Rep. Carl Tepper

Maddy summaryHB 126 allows student athletes at certain Texas public universities to earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) during non-team activities and to hire legal representation for NIL-related contracts. It prohibits institutions from restricting these NIL opportunities or blocking legal assistance for athletes. The law resolves conflicts with athletic association rules by permitting compliance with both state law and conference regulations. This becomes effective immediately as it was signed into law by the governor on June 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 168 is a procedural resolution correcting technical errors in House Bill 126. It directs the House enrolling clerk to revise two specific sections of the Education Code within H.B. 126: changing wording to clarify which subsections apply and rewriting a provision about name/image/likeness agreements for student athletes under 17. The bill does not change policy but fixes drafting errors in the original legislation. This resolution was enacted after passing both chambers and being filed with the Secretary of State.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) commending State Representative Tom Craddick and his wife Nadine Craddick for their work supporting physician assistant education in Texas. It recognizes Representative Craddick’s role in securing state funding to expand the Physician Assistant Studies Program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and the program’s 2024 renaming to honor both of them. The resolution formally expresses the Texas House of Representatives’ appreciation for their contributions to health care education. It has no effect on laws or regulations, as it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summarySB 2145 allows advisory bodies of public improvement districts and reinvestment zone boards to hold meetings using telecommunication devices like phone or video calls. Members attending remotely are counted as present for quorum, voting, and participation, as long as at least one member is physically present. The bill requires two-way audio communication, mandates public accessibility at the physical meeting location, and requires stopping meetings if audio connections fail. It amends Texas Local Government Code Section 372.0081 and Tax Code Section 311.0093 to implement these changes, effective September 1, 2025. This directly affects local government bodies managing public improvement districts and reinvestment zones.

Maddy summarySB 1895 designates a specific section of State Highway Loop 88 in Lubbock County (the portion under construction as of September 1, 2025, serving as a Lubbock relief route) as the "First Responders Memorial Loop." This memorial honors first responders (including police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel) and requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers along the designated highway segment. The bill adds this permanent designation to the highway without altering existing traffic laws or infrastructure.

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 4359 requires Texas' Sunset Advisory Commission to annually review two school districts per cycle - specifically the district with the lowest and highest instructional spending per student in a randomly selected education service center region. The commission must examine district operations for inefficient fund use that reduces instructional spending and provide recommendations on governance, management, and compliance by January 1 of each odd-numbered year. This review applies to school districts as if they were state agencies, but the bill explicitly prohibits the commission from abolishing any district. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects school districts selected through this spending-based process.

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 30 modifies how Texas local taxing units (like counties and cities, excluding school districts) calculate property tax rates after a declared disaster. If a disaster is officially recognized by the governor or president and at least one property owner receives a tax exemption, the taxing unit can use a new "disaster relief rate" calculation. This rate divides the unit's documented disaster costs (for debris removal and essential assistance) by the current taxable property value. The new calculation method applies until either property values exceed their pre-disaster level or three years after the disaster, whichever comes first.

Maddy summaryHCR 7 designates September 29 as "Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Day" in Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This ceremonial resolution recognizes the VFW organization's 125-year history of supporting veterans through advocacy, benefits assistance, and community service. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any individuals or policies. The designation is purely symbolic, aligning with Texas' tradition of honoring veterans' groups.