Rep. Charles Cunningham

Maddy summarySB 434 allows the Harris County Hospital District to hire and commission peace officers (law enforcement officers) for its facilities, expanding an existing authority previously limited to other county hospital districts. The bill amends two state codes: it adds Harris County to the list of districts permitted to employ peace officers under the Health and Safety Code, and updates the Code of Criminal Procedure to explicitly include hospital district peace officers in the definition of peace officers. This change directly affects Harris County Hospital District staff and security operations, enabling them to deploy authorized law enforcement personnel. The bill became law on September 1, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers and receiving the governor's approval.

Maddy summaryHB 1261 changes how Texas law enforcement handles property seized but not claimed after 30 days (if not used as evidence in a case). It requires county or municipal officials to notify owners via certified mail or online posting within 90 days, giving them time to claim items. For property valued at $500 or more with an unknown owner, a public notice must be published in local media or online. Proceeds from sales of unclaimed property, after deducting storage and disposal costs, will go to the local government treasury.

Maddy summaryHB 4 restricts Texas public school districts and campuses from obtaining exemptions or waivers for specific requirements, including graduation standards, school accountability measures under Chapters 39 and 39A, health and safety rules, and programs for special education and bilingual students. The bill explicitly prohibits waivers for federal mandates, essential knowledge/skills, class size limits (except as allowed by law), extracurricular activities, and other key areas listed in the legislation. It also changes the appeal process for challenges to the commissioner's decisions, requiring appeals to be filed in Travis County district court with specific procedural steps. This bill directly affects school districts, the Texas Education Agency, and individuals seeking to challenge educational decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 3320 creates a self-insurance pool specifically for qualifying religious institutions in Texas, allowing them to cover property and casualty risks without traditional insurance. It directly affects nonprofit religious organizations (including churches, denominations, and 501(c)(3) entities) that join the pool through formal agreements. The bill establishes administrative rules, authorizes fees to fund the pool, and includes penalties for noncompliance, while clarifying the pool is not considered "insurance" under Texas law. Key provisions define terms like "member," "pool coverage," and "pool creation agreement" to govern participation and financial obligations. This framework replaces traditional insurance requirements for eligible religious groups with a self-funded system managed by a dedicated board.

Maddy summaryHCR 59 is a ceremonial resolution designating April as "Promise Month" in Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it is solely a symbolic recognition intended to honor religious and historical perspectives on promises. The resolution references biblical principles and the founding of the U.S. on "Biblical principles," but the designation itself has no legal or policy impact on residents or state operations. This is a procedural, commemorative resolution with no concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 21 amends Texas Local Government Code provisions affecting housing finance corporations that develop or manage low- and moderate-income housing. It defines qualifying residential developments as those where at least 90% of units are intended for households with adjusted gross income below state-defined moderate income levels. The bill also requires these corporations to follow open meetings and public records laws (Chapter 551 and 552, Government Code) and restricts their development to areas within the boundaries of their sponsoring local governments - unless approved by those governing bodies. These changes clarify operational rules and transparency requirements for housing finance corporations serving low- and moderate-income residents.

Maddy summaryHB 3225 requires municipal public libraries in Texas to restrict minors (under 18) from accessing sexually explicit materials in sections designated for younger audiences. Libraries must remove such materials from "minor's sections" and obtain legal guardian consent before allowing minors to check out or view these materials. The bill imposes civil penalties for violations, including fines. It directly affects municipal public libraries, minors, and their guardians by changing how libraries manage content access in designated youth areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas judges to deny bail to individuals classified as "illegal aliens" charged with felony offenses, if a judge determines probable cause exists. It defines "illegal alien" as someone who entered the U.S. without inspection or violated nonimmigrant visa terms. The amendment would automatically deny bail pending trial for such individuals, without requiring additional proof of flight risk or danger. If approved by voters in 2025, it would become part of the Texas Constitution. (Note: This is a procedural proposal requiring voter approval, not an immediate law.)

Maddy summarySB 1080 requires Texas licensing authorities to issue either a full occupational license or a provisional license (valid for six months) to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses, instead of automatically denying their applications. The provisional license begins on the date an applicant is released from prison if they were incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This bill directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (such as for nursing, contracting, or other licensed professions) who meet all other qualification requirements. It aims to reduce barriers to employment by providing a temporary licensing pathway for these applicants.

Maddy summarySB 3073 requires magistrates in Texas to provide written findings within 24 hours when determining no probable cause exists for a criminal arrest. This affects individuals arrested for crimes and the magistrates reviewing their cases. The bill mandates that magistrates document their reasons for finding no probable cause in the official record. It applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with prior cases governed by existing law. The change aims to increase transparency in early criminal proceedings.