Rep. Jay Dean

Maddy summaryHB 22 authorizes Texas' comptroller to fund the deployment and operation of emergency communication systems, directly affecting local emergency services and communities. The bill specifies that funds can cover equipment, operations, and administration for early warning systems that notify residents about natural disasters and other emergencies, as well as interoperable communication equipment that allows different emergency response systems to work together. It also allows funding for 9-1-1 services, next-generation 9-1-1 infrastructure, and broadband programs supporting emergency connectivity. The bill does not change existing broadband funding rules but explicitly adds emergency communication systems as a qualifying use for state funds.

Maddy summarySB 5 allocates over $290 million from Texas' economic stabilization fund to support disaster response and preparedness following a July 2025 flood declaration. It provides $200 million for FEMA matching funds and statewide disaster needs, $50 million for flood warning systems in 30 specific counties affected by the July flood, $24 million to improve weather forecasting accuracy, and $20 million for a swift water training facility for first responders. The funding targets local governments, emergency services, and meteorological systems to address immediate flood recovery and enhance future disaster management. The bill became effective immediately after the governor signed it on September 18, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 20, the Disaster Scam Response Act, creates a voluntary program to help Texans identify legitimate charities during disasters by allowing local governments to recommend specific nonprofits or financial institutions for designation by the Secretary of State. This designation helps residents easily find trustworthy groups to donate to for disaster relief in their area during declared emergencies. The law also establishes a new criminal offense for fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters and increases penalties for such crimes. It directly affects local governments, nonprofits, financial institutions, and individuals engaging in fraudulent donation schemes during declared disasters.

Maddy summaryHB 26 allows sheriffs and constables in Texas counties with over 3.3 million residents (like Harris or Dallas) to directly contract with local governments, property owners' associations, or landowners to provide law enforcement services. The bill specifically permits these contracts for services in areas managed by those entities or owned by landowners, covering residents and visitors in those zones. Crucially, it prohibits county commissioners courts from blocking or restricting these contracts - sheriffs and constables can set contract terms without court approval. This changes how law enforcement services are funded and delivered in high-population counties by shifting decision-making authority from commissioners courts to law enforcement officials.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 13) urges federal agencies to take immediate action against the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly threatening Texas livestock. It directly affects Texas ranchers and the state’s $1.8 billion livestock industry, which faces severe economic risk if the pest spreads. The resolution requests specific actions: federal coordination with Mexico to combat the infestation, expedited construction of a screwworm control facility at Moore Air Force Base, and faster approval of medications and pesticides by the USDA, FDA, and EPA. It does not create new law but formally requests federal intervention to prevent widespread livestock losses and economic damage.

Maddy summaryHB 16 reconfigures several Texas judicial districts, renaming the 522nd District to the "Second 25th" and adjusting boundaries for districts in Gonzales, Guadalupe, Lavaca, and Hays counties. It establishes concurrent jurisdiction in Callahan County between the 42nd District Court and county court for criminal matters, allowing cases to be filed or transferred between them. The bill also directs the 173rd District Court (Henderson County) to prioritize civil and family law cases, and the 392nd District Court to prioritize criminal cases. Additionally, it modifies court clerk responsibilities and authorizes certain fees, though specific fee structures are not detailed in the provided text. The changes take effect between 2026 and 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a doctor's prescription. It requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order with standardized protocols, patient instructions, and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. Pharmacists acting in good faith under this order are protected from legal liability. The law directly affects licensed pharmacists and patients seeking ivermectin through pharmacy channels.

Maddy summaryHB 4 establishes new congressional district boundaries for Texas' U.S. House elections, effective September 5, 2025. It directly affects Texas voters by determining which geographic areas elect their U.S. representatives in the next election cycle. The bill implements the redistricting plan approved by the Texas Legislature, replacing the previous district map used for congressional elections. This is a procedural change to voting district lines, not a substantive policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1, the Youth CAMPER Act, requires youth camp operators to submit updated plans when altering camp boundaries, building new cabins, or renovating existing cabins that change bed counts or access points. It also mandates the state health department to establish minimum staff-to-camper ratios for overnight stays at youth camps. The bill authorizes penalties for noncompliance but does not specify penalty amounts in the provided text. This law directly affects licensed youth camps operating on a boarding or overnight basis in Texas, focusing on physical safety planning and staffing standards.

Maddy summaryHB 27 requires the Texas Water Development Board to study groundwater sustainability in the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District. The study must determine the maximum annual groundwater production without harming the aquifer's modeled available water and assess impacts on local water flows. The bill imposes a temporary moratorium on new permits or permit amendments for groundwater transfer out of the district until the study report is submitted by January 12, 2027. This moratorium applies only to the Neches and Trinity Valleys District and expires on September 1, 2027. The bill directly affects groundwater permit applicants and the district's permitting authority.