Rep. Richard Raymond

Maddy summaryHB 5 allocates $324 million in supplemental funds from Texas' economic stabilization fund for disaster relief and preparedness. It provides $200 million to match federal disaster aid and support state disaster funds, $50 million for flood warning systems and equipment in 27 counties affected by a July 2025 flood declaration, and $24 million to improve weather forecasting and flood management in the Texas Hill Country. An additional $50 million is contingent on passing related legislation about emergency communication systems. The bill directly affects local governments in designated counties and state agencies managing disaster response.

Maddy summaryHB 226 requires youth camp operators in Texas to provide each camper with an active radio frequency identification (RFID) tag capable of tracking location if a camper goes missing or during severe weather/disasters. The bill directly affects youth camp operators and requires them to obtain written consent from a camper’s parent or legal guardian before issuing a tag. Key provisions include mandating the tags for emergency location tracking, prohibiting their use without parental consent, and directing the health commissioner to adopt implementing rules. The bill does not require ongoing tracking but only activates the tag during specific emergency scenarios.

Maddy summaryHCR 9 is a commemorative resolution calling for a monument in the Texas State Cemetery to honor the over 100 people who died in the July 4, 2025, Hill Country flood. It specifically recognizes the tragedy at Camp Mystic (including children as young as eight) and the flood's causes, such as extreme rainfall overwhelming drought-parched terrain. The resolution directs the Texas secretary of state to forward copies to the Texas State Cemetery Committee and State Preservation Board but does not allocate funds or create binding requirements. This is a non-binding memorial gesture, not a policy change affecting legislation or government operations.

Maddy summaryHB 207 amends Texas law to include specific federal judges in the definition of individuals eligible for a handgun license. It expands the definition of "federal judge" to cover judges of U.S. courts of appeals, district courts, bankruptcy courts, magistrate judges, and immigration courts. The bill does not create new licenses but changes the eligibility criteria in the existing law. This change applies only to license applications submitted on or after the law's effective date (91 days after the legislative session), leaving prior applications governed by older rules.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 10) urges the U.S. Congress to propose a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget. It does not create new law but expresses Texas's support for a constitutional change that would prevent federal deficit spending by mandating that annual government spending not exceed revenue. The resolution directs Texas officials to send copies to Congress and request its inclusion in the Congressional Record as a formal request. This is a symbolic action with no legal effect on federal budgeting.

Maddy summaryHB 235 exempts sales and use taxes on taxable items purchased by Texas veterans with a 100% disability rating (defined as "totally disabled veterans" under state law). It allows up to $25,000 in annual purchases to be tax-free when buyers complete and present a certificate form developed by the comptroller. The exemption requires the form to be submitted at the time of purchase and applies only to the first $25,000 spent yearly by qualified veterans or their authorized representatives. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, with the exemption form to be posted online by December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 63 requires campgrounds located in flood-prone areas (floodways) to obtain prior approval from Texas' Division of Emergency Management before constructing or expanding. Campground owners must submit detailed plans demonstrating how structures prevent flooding, allow safe evacuation, and provide emergency access routes. The bill authorizes administrative fines for non-compliance and permits individuals to sue if campgrounds violate the rules. This applies only to new construction or expansions beginning March 1, 2026, affecting private campground operators in designated flood zones.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Governor Greg Abbott to return federal reconciliation funds to Texas taxpayers by implementing property tax relief. The Texas House of Representatives passed this non-binding resolution to formally request the Governor use the funds for property tax cuts, directing the chief clerk to forward a copy to the Governor's office. It does not require legal action or change existing tax policy, as resolutions like this serve only as a formal expression of legislative opinion.

Maddy summaryHB 274 establishes a framework for Texas to join an interstate compact focused on animal health initiatives with other states. The bill authorizes the governor to develop and execute this compact, enabling states to share resources like research facilities, surveillance systems, and personnel to address animal health outbreaks affecting livestock, wildlife, and other animals. Key provisions include joint planning for disease response, mutual support for infrastructure/equipment, and allowing fund transfers between states for research and response activities. The compact does not require congressional approval or increase states' political power relative to the federal government. This legislation creates a mechanism for future cooperation but does not mandate specific actions or funding.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 11) urges the federal government to take immediate action to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm - a parasitic fly that infests livestock - into Texas. It directly affects Texas ranchers, the state’s $1.8 billion livestock industry, and the broader national food supply chain, as an outbreak could cause widespread animal deaths and economic damage. The resolution requests federal agencies to: collaborate with Mexico on control plans, fund a Texas-based screwworm control facility, approve treatments for infected animals, and approve pesticides for prevention. It does not create new laws but formally asks Congress and federal agencies to act, citing the parasite’s proximity to Texas (370 miles from the border as of July 2025).