Rep. Charles Cunningham

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill (HB 4901) requires app stores (like Apple App Store or Google Play) operating in Texas to verify users' ages and categorize them into four groups: child (<13), younger teen (13-15), older teen (16-17), and adult (18+). For minors (under 18), it mandates parental consent by linking accounts to a parent or guardian aged 18 or older. App stores must use reasonable methods to confirm age during account creation. The law directly affects app platforms and users under 18 in Texas, with no voting record available as the bill remains pending in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2297 requires toll road operators in Texas to stop collecting tolls on any toll project located within an area under an active evacuation order issued under Texas Government Code Section 418.108. This policy directly affects toll project entities (like toll road operators) and travelers using those roads during emergencies. The bill creates a clear, automatic suspension: tolls cannot be charged for any toll road in the designated evacuation zone while the order is active. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies to all toll projects covered by evacuation orders.

Maddy summaryThe context provided does not include the actual text or provisions of HB 259. The bill description states "This version is not currently available, but is coming soon. In the meantime, please see the PDF for the content of this bill," and no substantive details about the bill's provisions, affected parties, or mechanisms are included in the provided text. Without access to the bill's content, a factual summary cannot be generated. The available information only notes the bill's title, committee referral, and recent procedural actions.

Maddy summaryHB 4660 establishes that space flight activities in Texas fall under both federal and state jurisdiction, prohibiting counties, municipalities, or other local entities from banning or regulating these activities (except as specified in Section 61.132 of the Natural Resources Code). The bill specifically applies to counties bordering the Gulf of Mexico with FAA-approved spaceports and smaller municipalities (under 150,000 population) that have beach access plans. It requires advance notice to local governments for launch dates between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (to the municipality) or 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. (to the commissioners court), and allows temporary beach closures near launch sites for public safety during those dates. The bill does not create new regulations but clarifies local governments' limited authority over space flight activities near coastal areas.

Maddy summaryHB 2561 establishes rules for where municipal utility district boards must hold meetings. It requires boards to designate one or more meeting places within their district, though private residences or offices may be used if declared public and open to attendees. The bill allows meetings outside the district only if no suitable location exists inside (with the site near district boundaries and, if within a city, within municipal limits), and mandates written notice to the commission and public publication in a local newspaper. This directly affects municipal utility district boards across Texas, changing how they schedule and publicize meetings.

Maddy summaryHB 2068 amends the governance structure of the Harris County Flood Control District, clarifying its boundaries and establishing a process for adjacent counties to join the district. The bill specifies that the district’s territory matches Harris County’s boundaries unless modified by specific laws, and adds a new section (Sec. 1C) allowing neighboring counties to petition to join the district via their commissioners court resolution. The district’s governing body, the Harris County Commissioners Court, would approve such petitions after a hearing if the addition benefits the district. This bill directly affects Harris County’s flood management operations and potentially adjacent counties seeking to participate in regional flood control efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 8 reduces the maximum tax rate school districts can collect for the 2025-2026 school year by $0.0331, calculated using a new method in Section 48.2554 of the Education Code. It directly affects all Texas public school districts by adjusting how their maximum tax rates are determined, ensuring rates don’t drop below 90% of neighboring districts’ rates. The bill updates references to "maximum compressed tax rate" in multiple education funding laws to reflect this change and expires on September 1, 2027. It takes effect September 1, 2025, with no additional funding or program changes beyond the tax rate adjustment.

Maddy summaryHB 5264 establishes the Historic Texas Cemeteries Designation Program to formally recognize cemeteries with historical significance. Cemeteries must be at least 50 years old (or exceptionally significant) and submit an application with proof of existence to qualify. If approved, the commission notifies cemetery owners and adjacent property owners, and the cemetery receives a declaration to file with the county clerk to officially join the program. Approved cemeteries may also purchase an Official Texas Historical Marker to display their designation.

Maddy summaryHB 5133 updates Texas licensing rules for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts by specifying which national certification bodies qualify for state recognition. It amends the Occupations Code to define "certifying entity" as organizations accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or ANSI, such as the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. This affects licensed professionals in Texas who must use these approved credentials to maintain or obtain their licenses. The bill establishes clear standards for credential recognition but does not create new licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5110 requires Texas public school districts to adopt policies ensuring classroom doors remain locked when students are present, while also mandating that these doors allow immediate exit without unlocking. Specifically, doors must stay locked during class but include mechanisms for free egress (immediate exit without unlocking), with exterior doors required to stay closed and locked at all times. The bill applies to all public school instructional facilities starting the 2025-2026 school year. It directly affects school districts, facility managers, and safety protocols in Texas public schools.