Rep. Caroline Harris Davila

Maddy summarySB 1119 creates a new legal framework limiting liability for water park operators in Texas. It states that water park entities (owners/operators) cannot be held liable for participant injuries if they post a specific warning sign at the entrance, as required by the bill. The warning must state that Texas law limits liability for injuries from attendance or participation in water park activities. Exceptions apply for injuries caused by the park's negligence, known dangerous conditions, or intentional harm. This law directly affects water park operators and participants by shifting liability risk when the warning requirement is met.

Maddy summaryHB 3241 expands the authority of specific Texas municipalities to use hotel and convention center tax revenue for related projects. It applies to cities meeting defined population and geographic criteria, such as those with populations over 95,000 in certain counties or bordering landmarks like Lake Lewisville. The bill allows these qualifying cities to pledge existing hotel/convention tax revenue to fund project-related obligations, without creating new taxes. This policy change directly affects eligible municipalities by providing a clearer legal pathway to finance convention facilities and hotel developments.

Maddy summaryHB 4098 allows specific Texas municipalities to use hotel and convention center tax revenue for related projects. It expands eligibility to 16 defined city types based on population thresholds (e.g., cities over 95,000 residents) or geographic criteria (e.g., bordering Lake Lewisville or containing specific landmarks like the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame). The bill amends tax code provisions to permit these cities to pledge existing hotel/convention tax revenue to cover construction costs and project-related debt. This policy change directly affects qualifying cities seeking to finance convention facilities or hotel developments using dedicated tax streams.

Maddy summarySB 1998 establishes a statewide pediatric subspecialty preceptorship program for medical students in Texas. The program, administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, connects students interested in pediatric subspecialties (like pediatric cardiology or oncology) with training opportunities through eligible organizations - such as tax-exempt nonprofits or accredited Texas medical schools. To participate, students must indicate a career interest in a pediatric subspecialty, and the program begins for the 2025-2026 academic year. This bill directly affects medical students at Texas medical schools pursuing specialized pediatric careers, creating a structured pathway to gain clinical experience in high-demand pediatric fields.

Maddy summarySB 530 limits how many credit hours Texas public colleges and universities can require students to complete for associate and bachelor's degrees beyond the minimum set by their institution's accrediting agency. It ensures students transferring between public institutions receive credit for completed courses in similar programs, unless required by their accrediting agency. The bill also requires universities to maintain accreditation by a recognized agency to operate as general academic institutions. These changes apply to all public higher education institutions in Texas and take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHCR 109 is a concurrent resolution authorizing the State Preservation Board to approve constructing a replica of the National Life Monument at the Texas State Capitol Complex. The resolution specifies the monument must be placed outside historic Capitol grounds, comply with existing laws (including private funding and size limitations), and follow board procedures. It directly affects the State Preservation Board’s approval process and the public, who would gain access to the monument. As a procedural resolution (not a bill), it does not create new laws but facilitates a specific monument installation.

Maddy summaryHB 4234 requires Texas public colleges and universities to add the average or median grade for each class directly next to a student's individual grade on their transcript. It applies to letter-graded classes with more than 10 students, excluding pass/fail courses and very small classes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will create rules to implement this transparency requirement, effective starting the 2025 fall semester. The bill aims to provide students with clear data on how their grades compare to class performance.

Maddy summaryHB 2638 designates Farm-to-Market Road 10 in Panola County as the "Deputy Sheriff Chris Dickerson Memorial Highway" under Texas Transportation Code. The bill requires the state transportation department to install markers at both ends of the road and at appropriate intermediate locations along its route. This commemorative designation, honoring a specific deputy sheriff, does not alter road maintenance or create new transportation policies. It is a standard memorial road designation with no other substantive provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary sales tax exemption for clothing and footwear priced under $100 during a specific three-day window each year. The exemption applies only to purchases made from 12:01 a.m. Friday before the first Saturday following July 30 until 12 midnight Sunday. It directly affects Texas residents buying qualifying items for school during this period, as the timing aligns with the start of the school year. The exemption is not permanent and takes effect September 1, 2025.