Rep. Wes Virdell

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Texas Flood Recovery, Reimbursement, and Reconstruction Program to provide financial assistance to residents impacted by the July 2025 Hill Country floods. It authorizes reimbursement for property losses and offers incentives for rebuilding above flood levels or in safer locations to reduce future risks. The Texas Division of Emergency Management will administer the program, requiring online applications with verified insurance claim denials (within 15 days) and application decisions within 30 days, plus annual audits of 15% of awarded funds. The program expires September 1, 2035, unless renewed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHR 46 is a resolution honoring first responders who aided communities impacted by the July 2025 Texas Hill Country floods, which caused 135 deaths - the sixth-deadliest freshwater flood in U.S. history. It specifically recognizes local agencies (like Kerr County Sheriff's Office and Marble Falls Fire Department), state and federal teams (including Texas A&M task forces, U.S. Coast Guard, and FEMA), and interstate/international assistance (e.g., Colorado Task Force 1, Czech Republic team). The resolution formally acknowledges their efforts in search and rescue, medical response, and recovery operations during the disaster. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new policy or affect any laws.

Maddy summaryHB 218 modifies Texas groundwater permit rules for large transfers outside a conservation district's boundaries. It requires districts to obtain approval from at least two-thirds of other districts in the management area (with each district voting by majority) before issuing permits for wells producing 25,000+ gallons of groundwater daily outside their boundaries. The bill also clarifies that transfers for potable water supply within a utility's service area (if part is inside the district) and emergency interconnects between utilities are not considered "outside" transfers. These changes apply only to permits issued after the bill's effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryHB 215 modifies Texas law to limit landowner liability for groundwater use. It specifically protects landowners (including lessees, heirs, and assigns) who pump 25,000+ gallons of groundwater daily for beneficial use, stating they cannot be sued for interference unless their pumping: (1) lowers water tables harming neighboring land, or (2) unreasonably harms watercourses/lakes. The bill applies only to lawsuits filed after its effective date. This change directly affects large-scale groundwater users, such as agricultural or industrial operations, by reducing legal risks for routine use.

Maddy summaryHB 217 creates legal immunity for groundwater conservation districts in Texas when they restrict well production. The bill states that districts cannot be held liable for damages resulting from actions like enforcing water rules, issuing permits, or limiting well output. This applies specifically to cases where the legal claim arises after the bill becomes effective. The law directly affects groundwater districts (which manage local water resources) and well owners who might otherwise sue over production restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 216 would require Texas groundwater conservation districts to limit new permits so that no single applicant can produce and transfer out more than 5% of the district's modeled available groundwater across all permits issued to them. This directly affects groundwater conservation districts when reviewing permit applications and applicants seeking new groundwater rights for production and transfer. The key provision mandates districts to calculate this 5% cap based on the district's modeled available groundwater, as determined by the executive administrator. The bill applies only to permits issued on or after its effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryHB 206 requires Texas state agencies purchasing goods or services for disaster areas to give preference to bidders with their principal business located in the specific political subdivision (e.g., city, county) where the disaster relief is needed. This applies to areas declared disaster zones by the governor under Texas law or the federal Stafford Act, starting on the declaration date and lasting one year. The law only affects new contracts where the request for proposals is issued after the bill’s effective date, and state agencies must adopt implementing rules. It directly impacts state procurement decisions and local businesses seeking disaster-related contracts in affected communities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the Czech urban search-and-rescue team for assisting during the July 4, 2025, Hill Country flood in Texas. It directly recognizes 16 Czech firefighters and four search dogs who supported Texas National Guard efforts after the flood claimed over 100 lives. The resolution expresses the Texas House’s gratitude through an official resolution and a copy for the team, acknowledging their work under the U.S.-Czech National Guard partnership program. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Fundación 911's search and rescue team from Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, for assisting during the July 4, 2025, Hill Country flood in Texas. The team, consisting of 13 firefighters and K-9 handlers, provided critical support including water searches, debris removal, and cadaver detection across over 100 river miles. The resolution formally recognizes their service, which helped local responders and supported grieving families after the flood claimed over 100 lives. It directs the Texas House to present an official copy of the resolution to the team as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the victims of the July 2025 Hill Country floods, which claimed over 135 lives - including many children - and caused widespread devastation in Kerr County and surrounding areas. It formally honors those who perished and offers condolences to their families and communities. The bill contains no policy changes, funding provisions, or actionable measures; it is purely a commemorative gesture by the Texas Legislature. As a concurrent resolution, it does not affect any laws or regulations.