Rep. Caroline Fairly

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 13) urges federal agencies to take immediate action against the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly threatening Texas livestock. It directly affects Texas ranchers and the state’s $1.8 billion livestock industry, which faces severe economic risk if the pest spreads. The resolution requests specific actions: federal coordination with Mexico to combat the infestation, expedited construction of a screwworm control facility at Moore Air Force Base, and faster approval of medications and pesticides by the USDA, FDA, and EPA. It does not create new law but formally requests federal intervention to prevent widespread livestock losses and economic damage.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a doctor's prescription. It requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order with standardized protocols, patient instructions, and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. Pharmacists acting in good faith under this order are protected from legal liability. The law directly affects licensed pharmacists and patients seeking ivermectin through pharmacy channels.

Maddy summaryHB 4 establishes new congressional district boundaries for Texas' U.S. House elections, effective September 5, 2025. It directly affects Texas voters by determining which geographic areas elect their U.S. representatives in the next election cycle. The bill implements the redistricting plan approved by the Texas Legislature, replacing the previous district map used for congressional elections. This is a procedural change to voting district lines, not a substantive policy.

Maddy summarySB 1, the Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act, requires youth camps (for minors on a day care or boarding basis) to comply with new safety standards. It prohibits issuing or renewing licenses for youth camps operating cabins within floodplains, except when cabins are near still water bodies like lakes or ponds that aren't connected to streams or rivers. The law also mandates annual license renewals for camps that alter boundaries, build new cabins, or renovate existing cabins affecting bed counts or access. Additionally, it creates an online registry of all licensed youth camps for public transparency. These provisions directly affect youth camp operators and the Texas Department of Health and Safety.

Maddy summaryHR 128 amends Texas House rules to impose specific penalties on members who absent themselves without permission to disrupt legislative proceedings. It directly affects House members who deliberately skip sessions to hinder the House's work. Key provisions include a daily fine of $1,500 (three times the standard $500 per diem), reimbursement for sergeant-at-arms costs to secure attendance, loss of committee leadership roles, and potential seniority recalculation for repeated absences. Penalties apply only when absence is proven to impede House business, and members retain constitutional rights to representation.

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 summaryHJR 10 proposes amending the Texas Constitution to change the quorum requirement for the Texas Senate or House of Representatives from two-thirds to a simple majority of members. This would allow legislative business to proceed with fewer members present, directly affecting how both chambers conduct sessions and pass legislation. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in a May 2, 2026, election, with the ballot asking whether "a majority of the members" should constitute a quorum. If passed, this change would alter a core procedural rule governing legislative operations.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 291 requires Texas medical schools to ensure at least 50% of required coursework for medical degrees uses letter grades (A-F) or equivalent tiered systems for assessment. It prohibits medical schools from using standardized test scores as the sole factor in admissions decisions and mandates that schools must notify the legislature and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board before revising admission or academic standards. The bill also explicitly prohibits medical schools from considering race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in admissions or employment decisions. These provisions apply to all medical schools in Texas offering medical degrees or certificates.