Rep. Stan Kitzman

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 124) is a memorial resolution honoring Virginia Larins Hollis, an 8-year-old girl from Bellville who died in the July 4, 2025, Kerr County flooding. The Texas House of Representatives adopted the resolution to pay tribute to Virginia's life, her family, and her accomplishments, including her piano compositions and involvement in school activities. The resolution extends condolences to her parents, siblings, grandparents, and extended family, and directs that an official copy be provided to her family. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policies.

Maddy summaryHB 265 strengthens Texas youth camp oversight by requiring the health department to review camp safety rules by April 2026, in consultation with a newly structured advisory committee. The committee must include nine members representing emergency management, law enforcement, pediatric care, child psychology, abuse prevention, camp operators, parents, and geographic diversity. The bill mandates camp operators to provide safe facilities and conduct annual criminal background checks on staff, including sex offender database verification. These provisions directly affect youth camp operators, staff, and campers by establishing clearer safety standards and oversight mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 295 changes Texas election rules for voters who move within their county but haven't updated their registration. It allows voters to cast ballots in their current precinct immediately after submitting a statement verifying their new address and meeting residency requirements, instead of waiting 30 days for registration changes to take effect. The bill requires voters to provide the same information needed for initial registration, including their current address and a statement confirming they reside in the precinct. This applies only to address change notices submitted after the bill's effective date. The law affects voters who relocate within their county but haven't updated their registration records.

Maddy summaryHB 308 creates a new criminal offense for trespassing on or near school or day-care center property. It applies to individuals who enter school property or remain within 250 feet of it if their conduct is disruptive, threatening, or harassing to students, staff, or school operations, and they lack a valid reason (like custody) or written permission from the school. The law requires that the person ignores a reasonable request to leave from school staff before being charged. Violating this law is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine. The bill specifically targets disruptive behavior near schools, not general trespassing.

Maddy summaryHB 237 creates a legal framework for Texas to join an interstate compact with other states focused on animal health initiatives. The bill authorizes the governor to develop this compact, enabling participating states to share resources like research centers, surveillance systems, and outbreak response plans for animal diseases. It also permits joint efforts with federal agencies (such as USDA and FDA) and allows states to transfer funds to support coordinated animal health activities, including infrastructure and personnel. The compact does not require congressional approval and explicitly states it will not increase states' political power relative to the federal government.

Maddy summaryHB 238 amends Texas law to strengthen the Texas Animal Health Commission's authority over pest and disease control affecting livestock. It requires county commissioners courts to cooperate with the Commission in protecting animals from diseases or pests, and mandates livestock owners to dispose of diseased animal carcasses using methods approved by the Commission. The bill also establishes confidentiality for biosecurity plans voluntarily provided by animal owners, while allowing limited disclosure to law enforcement and federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These changes directly affect livestock owners, county governments, and the Commission's operational procedures during disease outbreaks.

Maddy summaryHB 253 establishes the Institute for Animal Health Research and Response as a new unit within Texas A&M University. The bill requires the institute to study animal diseases and parasitic insects, analyze genetic profiles of infected animals, and develop prevention strategies, mitigation efforts, and treatments for these issues. It directs the institute to collaborate with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Animal Health Commission. The institute will operate under Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and may conduct research at locations where animal health threats are identified. This bill directly affects Texas A&M University's structure and the state agencies working on animal health protection.

Maddy summaryHB 3 establishes the Texas Interoperability Council to coordinate statewide emergency communication systems, ensuring police, fire, and medical responders can communicate during crises. The bill creates a grant program administered by the council to help local governments (cities, counties, and emergency districts) purchase interoperable radio equipment and build compatible infrastructure. Key provisions require the council to develop a strategic plan for emergency communications and prioritize funding for equipment that works across different agencies. This directly affects local public safety agencies by mandating new communication standards and providing financial support for system upgrades.

Maddy summarySB 2 allows justices of the peace in counties without medical examiners to skip autopsies for deaths caused by natural disasters (like hurricanes or floods), provided they confirm: 1) the death resulted from disaster injuries, 2) no unlawful act caused it, and 3) no family member is seeking an autopsy. It requires the state to create a training program for these justices on managing mass fatality events, including autopsy decisions, body documentation, and coordinating with agencies. The law expires April 1, 2027, and directly affects local officials handling disaster-related deaths in rural counties. The bill does not impose licensing or fees, as implied in its title but not reflected in the actual text.

Maddy summaryHB 298 creates a rule for when Texas state legislators lose their seats due to missing sessions. If a senator or representative misses 14 unexcused floor sessions during a regular legislative session (or 3 during a special session) without majority approval from their chamber, their seat becomes vacant. This applies only to absences occurring after the bill’s effective date and does not affect existing terms. The bill directly affects legislators who fail to attend sessions without valid justification approved by their chamber’s majority.