Rep. Carl Tepper

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 summaryHB 5092 amends Texas law to clarify the purpose and operations of the Lubbock Reese Redevelopment Authority, which manages redevelopment of the former Reese Air Force Base property. The bill specifically authorizes the authority to develop projects related to national security and critical infrastructure research conducted in collaboration with Texas Tech University, including infrastructure like roads, utilities, and research facilities. It defines key terms like "national security-related technology" to include research funded by the Department of Defense or similar agencies. The authority must dissolve after completing its projects, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025. This bill directly affects the redevelopment authority, Texas Tech University, and property at Reese Air Force Base.

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 summaryHCR 40 is a Texas legislative resolution urging Congress to reimburse the state for border security costs incurred under Operation Lone Star. It states Texas has spent billions since 2021 on this initiative - including surveillance, law enforcement support, and managing migration - resulting in over 516,000 apprehensions and 45,300 arrests. The resolution formally requests Congress assume responsibility for border security costs, directing Texas officials to send copies to the U.S. President and congressional leaders. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create law but serves as a formal request to federal lawmakers.

Maddy summarySB 455 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (for risks wholly located in Texas) include arbitration agreements conducted in Texas under Texas law, unless both insurer and policyholder agree to change the venue after the insurer provides written notice and a premium credit for added costs. This applies to new or renewed contracts on or after January 1, 2026, affecting insurers and policyholders purchasing specialized insurance for high-risk properties in Texas. The bill ensures arbitration venues and legal interpretations remain tied to Texas, preventing out-of-state arbitration without financial compensation to policyholders. It becomes effective September 1, 2025, but the new rules apply to contracts delivered after 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1927 would have amended Texas law to prevent municipalities from banning the removal of Ashe juniper trees on residential properties or charging fees for such removals, except in specific areas. The exception applies to regions within 15 miles of active military bases (as defined in state law) and in counties with populations exceeding 2 million. This bill directly affects homeowners in those designated areas who might otherwise face restrictions on removing Ashe juniper trees. The bill was reported adversely by the Senate Local Government Committee on April 14, 2025, and did not advance further.

Maddy summarySB 2188 requires spaceflight operators in specific Texas counties (bordering the Gulf of Mexico with FAA-approved spaceports) and small municipalities (under 150,000 population) to submit proposed launch dates to local officials. It allows county commissioners courts or municipal governing bodies to temporarily close beaches near launch sites during designated times - Monday 8 a.m. to Friday 12 p.m., or Friday 12 p.m. to Monday 8 a.m. - to protect public safety. The bill directly affects spaceport operators and coastal communities with approved launch facilities, while prohibiting local governments from banning spaceflight activities outside these specific closure procedures. It clarifies that spaceflight regulation falls under federal and state jurisdiction, not local ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals to submit proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must provide a copy of specific documents, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate, with their voter registration application. If initial proof is not provided, voter registrars must attempt to verify citizenship using various databases. If citizenship cannot be verified or proof is not ultimately provided, the applicant will only be eligible to vote a limited federal ballot. The bill also creates a state jail felony offense for registrars who knowingly fail to reject applications that do not meet these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution congratulating Lubbock Fire Rescue Captain Chris Kemp on his retirement after 25+ years of service. It recognizes his career progression (from equipment operator to captain), family firefighting legacy, and community work with the COATS4KIDS initiative delivering winter jackets to children. The resolution directs the Texas House of Representatives to provide Kemp with an official copy as a token of appreciation, with no policy changes or direct effects on legislation or constituents. It is purely symbolic, with no legislative impact.

Maddy summarySB 1855 requires developers to attach a certification to land subdivision plans (plats) for properties relying on groundwater beneath the land. This certification must be prepared by a licensed Texas engineer or geoscientist and confirm adequate groundwater availability, following rules set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Municipalities and county commissioners courts must disapprove any plat lacking this certification. The bill directly affects subdivision developers, local governments reviewing land divisions, and the TCEQ, which establishes the standards for acceptable groundwater evidence.