Rep. Charles Cunningham

Maddy summaryHB 1089 creates a dedicated "Gulf Coast Protection Account" within the state's general revenue fund, managed by Texas' General Land Office. The account is funded by gifts, donations, grants, and legislative appropriations. Money from this account can only be spent on projects to fulfill federal project requirements under the 2021 Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Study, comply with local Gulf Coast Protection District agreements, or fund specific coastal protection projects along the Texas Gulf Coast. The bill explicitly states these expenditures serve a public purpose and are subject to state audit.

Maddy summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

Maddy summaryHB 3096 designates March 17 as "Profound Autism Awareness Day" in Texas to highlight the needs of individuals with profound autism. The bill specifically recognizes that people with profound autism often require lifelong care, face severe communication challenges, and are frequently excluded from support programs. It encourages state agencies and communities to observe the day through ceremonies and resource-sharing, without creating new programs or funding. The law took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 50 requires healthcare providers to obtain patient consent before conducting blood screening tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and to inform patients they can opt out of the test. If a screening test is positive, providers must offer information about available healthcare, prevention, and support services. The bill applies to all medical screenings for STDs in Texas and takes effect January 1, 2026, after the Health and Human Services Commission adopts implementing rules. It does not change existing testing protocols but adds a consent requirement and post-positive support obligation for providers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally commends Camille McWhorter for her work as a legislative intern in State Representative Terri Leo Wilson's office during the 89th Texas Legislative Session. It recognizes her academic achievements (including honors college status and law/policy studies), community service, and dedication to public service. The resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of her contributions and includes a copy to be presented to her as a gesture of respect from the Texas House of Representatives. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create any policy or legal changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) commending Cullen Watkins for his work as a legislative intern in State Representative Charles Cunningham's office during Texas' 89th Legislative Session. It recognizes Watkins' contributions through the University of Houston Hobby Fellows program, his academic background in public policy, and his prior internship with the Houston Mayor's Office. The resolution formally expresses the Texas House of Representatives' appreciation and extends best wishes for his future. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a formal expression of recognition.

Maddy summarySB 2722 restricts how large Texas counties (population 4 million+) can use revenue from tolls and charges on toll projects. It requires counties to spend toll revenue only on operating, maintaining, or retiring debt for toll systems, then mandates that leftover funds be distributed: 30% to municipalities with significant toll lanes for emergency services, and 70% to county roads with specific allocation rules. The bill also authorizes administrative penalties (100-110% of misused funds) for violations and bars counties that violate the law twice from increasing property tax rates above their no-new-revenue limit the following year. This directly affects counties like Harris (Houston) and their municipalities, ensuring toll revenue funds transportation infrastructure rather than general budgets.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summarySB 1316 prohibits e-cigarette advertising on signs located within 1,000 feet of schools or churches in Texas. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code to require this distance, measured from the nearest property line of the institution to the sign. It includes an exception for signs already advertising e-cigarettes within 500-1,000 feet of such institutions before September 1, 1997. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting businesses that advertise e-cigarettes near schools or churches.