Rep. Hillary Hickland

Maddy summaryHB 173 prohibits school districts and school district employees from using public funds for lobbying activities. The bill specifically bans spending public money to hire registered lobbyists, pay nonprofit organizations that hire lobbyists, or use district resources to directly influence legislation. Taxpayers or residents can seek court injunctions to stop violations and recover attorney fees if they win such cases. This law applies to all public fund expenditures made on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 172 requires all commercial campgrounds in Texas (including those with cabins, RV sites, or tent areas) to obtain emergency safety certification from the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Campground operators must develop and submit an approved emergency preparedness plan, which includes equipping each cabin with satellite or radio communication devices for emergencies and posting clear evacuation instructions at cabin entrances. Failure to comply results in a $1,000 civil penalty per violation, with each day of non-compliance counted as a separate offense. The law aims to improve guest safety during emergencies by mandating specific communication and evacuation measures.

Maddy summaryHB 52, titled the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires certain facilities - including restrooms, locker rooms, shelters, correctional facilities, and colleges - to be designated for use based on biological sex (male or female) as defined by reproductive anatomy. The bill authorizes civil penalties for violations and allows private lawsuits to enforce compliance. It specifically applies to "multiple-occupancy private spaces" like shared restrooms and "family violence shelters," but excludes state agencies. The law defines "female" as individuals with a reproductive system for egg production and "male" as those with a system for sperm production.

Maddy summaryHB 167 restricts local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofits that lobby on their behalf. It prohibits spending taxpayer money to contract with registered lobbyists or support organizations representing local governments that employ lobbyists, though exceptions exist for direct communication by government employees or advocacy by elected officials. The bill allows reimbursement for travel expenses related to permitted activities and lets taxpayers sue to stop violations and recover legal fees. It directly affects how local governments allocate public funds for legislative advocacy efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 115 restricts Texas local governments (like cities and counties) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay organizations that hire lobbyists to influence state legislation. The bill specifically prohibits spending public money to contract with registered lobbyists or fund associations primarily representing local governments if those associations employ registered lobbyists, with exceptions for sheriffs' associations and certain staff activities. It allows local government employees to provide information to lawmakers, advocate for policies without registering as lobbyists, and cover direct travel expenses for such activities. Taxpayers or residents can sue to stop prohibited spending and recover legal fees if they win the case. The law aims to prevent public funds from being used to directly lobby the state legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 95 establishes minimum training and certification standards for Emergency Management Coordinators in Texas counties with populations over 500,000. It requires these coordinators, appointed by Emergency Management Directors, to meet qualifications set by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The bill directly affects county emergency management staff in larger jurisdictions who handle disaster response coordination. Key provisions mandate that coordinators' qualifications be defined through division rules, ensuring standardized emergency management capacity across qualifying counties.

Maddy summaryHB 175 amends Texas Family Code to establish that courts must presume ordering retroactive child support from a child's conception date (determined by medical evidence or parental testimony) is reasonable and in the child's best interest. It requires courts to calculate retroactive support beginning at conception and allows additional orders for prenatal/postnatal medical expenses paid by the obligor. The bill applies only to new court orders or paternity acknowledgments issued after the law takes effect (91 days post-session), not past cases. It does not change existing support obligations but sets new standards for future retroactive calculations.

Maddy summaryHB 19 requires all campground operators (both public and private) in Texas to create, annually update, and submit written flood disaster plans to the Texas Division of Emergency Management. These plans must detail safety measures for flood emergencies and be posted at the campground or shared online. Campground entities must also provide copies to staff, campers, and local emergency services. Failure to comply may result in civil penalties enforced by the attorney general. The bill focuses on improving safety preparedness for campers during flood events.

Maddy summaryHB 1 requires justices of the peace in counties without a medical examiner to complete state-developed training on managing mass fatality events within one year of election. The training covers autopsy referrals, body identification, missing persons data collection, and multi-agency coordination during disasters. The bill also authorizes the Texas Division of Emergency Management to access criminal history records for emergency manager license applicants and disaster volunteers, with strict limits on disclosure. These provisions directly affect local justices of the peace and individuals seeking emergency management roles.

Maddy summaryHB 2 creates the Texas Interoperability Council to develop a statewide strategic plan for emergency communication equipment and infrastructure. The council will administer a grant program to help local governments (municipalities, counties, and special districts) purchase interoperable equipment and build communication infrastructure. This ensures first responders can effectively communicate during emergencies by standardizing technology across jurisdictions. The bill establishes the council’s structure, including appointments by state leaders, and exempts it from certain public disclosure laws.