Rep. Sheryl Cole

Maddy summarySB 5 allocates over $290 million from Texas' economic stabilization fund to support disaster response and preparedness following a July 2025 flood declaration. It provides $200 million for FEMA matching funds and statewide disaster needs, $50 million for flood warning systems in 30 specific counties affected by the July flood, $24 million to improve weather forecasting accuracy, and $20 million for a swift water training facility for first responders. The funding targets local governments, emergency services, and meteorological systems to address immediate flood recovery and enhance future disaster management. The bill became effective immediately after the governor signed it on September 18, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1, the Youth CAMPER Act, requires youth camp operators to submit updated plans when altering camp boundaries, building new cabins, or renovating existing cabins that change bed counts or access points. It also mandates the state health department to establish minimum staff-to-camper ratios for overnight stays at youth camps. The bill authorizes penalties for noncompliance but does not specify penalty amounts in the provided text. This law directly affects licensed youth camps operating on a boarding or overnight basis in Texas, focusing on physical safety planning and staffing standards.

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 2842 allows certain land managers, such as political subdivisions, property associations, or institutions, to control white-tailed deer populations using lethal methods in specific situations. It requires these entities to submit written notice to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department demonstrating either (1) that deer are damaging habitats of endangered species or (2) that deer overpopulation exists on their property and recreational hunting isn’t feasible. The department must inspect the property before approving a permit for lethal control. The bill updates permit rules to include electronic issuance and reporting requirements, but does not authorize hunting for recreational purposes.

Maddy summarySB 22 establishes the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Fund to provide financial support for film and television productions filmed in Texas. It requires the Music, Film, Television, and Multimedia Office to deny grants for projects containing "inappropriate content" or portraying Texas/Texans "in a negative fashion," while also prohibiting grants for pornography, news programming, religious content, non-commercial projects, and state advertising. The bill explicitly lists ineligible project types, including political ads, sporting events, and video games used in gambling. It creates a dedicated funding mechanism for eligible productions and authorizes the Office to administer grants using money from the incentive fund or other approved sources. The law directly affects production companies seeking financial support for qualifying Texas-based film and TV projects.

Maddy summarySB 2137 prohibits Texas housing authorities from requiring or considering public school quality ratings (like test scores or ratings) when allocating low-income housing tax credits. This directly affects developers applying for these credits, as it stops them from being penalized or favored based on the quality of nearby public schools. The law requires the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to study the policy's impact and report findings by November 1, 2027, and expires September 1, 2027. It applies only to applications submitted under the 2026 or 2027 allocation cycles and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 3047 creates the Pura Vida Municipal Management District No. 1 in Mustang Ridge, Texas, to promote economic development, tourism, and community infrastructure. The district can issue bonds, impose fees and taxes, and use limited eminent domain authority to fund improvements like pedestrian pathways, landscaping, water systems, and recreational facilities within its defined boundaries. It directly affects property owners and businesses in the district area, supplementing (not replacing) city services. The bill emphasizes the district’s role in enhancing public welfare, safety, and economic vitality while requiring it to serve public interests without acting as an agent for private interests.

Maddy summaryHB 1105 exempts paramedics employed by Texas cities, counties, or other local governments from tuition and laboratory fees at public colleges when enrolled in emergency medical services courses. This applies only to students maintaining satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate, and does not cover security deposits, additional fees for residents, or graduate-level surcharges. The exemption excludes distance education courses where more than 20% of enrollment exceeds the institution's designated limit. The bill, signed into law by the governor on June 20, 2025, became effective immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 1481 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt written policies prohibiting student use of personal communication devices (such as cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day on school property or at school events. Exceptions allow device use for students with documented medical needs, individualized education plans (IEPs), or health/safety protocols. Schools may implement either a full device ban or a secure storage system for devices during school hours, and must return confiscated devices or dispose of them after providing parents 90 days' written notice. The law takes effect immediately upon the governor's signature.

Maddy summarySB 823 requires sellers of meat, poultry, and shrimp in Texas to clearly label whether these products originated in Texas. Specifically, labels must state "whether the food originated in this state" for meat, poultry, or shrimp products. This applies to all retailers and importers selling these items within Texas, directly affecting businesses that handle such food products. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025, after rules are adopted by the Health and Human Services Commission.