Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins

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 summaryHR 86 is a commemorative resolution honoring the 13 victims of the June 11-12, 2025, catastrophic flooding in San Antonio, Texas. It specifically names the victims - Esther Chung, Derwin Anderson, Martha De La Torre Rangel, Josue Pina De La Torre, Victor Manuel Macias Castro, Rudy Garza, Cristine Gonzalez, Stevie Richards, Andrew Sanchez, Matthew Tufono, Brett Riley, Carlos Valdez III, and Roseann Cobb - and expresses the Texas House of Representatives' condolences to their families. The resolution serves as a symbolic tribute to the victims' lives and the community's response to the tragedy, with no policy changes or funding mechanisms. It was adopted by the Texas House on September 2, 2025, as part of memorial efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a property tax exemption for the increased value of residential homes resulting from energy efficiency upgrades, such as solar panels or improved insulation. It would authorize the legislature to define eligible improvements and set requirements for the exemption. The amendment requires voter approval in the May 2026 election. If passed, it would enable local governments to reduce property tax assessments for homeowners who install qualifying energy-saving features.

Maddy summaryHB 294 creates a property tax exemption for residential homeowners in Texas who install qualifying energy efficiency improvements after January 1, 2027. The exemption applies only to properties built before 2011 and covers the increased tax value resulting from improvements like high-efficiency HVAC systems, insulation, smart thermostats, or solar-ready windows. Homeowners must install these upgrades after 2027 to qualify, and the comptroller will develop guidelines to help local tax officials administer the exemption. This policy directly affects existing residential property owners seeking to reduce long-term tax burdens through energy-efficient home upgrades.

Maddy summaryHB 71 requires youth camps and entities offering high-risk activities for minors (like sports camps or adventure programs) to develop and submit an emergency preparedness plan to the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Operators must post emergency plan details visibly, coordinate with local emergency services, maintain real-time communication capabilities, and ensure clear access routes for responders. This applies to all licensed youth camps under Chapter 141 and "youth activity entities" providing high-risk activities, with plans mandated for license issuance or renewal. The bill establishes these requirements through new sections 141.0052 and 761.002 of the Health and Safety Code.

Maddy summaryHB 62 authorizes the State Preservation Board to use available funds to install signal boosters and communication equipment on Capitol grounds. This improves radio and public safety broadband networks for first responders during natural disasters or emergencies, specifically in areas like elevators, parking garages, the Capitol basement, and Capitol extension. The bill directly affects emergency personnel working on Capitol grounds by enhancing their communication capabilities during critical incidents. It does not change existing laws but enables infrastructure upgrades to support public safety operations.

Maddy summaryHB 58 requires emergency management coordinators and officers in Texas - including state-level officials and local government personnel with emergency management duties - to complete state-mandated training and maintain credentials. The bill mandates the state division to develop training courses covering the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and related topics, and to establish a credentialing system requiring ongoing education. This continuing education must address areas like disaster coordination, legal updates, mass casualty management, and region-specific hazards, and can be delivered online, in person, or via hybrid formats. However, hands-on skills such as evacuation techniques and rescue coordination must be trained in person.

Maddy summaryHB 61 requires Texas to develop a statewide real-time emergency communications platform for use during disasters. It directly affects state agencies (like DPS, Health Services, and Transportation), local governments, first responders, and emergency management entities by mandating their access to this tool. The platform must integrate mapping, alerts, resource tracking, and use plain language while working with existing emergency systems. Agencies must incorporate it into their emergency plans, ensuring all levels of government can communicate efficiently before, during, and after emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 70 establishes a standardized first responder broadband network service for Texas emergency personnel during disasters. It requires the state's Department of Public Safety to select a provider offering statewide coverage - including high-risk disaster areas - and cancel service when employees leave. The bill mandates an annual report detailing costs, service effectiveness during emergencies, provider usage data, and recommendations for improving network reliability. This directly affects all Texas first responders (police, fire, EMS) and state agencies using these networks, with the Department of Public Safety responsible for implementation and oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 65, the Flood Victims Memorial Plaques Act, requires the Texas Historical Commission to install commemorative plaques in each impacted Texas House district honoring victims of the 2025 Hill Country flood. The Commission must coordinate with local governments, property owners, and families to select locations and determine plaque content, which must include the flood dates and may list victim names and ages. The bill takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends, focusing solely on creating permanent memorials without altering policies or funding.