Rep. Sam Harless

Maddy summaryHB 2226 clarifies who qualifies as a beneficiary of trust funds paid for construction or repair work on property in Texas. It defines artisans, laborers, mechanics, contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers who provided labor or materials for such improvements as automatic beneficiaries of related trust funds. The bill also adds strict rules for assigning these trust fund rights: assignments must be in writing after payment is made, cannot be part of the original construction contract, and must involve eligible parties like property owners or other beneficiaries. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill (HB 4901) requires app stores (like Apple App Store or Google Play) operating in Texas to verify users' ages and categorize them into four groups: child (<13), younger teen (13-15), older teen (16-17), and adult (18+). For minors (under 18), it mandates parental consent by linking accounts to a parent or guardian aged 18 or older. App stores must use reasonable methods to confirm age during account creation. The law directly affects app platforms and users under 18 in Texas, with no voting record available as the bill remains pending in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 5243 would prohibit SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) beneficiaries in Texas from using their benefits to purchase energy drinks, sweetened beverages, carbonated drinks, candy, potato/corn chips, and packaged cookies. The bill defines "energy drink" as containing at least 65mg caffeine per 8oz and "sweetened beverage" as any nonalcoholic drink with added sweetener. Exceptions include milk products, milk substitutes (like soy milk), unsweetened juices, infant formula, and certain fortified products containing protein or vitamins. This policy change directly affects SNAP recipients who would no longer use benefits for the listed items, while allowing coverage for specified healthier alternatives.

Maddy summaryHB 4660 establishes that space flight activities in Texas fall under both federal and state jurisdiction, prohibiting counties, municipalities, or other local entities from banning or regulating these activities (except as specified in Section 61.132 of the Natural Resources Code). The bill specifically applies to counties bordering the Gulf of Mexico with FAA-approved spaceports and smaller municipalities (under 150,000 population) that have beach access plans. It requires advance notice to local governments for launch dates between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (to the municipality) or 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. (to the commissioners court), and allows temporary beach closures near launch sites for public safety during those dates. The bill does not create new regulations but clarifies local governments' limited authority over space flight activities near coastal areas.

Maddy summaryHB 2177 allows tech companies (like internet service providers and cloud storage services) to share certain customer data with government agencies when they reasonably believe an immediate life-threatening situation exists that requires urgent action to prevent death or serious injury. The law permits disclosure of electronic customer data - such as location or communication records - if the provider acts in good faith based on an immediate threat, overriding standard privacy restrictions. This applies specifically to situations where data sharing is necessary to stop an ongoing emergency, not for routine investigations. The bill does not require court orders or warrants for these disclosures but limits it to truly urgent scenarios where delay could cause harm.

Maddy summaryHB 2178 allows Texas peace officers to install and use mobile tracking devices on vehicles without a court order in emergency situations. This applies only when officers have probable cause to believe the vehicle is involved in specific serious crimes (like certain felonies under Penal Code Sections 38.04/38.06) and immediate tracking is necessary to prevent death, injury, property damage, or a fugitive's escape. Officers must obtain a judge’s approval within 72 hours of installation, and if they fail to do so, all evidence gathered during that period cannot be used in court. The bill directly affects law enforcement practices and vehicle owners’ privacy during active criminal investigations.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 3919 is not available in the provided context. Only the title ("Relating to size and density requirements for residential lots in certain municipalities; authorizing a fee") and recent committee actions (referred to Land & Resource Management, pending in committee) are documented. Without the full bill text or specific provisions, a summary of its policy changes or affected parties cannot be generated. The PDF reference mentioned is inaccessible here.

Maddy summaryHB 3869 increases criminal penalties for assault or harassment committed against utility employees or agents while they are working in disaster or evacuated areas. The bill amends Texas Penal Code sections to make such offenses felonies (rather than misdemeanors) when committed against utility workers performing contracted services during disasters, or in retaliation for their work. It specifically targets incidents occurring in declared disaster zones or evacuated areas, directly affecting utility workers responding to emergencies. The law aims to protect these essential personnel during crisis situations by strengthening legal consequences for violence against them.

Maddy summaryHR 461 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Texas House of Representatives to honor Lyle Lovett, a native Texan musician and actor. The resolution recognizes his career achievements, including his Grammy-winning music, acting in films like *The Player*, and philanthropy, while highlighting his ties to Klein, Texas, and Texas A&M University. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it simply expresses the House's appreciation and will present Lovett with an official copy of the resolution. The resolution was adopted by the House on March 27, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4125 requires Texas law enforcement agencies to notify school districts when an employee is under investigation for crimes involving children (such as offenses under Title 5 or Chapter 43 of the Penal Code) or any felony. Law enforcement must provide oral notification to the school's superintendent or chief of police within 24 hours (or before the next school day) and written notification within seven days, marked "PERSONAL and CONFIDENTIAL." If no charges are filed, the agency must notify the school within two working days. This applies to all school districts, including public, charter, private, and accredited schools.