Rep. Carl Tepper

Maddy summaryHB 3061 increases penalties for certain criminal offenses committed while wearing masks or disguises specifically to hide the offender's identity. It applies to offenses under Texas law covering assault, robbery, public disorder (Title 5, Chapters 28-30, or Sections 42.01/42.02). If proven, the punishment escalates to the next higher offense category, with a minimum 180-day jail term for Class A misdemeanors. Exceptions allow the penalty increase to be avoided if the disguise was for events like Halloween, proven by a preponderance of evidence.

Maddy summaryHB 4661 authorizes local county officials to temporarily close beaches near space launch sites during launch operations to protect public safety. It requires evacuations from FAA-defined hazard areas and allows beach closures on launch or backup dates, based on federal safety calculations. Violating these closure orders is a criminal offense, punishable as a Class B misdemeanor (or Class A if previously convicted). The bill directly affects beachgoers near launch sites, local governments managing closures, and spaceflight operators coordinating safety protocols.

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 5446 requires that ballot propositions seeking voter approval for tax increases must clearly state the specific tax amount or maximum rate and include the phrase "THIS IS A TAX INCREASE" in capital letters. It also mandates that tax reduction propositions must specify the exact tax rate reduction amount. The bill applies only to propositions submitted for voter approval after its effective date (September 1, 2025) and directly affects voters receiving these ballot measures. The law aims to make tax-related ballot language more transparent and standardized.

Maddy summaryHB 323 requires Texas counties, cities, school districts, and other local government entities (political subdivisions) to use the federal E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. It mandates that these local governments register for and participate in E-Verify, with staff responsible for verification facing immediate termination for noncompliance. The bill defines "political subdivisions" broadly to include municipalities, school districts, and special districts. This requirement takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5337 requires Texas voters to submit proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must provide documents like a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or citizenship papers to county registrars. If proof isn't submitted, voters would only qualify for a limited federal ballot under Chapter 115. The bill creates criminal penalties for failing to provide required documentation and amends election code sections to implement these requirements. This directly affects all new voter registrants in Texas seeking full voting rights.

Maddy summaryHB 1804 requires political subdivisions (such as cities, counties, and school districts) to post certain financial reports about political contributions and expenditures on their public websites. Candidates for public office who fail to file these required reports by the 14th day after their due date become ineligible to run for or hold office. The Texas Ethics Commission must monitor website compliance and can impose administrative penalties of up to $5,000 per day against political subdivisions that do not meet the posting requirement. This bill applies to reports mandated under specific chapters of Texas law, including those for local elections and government transparency.

Maddy summaryHJR 110 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring candidates for Texas Senate, House, and Governor to file all required political funding reports and personal financial statements by the 14th day after their due date to be eligible for office. This would add a new eligibility requirement to the Texas Constitution for these specific elected positions. The amendment does not create new disclosure rules but mandates that existing reports be filed on time as a condition of candidacy. If passed, it would apply to all future elections for these offices, making timely disclosure a legal prerequisite for running.

Maddy summaryHB 1722 prevents the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) from restricting access to private property owned or leased by individuals, provided the property meets three specific conditions: it's located within a TxDOT-acquired highway right-of-way, can only be accessed through that right-of-way, and was constructed before TxDOT assumed control of the area. The bill does not stop TxDOT from acquiring such property through purchase, condemnation, or other legal means authorized under existing law. It takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects property owners or lessees whose access to their land is currently restricted by TxDOT due to highway right-of-way boundaries.

Maddy summaryHB 658 ensures that businesses cannot ban certain law enforcement personnel from carrying weapons on their premises. It specifically protects community supervision and corrections officers, juvenile probation officers, and honorably retired peace officers who are legally authorized to carry weapons. The bill amends state law to prevent establishments from restricting these officers from carrying weapons they're permitted to carry, regardless of whether they're actively working. This applies to both current and retired officers covered under Texas Penal Code Section 46.15. The bill does not change weapon-carrying rules but clarifies that businesses cannot override these officers' legal right to carry weapons in public spaces.