Rep. Carl Tepper

Maddy summaryHB 1431 defines "cell-cultured protein" as food made by harvesting animal cells and replicating them in a growth medium, then adds it to Texas' prohibited acts under the Health and Safety Code. The bill specifically bans the manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption within Texas. This targets companies producing or selling lab-grown meat alternatives, making such activities unlawful under existing food safety prohibitions without creating new regulatory requirements. The bill remains pending after being postponed on May 14, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1228 allows homeowners to immediately begin emergency repairs on damaged residential buildings if the repairs protect public safety, prevent further damage, or preserve structural integrity. Homeowners must apply for an emergency permit within three business days of starting repairs or when the municipality/county can accept the application. The bill requires cities and counties to permit these immediate repairs and prohibits them from blocking such work. If a local government violates this law, homeowners can sue for damages and recover attorney fees. This directly affects homeowners needing urgent repairs and local governments managing building permits.

Maddy summaryHB 168 prohibits marriage for anyone under 18 in Texas, eliminating the previous exception that allowed minors to marry with a court order removing the disabilities of minority. The bill amends the Texas Family Code to require county clerks to deny marriage licenses to minors and declare any marriage entered into by a minor void. This change applies to all marriage applications filed and marriages entered into on or after September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects minors under 18 and their families by ending the ability to marry with court approval under prior law.

Maddy summaryHB 3221 adjusts school district contributions to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas for teachers who qualify for minimum salary under specific education code provisions. It requires districts to pay a monthly contribution equal to a percentage of the statutory minimum salary, with rates changing over time: 1.5% for 2014-2015, then gradually decreasing based on state contribution rate changes until 2019, and continuing with a rate tied to annual state contributions. The bill directly affects school districts and teachers meeting the minimum salary criteria, modifying their retirement funding structure. It applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, taking effect September 1, 2025, unless approved for immediate effect with a two-thirds vote.

Maddy summaryHB 2857 amends Texas Local Government Code to clarify what constitutes "personal property" for local governments. It explicitly includes appliances, equipment, furnishings, electricity, and cloud computing services - while excluding real property - as items that can be purchased or acquired. The bill also allows local governments to contract for installation and operational support (like materials, labor, and consultation) related to these items. These changes streamline procurement for modern operational needs without altering existing requirements for real estate purchases.

Maddy summaryHB 4663 specifies exact routes for permits allowing oversized and overweight vehicles to travel between border crossings and ports in Cameron County (which borders Mexico). It details paths using U.S. Highways 77 and 83, State Highway 4, and Farm-to-Market roads to reach Brownsville Port, Harlingen Port entrances, and Boca Chica Beach. The bill directly affects trucking companies moving large equipment and port authorities in border counties. It formalizes routing requirements for permit issuance under the Texas Transportation Code, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2587 requires Texas hospitals to report costs of providing care to patients without legal immigration status. Hospitals must ask about immigration status during intake (without affecting care) and submit quarterly data on costs and financial impact to a state agency. The agency then compiles an annual report for lawmakers by November 1, detailing total costs and how these expenses affected hospitals. This applies to all Texas hospitals serving patients who were not lawfully present at the time of care, focusing on transparency about uncompensated care expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 4437 requires Texas' Department of Information Resources to create two systems: (1) a digital watermarking system embedding image origin data and generating "digital fingerprints" (hashes) for all images on state websites, and (2) a shared database storing hashes of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) for law enforcement and agencies to identify similar content. This directly affects all Texas state websites and agencies using digital images, ensuring public verification of image authenticity and aiding CSAM detection efforts. The bill mandates these systems be tamper-proof and publicly accessible via online tools. It focuses on concrete technical requirements rather than outcomes or policy debates.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits late payment fees charged by municipal water utilities in Texas. It caps fees at $5 or 2% of the overdue amount before day 32, $5 or 5% between days 32-41, and $5 or 10% after day 41. Utilities cannot begin charging penalties before 21 days after billing a customer, and penalties end when the full amount is paid. The rules apply only to fees charged on or after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed by two-thirds vote).

Maddy summaryHB 74 creates the Puerto Verde Port Authority District in Maverick County, Texas, as a special district to advance economic development in the area. The bill grants the district authority to issue bonds for infrastructure, impose fees and taxes on properties within the district, and acquire private property through limited eminent domain for port-related projects. It directly affects property owners and businesses in the designated district area by enabling the district to fund and develop port facilities, transportation infrastructure, and economic initiatives. The legislation aims to promote job growth, commerce, and community development in Maverick County under Texas Constitution provisions for special districts.