Rep. Sheryl Cole

Maddy summaryHB 20 establishes Texas' Applied Sciences Pathway program, allowing high school students to earn both diplomas and industry certificates through school-college partnerships. It requires courses in 20 specific high-wage, high-growth fields like plumbing, welding, IT, and oil/gas exploration, with a focus on successful job placement rates. Partnerships must offer non-duplicative, progressive coursework leading to both diplomas and certificates in these sectors. The program begins for the 2027-2028 school year, with industries reviewed every five years to match labor market needs.

Maddy summaryHB 4370 expands the types of projects public improvement districts, municipal management districts, water control districts, fresh water supply districts, and municipal utility districts can fund. It adds specific provisions allowing districts to finance affordable housing development (Section 372.003(b)(15)), geothermal water facility maintenance (Section 372.003(b-2)), and special services like public safety or business recruitment. The bill also clarifies how costs for improvements can be paid, including through combinations of methods for projects benefiting municipalities or approved entities. This policy change directly affects these specialized districts by broadening their authorized project scope under Texas Local Government Code.

Maddy summarySB 896 extends the enrollment period for newborns under employer-sponsored health benefit plans in Texas, changing the deadline from 32 days to 61 days after birth. The bill requires health plans to provide coverage until the 61st day unless the plan receives birth notice and any required additional premium by the 60th day. It prohibits plans from excluding initial newborn coverage before day 61, coverage for congenital defects, or costs for required newborn screening tests. This applies to all health benefit plans offering maternity or accident/health coverage for newborns, directly affecting newborns, their parents, and employer health insurance providers. The law became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 5677 creates the Pura Vida Municipal Management District No. 1 in Mustang Ridge, Texas, to promote economic development, tourism, recreation, and public welfare within its boundaries. The bill grants the district authority to issue bonds for financing projects, impose fees and taxes on properties within the district, and use limited eminent domain to acquire property for district purposes. It explicitly states the district is intended to supplement, not replace, existing city services provided to the area. The district’s creation aligns with Texas Constitution provisions for special districts focused on public purposes like job growth, commerce, and community safety.

Maddy summarySB 840 establishes new rules for zoning certain mixed-use and multifamily residential developments in Texas. It defines "mixed-use residential" as projects with at least 65% residential space and "multifamily residential" as developments with three or more dwelling units. The law applies only to cities over 90,000 population located in counties over 300,000 population, limiting municipal authority to regulate these projects under Chapter 218 of the Local Government Code. It does not affect existing rules for short-term rentals or water quality protections.

Maddy summarySB 31, titled the "Life of the Mother Act," amends Texas Health and Safety Code to create a specific exception allowing abortions when a physician determines in "reasonable medical judgment" that a pregnancy poses a life-threatening risk of death or serious risk of substantial impairment to a major bodily function. It directly affects pregnant individuals with pregnancy-related conditions that threaten life or major bodily function, removing prior requirements that risks be imminent or that physical damage already occur. The law permits physicians to act proactively to address such risks before symptoms manifest, without needing to wait for documented harm. Signed by the governor on June 20, 2025, it became effective immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 107 establishes a statewide sickle cell disease registry under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 52B. It requires hospitals and other treatment facilities to submit patient data to the state health department, creating a centralized database of all sickle cell disease cases in Texas. The registry must include case records and additional relevant information to aid in treatment and research, with strict confidentiality protections for patients under federal privacy laws. The department will analyze the data, publish findings for medical professionals and the public, and submit annual reports to the legislature. This affects all Texas healthcare facilities treating sickle cell disease patients and ensures patient data is securely managed for medical advancement.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 49) is a ceremonial tribute by the Texas House of Representatives honoring Ina Glasberg of Needham, Massachusetts, following her passing on November 19, 2024. It commemorates her life as an elementary school teacher, speech therapist, and community leader who served as the first female president of Temple Beth Shalom and was active in Jewish community organizations. The resolution extends condolences to her family, including her husband, three children, nine grandchildren, and a great-grandchild, and directs that the House adjourn in her memory. As a commemorative resolution with no policy provisions, it does not affect any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 198, known as the Wade Cannon Act, requires Texas cities and counties that employ firefighters to provide free occupational cancer screenings starting in a firefighter's fifth year of service, with annual screenings thereafter. The screenings must include specific tests: urine, pulmonary function, electrocardiogram, infectious disease screening, breast cancer screening, blood tests, and chest x-rays (limited to once every five years). Political subdivisions may exempt themselves if they already offer annual occupational medical exams meeting standards set by the National Fire Protection Association and approved by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. The law takes effect June 1, 2026, directly affecting all Texas firefighters employed by local governments.

Maddy summaryHB 3611 sets fines for unauthorized commercial signs placed on public road right-of-ways in Texas. It directly affects businesses or individuals who place such signs without legal authorization. The bill requires local authorities to issue written notice before imposing a first violation fine of up to $1,000, with penalties increasing to $2,500 for a second violation and $5,000 for third or subsequent violations. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to violations occurring after that date.