Rep. Ron Reynolds

Maddy summaryHJR 40 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas to expand Medicaid eligibility to all individuals who apply and qualify under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), using available federal matching funds. This would directly affect low-income Texans who currently fall into a coverage gap under Texas Medicaid rules. The amendment would take effect January 1, 2026, but expire January 1, 2027, unless ratified by voters. It must be approved by Texas voters in the November 2025 election to become part of the state constitution. The proposal does not change existing Medicaid rules but mandates state action when federal funds are available.

Maddy summaryHB 317 establishes the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council to study how climate change affects Texas residents' health, safety, and economy. The council, composed of legislative appointees and public members with expertise in climatology, the state economy, land management, and tourism, will assess climate impacts, estimate costs, research solutions for flooding and wildfires, and recommend policies. It must hold public hearings statewide and submit a final report to the legislature by January 1, 2027. The council expires on September 1, 2027, making this a time-limited study with no immediate policy changes. The bill directly affects all Texas residents by directing the council to evaluate climate risks specific to the state.

Maddy summaryHB 319 requires certain employers in Texas to provide paid sick leave to employees for specific health-related needs. It mandates that employees may use this leave to care for themselves or covered family members (including spouses, children, parents, or individuals living in their household) due to illness, injury, family violence, sexual assault, or other qualifying health conditions. Employers who fail to comply face administrative and civil penalties. The bill defines key terms like "family member" and "health care professional" to clarify eligibility and scope.

Maddy summaryHB 302 requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to establish legally enforceable limits for hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in the air. It sets a 0.04 parts per million (ppm) maximum for areas used for homes, recreation, business, or shopping, and 0.06 ppm for agricultural or other non-residential areas. The TCEQ must review health studies every five years and adopt these rules by December 1, 2026. This directly affects communities near industrial sources of H₂S emissions, such as oil and gas facilities, by creating specific, measurable air quality standards.

Maddy summaryHB 303 requires Texas' Commission on Jail Standards to study the living conditions and safety of people confined in Harris County Jail. The commission must complete this study and submit a written report with recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2026. This bill directly affects Harris County Jail inmates by mandating an official evaluation of their conditions, and it places a specific reporting obligation on the Commission. The bill expires September 1, 2027, but does not change existing jail policies.

Maddy summaryHB 306 adopts the 2018 International Residential Code for residential buildings and the 2018 International Building Code for commercial buildings in Texas municipalities. It specifically allows agricultural operations (like farms) to follow the 2012 version of these codes for related structures. The bill requires municipalities to implement these codes by January 1, 2027, and applies only to new construction, remodeling, or repairs starting on or after that date. This directly affects local governments, builders, and property owners in residential and commercial development across Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 3 establishes the Texas Interoperability Council to coordinate statewide emergency communication systems, ensuring police, fire, and medical responders can communicate during crises. The bill creates a grant program administered by the council to help local governments (cities, counties, and emergency districts) purchase interoperable radio equipment and build compatible infrastructure. Key provisions require the council to develop a strategic plan for emergency communications and prioritize funding for equipment that works across different agencies. This directly affects local public safety agencies by mandating new communication standards and providing financial support for system upgrades.

Maddy summarySB 2 allows justices of the peace in counties without medical examiners to skip autopsies for deaths caused by natural disasters (like hurricanes or floods), provided they confirm: 1) the death resulted from disaster injuries, 2) no unlawful act caused it, and 3) no family member is seeking an autopsy. It requires the state to create a training program for these justices on managing mass fatality events, including autopsy decisions, body documentation, and coordinating with agencies. The law expires April 1, 2027, and directly affects local officials handling disaster-related deaths in rural counties. The bill does not impose licensing or fees, as implied in its title but not reflected in the actual text.

Maddy summaryHB 5 allocates $324 million in supplemental funds from Texas' economic stabilization fund for disaster relief and preparedness. It provides $200 million to match federal disaster aid and support state disaster funds, $50 million for flood warning systems and equipment in 27 counties affected by a July 2025 flood declaration, and $24 million to improve weather forecasting and flood management in the Texas Hill Country. An additional $50 million is contingent on passing related legislation about emergency communication systems. The bill directly affects local governments in designated counties and state agencies managing disaster response.

Maddy summaryHB 2 requires justices of the peace in counties without a medical examiner to complete training on managing mass fatality events within one year of election. The training covers autopsy decisions, body identification protocols, missing persons data collection, interagency coordination, and real-time family notifications. Failure to complete this training is defined as "incompetency" for removal under local government law. The bill also allows the Texas Commission on Fire Protection to access criminal history records for license applicants and employees while restricting disclosure of that information. It authorizes fees related to these requirements.