduro, along with details about oppression under those regimes (poverty, violence, suppression). It also directs the governor to designate a "Victims of Communism Remembrance Day" for schools to observe with age-appropriate lessons based on the new curriculum requirements. This policy applies to all public school students in Texas starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill does not alter existing curriculum standards but adds these specific historical examples to required government education.

Maddy summaryHB 2572 prohibits Texas public libraries (including school libraries) from using public funds to support the American Library Association (ALA). The bill bans libraries from becoming ALA members, attending ALA events, or providing any financial support to the association, directly affecting all public libraries receiving state or local taxpayer funds. This restriction applies only to expenditures made on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect existing contracts entered into before that date. The legislation is a direct policy change limiting library funding choices under Texas law.

Maddy summaryHB 930 requires the Texas National Guard to obtain specific Congressional action before being activated for active combat duty. It mandates that such activation can only occur if the U.S. Congress either officially declares war (per Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution) or takes other official action authorized under Clause 15 of the same section. The bill directly affects the Texas National Guard and the governor, who must ensure compliance with this requirement. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and establishes a clear constitutional threshold for combat deployments.

Maddy summaryHB 2339 prohibits Texas public universities from offering certificate or degree programs, majors, minors, or courses in LGBTQ studies or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that promote differential treatment based on race, color, or ethnicity. The bill requires all academic programs to affirm that "there are only two sexes, male and female," based on biological definitions at conception. It mandates annual state audits to ensure compliance, with penalties including loss of state funding for violating institutions and employee disciplinary actions (unpaid leave for first violations, termination for repeat offenses). This directly affects all 147 public higher education institutions in Texas, their faculty, students enrolled in affected programs, and university hiring practices.

Maddy summaryHB 1817 repeals 15 specific regulatory provisions across Texas law, primarily removing licensing requirements for auction companies. It eliminates references to Chapter 1802 of the Occupations Code (which governed auctioneers) from the Business & Commerce Code and Criminal Procedure Code. The bill also deletes sections of the Labor Code that previously regulated certain occupations. These changes directly affect auction businesses and law enforcement procedures related to seized weapons. The legislation simplifies regulatory requirements by removing outdated licensing mandates.

Maddy summaryHB 2311 requires public Texas universities to report annually on their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to the legislature and higher education coordinating board. The bill permits institutions to highlight efforts supporting first-generation, low-income, and underserved students (and certify anti-discrimination compliance) without violating other provisions. It mandates annual testimony by governing boards before higher education committees and requires state audits every four years to ensure compliance with spending rules. Violations of the spending restrictions require correction within 180 days. The bill directly affects all public universities in Texas, including their governing boards and financial operations.