Rep. Sam Harless

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas licensing authorities to issue provisional occupational licenses for six months to applicants with criminal convictions who are otherwise qualified for the license, unless they have specific serious convictions listed in the Occupations Code. The provisional license begins upon the applicant's release from incarceration if they were imprisoned. It applies to most occupational licensing fields (like healthcare or trades) but excludes applicants convicted of offenses under Section 53.021(a). The bill provides a pathway for certain applicants to obtain licenses without full revocation of eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 1781 establishes the Texas Livestock and Rodeo Education and Continuation Grant Program to provide funding for educational initiatives related to livestock and rodeos. The program is administered by a newly created board appointed by the governor, requiring members to have specific experience in rodeos or county fairs and to represent different regions of Texas. Funding comes from a dedicated fund that can receive state appropriations, gifts, or interest earnings, but cannot be used for general state purposes. This bill directly affects Texas organizations like rodeo associations, county fairs, 4-H programs, and Future Farmers of America (FFA) that may apply for these grants.

Maddy summaryHR 897 is a symbolic resolution recognizing May 6, 2025, as "Golf Day" in Texas. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges golf's economic, environmental, and cultural contributions to Texas, citing its $14.2 billion economic impact, 107,000 jobs, and role in community well-being. The resolution highlights golf's pandemic-era benefits, Texas' 800+ courses, and its historical significance through the Texas Golf Hall of Fame. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect and is intended solely for ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 3529 allows racing facilities with seating capacity over 40,000 to temporarily sell alcohol during motor racing events or similar events held at the facility. It permits mixed beverage permit holders to sell distilled spirits, wine, and malt beverages for up to five consecutive days (six if events are postponed due to natural disasters), with specific restrictions including a limit of two drinks per person, no sales in factory-sealed containers, and sales must stop after 75% of the feature race or one hour before the last event ends. The bill also requires permit holders to purchase alcohol from authorized local distributors and report sales data to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. This affects large racing venues, their licensed vendors, and attendees at these events.

Maddy summaryHB 4937 requires Texas parole boards to reconsider inmates for release on parole at specific intervals. For most inmates denied parole, boards must review cases "as soon as practicable" after the first anniversary of denial. However, for inmates convicted of certain serious offenses (like aggravated assault under Section 22.04, Penal Code) or serving life sentences for capital felonies, boards must reconsider between one and ten years after denial - extending the prior one-to-five-year window. The bill amends existing parole review procedures to establish these timelines, directly affecting inmates in these specific categories.

Maddy summaryHB 3265 prohibits health benefit plan issuers, pharmacy benefit managers, and drug manufacturers from discriminating against entities participating in the federal 340B drug discount program. It bans denying access to discounted drugs, restricting acquisitions, or requiring unnecessary data submission as a condition for 340B drug access. Covered entities (like community health centers and hospitals), pharmacies under contract with them, and their authorized partners are directly protected. Violations carry a civil penalty of up to $50,000 per offense, enforceable through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Maddy summaryHB 837 requires barber and cosmetology students to learn how to identify and assist domestic violence victims during their initial training. It also mandates that licensed barbers and cosmetologists complete continuing education on the same topic annually. The bill applies directly to all current and future license holders in these professions across Texas. The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation must create rules to implement these requirements by September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3521 amends Texas law defining "catastrophic injury" for police officers in certain municipalities' retirement systems. It specifies that a catastrophic injury must be a sudden, life-threatening, duty-related injury causing permanent loss of sight, limbs, or paralysis, or a severe brain injury requiring constant supervision and rendering the officer unemployable. The bill explicitly excludes infectious diseases, chronic conditions from occupational exposure, post-traumatic stress disorder, and minor soft-tissue injuries from this definition. These changes directly affect police officers who sustain qualifying injuries while on duty, determining their eligibility for enhanced retirement benefits under the system. The bill focuses on clarifying eligibility criteria rather than altering benefit amounts or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 945), not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It formally honors Pope Francis following his death on April 21, 2025, recognizing his life, leadership as the first Latin American pope, and global efforts to serve the vulnerable. The resolution memorializes his legacy, including his work during Argentina's economic crisis, interfaith initiatives, and pandemic-era outreach. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes. As a procedural resolution, it serves only to express collective remembrance.

Maddy summaryHB 2176 requires local court administrators to establish a court security committee for each county. The committee must include the local administrative judge (or designee), sheriff's office representatives, constable offices, county commissioners court, judges from various courts, a justice of the peace, and county attorney representatives. It mandates the committee to adopt security policies and procedures for local courts. This bill directly affects county court operations and security coordination by defining committee membership and responsibilities under Texas law.