Rep. Charles Cunningham

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 875 prohibits school board members, superintendents, and campus administrators in Texas independent school districts from using district resources - like email, phones, or mailing lists - for political campaigning. It also bans political signs on school campuses for more than 48 hours outside early voting periods or election day. Violations are classified as Class A misdemeanors for board members/superintendents and Class B misdemeanors for campus administrators. The law directly affects school district officials and campus operations, aiming to keep educational facilities neutral during elections.

Maddy summaryHB 23 allows applicants for property development permits and landowners to hire qualified third parties to review plans or inspect improvements if local government agencies miss 15-day deadlines for approvals or inspections. It requires these third parties to be licensed engineers, International Code Council-certified inspectors, or employees of other government agencies approved for the role. The bill mandates that third-party reviews and inspections follow the same standards as the local agency and must be reported to the agency within 15 days of completion. This directly affects developers, property owners, and local government agencies handling land development approvals in Texas.

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 summarySB 586 creates a program to recognize historic Texas cemeteries that are at least 50 years old (or exceptionally significant). It requires cemetery owners or applicants to submit applications proving the cemetery's existence, then notifies adjacent landowners and county historical commissions. If approved, the cemetery receives a declaration to file with the county clerk and may display an Official Texas Historical Marker, for which a fee is authorized. The program aims to alert the public and nearby landowners about historic cemeteries' existence without imposing new regulations on property use.

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 summarySB 464 prohibits retail stores selling cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, or tobacco products from operating within 1,000 feet of any public or private primary or secondary school. This law directly affects retailers near schools, creating a Class A misdemeanor offense for violations. The bill defines "vaping apparatus" broadly to include devices, their components, and related liquids, regardless of nicotine content. It explicitly states local governments may still enforce stricter rules, but this state law sets the baseline requirement.

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas property appraisers to automatically grant property tax exemptions for land used in human burials under specific conditions. It directly affects owners of burial property who did not submit exemption applications, shifting responsibility from owners to appraisers. The key mechanism mandates that exemptions apply if the appraiser identifies the property through inspection (meeting Section 11.17 criteria), no application was filed, and the owner cannot be identified. This change takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill), commending Lauren Wilson for her work as a legislative aide in State Representative Charles Cunningham's office during the 89th Texas Legislative Session. It recognizes her duties - including legislative research, constituent correspondence, and meetings - and highlights her academic achievements as a UT Austin government major. The resolution formally expresses the Texas House's appreciation and will provide Wilson with an official copy. It has no policy impact or legal effect.