Rep. Sheryl Cole

Maddy summaryHB 1593 creates an advisory committee to study suicide prevention and peer support programs specifically for fire departments across Texas. The committee, composed of 8 members including firefighters, fire chiefs, and licensed mental health professionals, will examine existing programs, licensing requirements, and confidentiality issues. It must submit a detailed report to the governor and legislature by September 1, 2026, with recommendations on implementing such programs. This bill does not create new programs but directs a formal study to inform future policy decisions affecting Texas fire departments and their personnel.

Maddy summarySB 1080 requires Texas licensing authorities to issue either a full occupational license or a provisional license (valid for six months) to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of certain offenses, instead of automatically denying their applications. The provisional license begins on the date an applicant is released from prison if they were incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This bill directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking occupational licenses (such as for nursing, contracting, or other licensed professions) who meet all other qualification requirements. It aims to reduce barriers to employment by providing a temporary licensing pathway for these applicants.

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 summaryThis bill allows Texas counties to contract with local municipalities or emergency services districts to administer and enforce county fire codes, rather than handling it directly. It directly affects counties, their municipalities, and emergency services districts by changing how fire code enforcement is managed. The key provision requires county fire marshals to delegate enforcement to contracted entities under written agreements, as specified in the bill's amendments to local government code. The changes take effect on September 1, 2025.

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 Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 4) designates Pflugerville as Texas' official "Trail Capital" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It recognizes the city's existing trail network - over 71 miles of public trails, including 56 miles within city limits - with statistics showing Pflugerville has more trails per capita than any other Texas city and 94.8% of residents live within half a mile of a trail. The resolution is purely symbolic and does not create new laws, funding, or obligations; it simply honors Pflugerville's commitment to trail infrastructure under Texas Government Code Section 391.003(e).

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 2415 designates a specific 2.5-mile segment of Farm-to-Market Road 969 in Travis County (between Decker Lane and U.S. Highway 183) as the "Senior Police Officer Lewis 'Andy' Traylor Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the highway and at appropriate intermediate locations along the route. This is a commemorative designation honoring Officer Traylor, with no financial or policy changes to road maintenance or traffic regulations. The law took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 18 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Texas House of Representatives on May 23, 2025, to honor Dr. Charles Eugene Urdy, a late Austin City Council member, educator, and community leader who died on October 16, 2024. The resolution commemorates his life, service - including his 21-year tenure as chair of the Austin Housing Authority and his work as a chemistry professor - and extends sympathy to his family. It formally recognizes his legacy as an educator, civic leader, and the first African American man to chair the Austin Housing Authority board.

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.