Rep. Don McLaughlin

Maddy summaryHB 3056 requires Texas municipalities and counties to prohibit the installation of commercial wind or solar power facilities within 500 yards of adjacent property unless the developer obtains written consent from all nearby property owners. This rule applies only to facilities selling energy wholesale (not residential installations) and specifies that distance is measured from the nearest structure to the property line. Local governments must adopt these regulations by October 1, 2025, and cannot require removal of facilities already under construction before that date. The bill directly affects developers of large-scale renewable energy projects seeking to build near residential or commercial properties.

Maddy summaryHB 3210 requires state contractors, local governments (political subdivisions), and private employers in Texas to use the federal E-Verify program to confirm employee work authorization. The bill mandates that state agencies cannot award contracts to entities not registered with E-Verify, and contracts must include a certification statement confirming compliance. Contractors must maintain E-Verify participation throughout the contract term, and violations would be referred to the comptroller for action. This policy directly affects businesses and government entities entering into state contracts by making federal employment verification a contractual condition. The bill focuses on implementing existing federal verification requirements through state contract rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2774 grants the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District the authority to regulate the construction of structures below Medina Lake's high water line within their district boundaries. The bill requires the district to adopt permitting rules for such structures but exempts projects built by cities, counties, or other government entities. This directly affects property owners and developers planning near Medina Lake, as they may now need permits for construction in the regulated zone. The key provision creates a new regulatory framework for lakefront development without changing water rights or environmental standards. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2840 defines "milk" as liquid secreted by mammal mammary glands and "milk product" as any product containing milk. It prohibits businesses from labeling or advertising non-milk products as "milk" or "milk products." This bill directly affects food manufacturers and retailers selling plant-based or alternative dairy products that currently use terms like "milk" in their branding. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, requiring clear labeling that aligns with the defined terms.

Maddy summaryHB 2816 protects healthcare providers and facilities from being required to participate in or provide certain health care services that conflict with their sincerely held religious or philosophical beliefs. It defines key terms like "conscience," "health care provider" (including students and non-licensed staff), and "health care service" (covering family planning, abortion-related counseling, and treatment). The bill creates a civil remedy for violations and authorizes disciplinary action against entities that force non-participation in services due to conscience objections. It directly affects hospitals, clinics, pharmacists, and all healthcare workers who may decline services like abortion care or contraception-related counseling. The law aims to prevent adverse actions against providers who refuse such services based on personal beliefs.

Maddy summaryHB 2661 modifies jurisdiction rules for Atascosa County Court at Law in Texas. It grants the court concurrent authority with district courts over family law, juvenile matters, probate cases, and certain civil cases exceeding $1 million in value (excluding specific damages). The bill also establishes a new provision allowing county court judges to be temporarily assigned to district court cases within Atascosa County. This applies only to cases filed after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote). The legislation directly affects Atascosa County residents, courts, and legal proceedings handled in that jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryHB 2660 requires certain public information officers in Texas to obtain certification and complete ongoing training in emergency communications. It directly affects officers employed by municipalities, counties, sheriff's offices, school districts, charter schools, and state agencies who communicate with the public during disasters. These officers must get initial certification within one year of hire and complete two FEMA-approved training sessions annually on topics like the National Incident Management System and Incident Command System. The Texas Division of Emergency Management will oversee certification standards and approved training programs. Entities must maintain and allow inspection of compliance records.

Maddy summaryHB 2704 defines "female," "male," and "sex" based on biological characteristics observed at birth, including reproductive anatomy. It requires facilities like restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters to be designated for "women" or "men" according to these biological definitions. The bill creates a civil right of action, allowing individuals to sue if they believe a facility designated for women is used by someone not biologically female. Its stated purpose is to protect women and girls from sexual assault in gender-segregated spaces.

Maddy summaryHB 2656 prohibits peace officers from making motor vehicle stops while operating unmarked law enforcement vehicles. The bill requires that any law enforcement vehicle used for traffic stops must be clearly marked as such. This applies only to stops occurring on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect existing stops before that date. The law directly affects police officers conducting traffic stops in Texas and aims to increase transparency during vehicle interactions.

Maddy summaryHB 76 prohibits local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to pay nonprofit organizations that accept public donations to post bail bonds for defendants. It directly affects political subdivisions that might fund such bail programs through public money. The bill bans this spending and allows taxpayers or residents to sue to stop it, with successful plaintiffs able to recover legal fees. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, if passed.