Rep. Sam Harless

Maddy summaryHR 1098 is a symbolic resolution commemorating the 25th anniversary of Fast Track Specialties, a Houston/Austin-based construction subcontractor. It honors the company's founding in 2000, its services (including building materials and architectural installations), and its community contributions like workplace awards and charitable support. The resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, formally extends "sincere best wishes" to the company and directs an official copy be presented to them. This is a procedural gesture with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

Maddy summaryHB 1803 creates a Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact for Texas, enabling licensed dentists and dental hygienists in Texas to practice in other participating states without obtaining full new licenses. The bill establishes a "Compact Privilege" that allows these professionals to work across state lines while still adhering to each state's scope of practice and regulations. It authorizes fees to administer the compact and facilitates information sharing about licenses and disciplinary actions between participating states. This directly affects Texas-licensed dental professionals seeking to practice in other states that join the compact, aiming to improve workforce mobility and public access to dental services.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 293 requires developers applying for low-income housing tax credits on projects funded through private activity bonds to notify their state representative and local governing bodies (municipal council or county commissioners court) before submitting applications. The bill adds a new provision stating that if the state representative for the project's district submits an opposing letter to the Texas Department of Housing, the application cannot be approved. This directly affects housing developers seeking tax credits for projects using private activity bonds, particularly those in areas outside city limits or within a municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction. The changes apply only to applications submitted during the 2026 or later qualified allocation plan cycles.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summarySB 375 extends the expiration date for Harris County Hospital District's existing healthcare provider participation program from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2027. The bill modifies Section 299.004 of the Health and Safety Code to allow the program to continue operating beyond its original deadline. This directly affects the district's ability to maintain its current healthcare provider network without requiring new program design or funding changes. The legislation only extends the operational timeline for an existing program, with no new policy provisions or eligibility changes.

Maddy summarySB 1577 allows major racing facilities with seating capacity over 40,000 to temporarily sell alcohol during motor racing events. It permits sales for up to five consecutive days per event (or six days if postponed due to natural causes), with a yearly limit of four such events at the facility. The bill restricts sales to two drinks per person at a time and requires sales to end after 75% of the main race concludes or one hour before the last event ends. Additionally, alcohol must be purchased from a locally authorized distributor, and all sales must be reported to the state commission.

Maddy summaryHB 4105 allows counties with populations over 3.3 million to consider a contractor’s main business location (within the county or neighboring counties) when awarding certain contracts, provided the bid is within 3% of the lowest out-of-county bid. Counties must document that the chosen bid offers the best value, including local job creation and increased tax revenue. The bill prohibits contracts if officials approving bids are related to the contractor or have financial ties to them. It does not apply to professional services contracts or prevent counties from rejecting all bids. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.