Rep. Sheryl Cole

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution designates May 8 as "Vaccination Day" in Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It recognizes May 8 as the anniversary of the 1980 declaration that the world was free of smallpox, highlighting the importance of immunization. The resolution serves as a ceremonial observance to honor vaccine history and public health achievements, with no direct policy or funding changes. It does not affect specific individuals or groups but encourages public awareness of vaccination's role in health.

Maddy summaryHB 1432 prevents homeowner associations (HOAs) from banning or restricting specific water- and eco-friendly landscaping practices in their rules. It directly affects HOAs and homeowners by prohibiting restrictions on composting vegetation, installing rain barrels or rainwater systems, using efficient drip irrigation, and choosing drought-resistant or water-conserving turf instead of traditional grass. The bill allows HOAs to still regulate details like composting device placement, rain barrel color, or gravel use, but not the core conservation practices themselves. This changes how HOAs can enforce landscaping rules to support water conservation.

Maddy summaryHB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia and related disorders. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and other eligible organizations for research into dementia causes, prevention strategies, treatments, and symptom mitigation. It establishes oversight committees to manage grants, ensure compliance, and requires annual public reports detailing funded projects and recipients. The institute is set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless extended under Texas Sunset Act procedures.

Maddy summaryHJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. The bill would transfer $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026, for research, prevention, and treatment of dementia and related disorders. The institute would award grants to Texas research institutions, medical facilities, and collaboratives to develop treatments, prevention programs, and address access to care. This initiative directly affects Texans living with dementia and their families, as well as researchers and healthcare providers in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1102 allows Texas state building commissions to hold dedication ceremonies for new state buildings and use up to $20,000 in appropriated funds for non-alcoholic food, decorations, and ceremony items - items typically prohibited under other rules. The bill explicitly prohibits purchasing alcoholic beverages for these events and permits commissions to accept donations for ceremony costs. It directly affects state building commissions managing new public facilities. This procedural bill focuses solely on ceremony logistics, not substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1103 requires Texas public universities to implement policies for opioid antagonist availability (like naloxone) in student residence halls. It mandates that all resident advisors be trained to administer these drugs during suspected opioid overdoses and that institutions store the antagonists securely but accessibly. The bill also requires universities to include these policies in student handbooks and websites, with specific training requirements and inventory checks established by state education and health boards. This directly affects public university campuses, resident advisors, and students living in on-campus housing.

Maddy summaryHB 1104 creates a housing voucher program for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in Texas counties with populations between 1 million and 1.5 million. The bill amends the Government Code to establish this program, requiring the Texas Housing Corporation to administer it using available resources. Key provisions include the corporation’s board setting eligibility rules, determining voucher amounts, and establishing program requirements - such as income criteria or residency needs - based on state law definitions of EMS personnel. The program will begin on September 1, 2025, and may accept private gifts or grants to fund operations, but does not specify state appropriations.

Maddy summaryHB 1100 allows tenants to submit written repair or remedy notices to landlords via an online apartment portal, if the landlord maintains such a portal and rent is paid through it. This applies only to new or renewed leases entered into on or after September 1, 2025. The bill modifies Texas Property Code Section 92.052(d) to permit this digital notice method as an alternative to traditional written notice, while still requiring written notice if the lease specifically demands it. Landlords must maintain the portal for this option to be available, and the change does not affect existing lease agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 1099 would require landlords in Texas to provide and maintain a working air conditioning system in apartment units that keeps indoor temperatures at or below 85°F, or 10°F below the outdoor temperature - whichever is lower. The bill explicitly states landlords cannot waive this duty, and it adds failure to provide functional AC to the list of conditions landlords must repair under tenant rights laws. This directly affects all residential landlords renting apartments and their tenants, particularly in hot weather. Tenants could then pursue remedies under existing property code provisions if AC isn’t maintained, similar to other health/safety issues like lack of hot water.

Maddy summaryHB 1101 extends the deadline for adding newborns to employer health insurance plans from 31 days to 60 days after birth. It applies to multiple employer welfare arrangements, small employer health plans, and large employer health benefit plans. The bill requires employers or insurers to receive notice of the birth and any required additional premium by the new 60-day deadline to maintain coverage. This change affects newborns and their parents covered under these employer plans, ensuring coverage continues without interruption if the deadline is met. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, but only applies to health benefit plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.