Rep. Brooks Landgraf

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.

Maddy summaryHB 20 establishes a voluntary certification program for disaster relief organizations in Texas, allowing the state attorney general to maintain a public registry of certified groups to help donors identify legitimate charities during disasters. The program requires the attorney general to set eligibility rules, application procedures, and processes for renewal or revocation, though organizations may choose not to participate. Additionally, the bill mandates that the attorney general create and share public educational materials on recognizing and avoiding fraudulent charitable solicitations during disaster situations. This directly affects disaster relief organizations (through optional certification) and the public (via the registry and educational resources).

Maddy summaryHB 18 expands the Texas comptroller’s authority to fund emergency communication systems by adding specific provisions to the state’s funding rules. It authorizes state funds to support early warning systems for natural disasters and interoperable emergency radio systems, including their equipment, operations, and administration. This change directly affects local governments and emergency services providers who deploy these systems. The bill modifies existing funding mechanisms under the Government Code to ensure resources are available for these critical communication tools.

Maddy summaryHB 4 establishes new congressional district boundaries for Texas voters to be used in the 2026 U.S. House elections. It adopts the PLANC2308 redistricting plan based on 2020 Census data (TIGER/Line Shapefiles) to define district lines. The bill replaces all prior Texas congressional district maps, including those from 2021, and applies to elections starting with the 120th Congress (2026). This is a procedural redistricting bill directly affecting Texas residents' voting districts for federal elections beginning in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 8 establishes a statewide "instructionally supportive assessment program" for Texas public schools, requiring the Texas Education Agency to create assessments focused on student progress monitoring and essential knowledge. It mandates that school districts provide parents with one-click access to their child's assessment results through a parent portal on the agency's website, including secure, unique access codes. The bill also updates school performance ratings and interventions under the accountability system, while creating a grant program to help districts develop local accountability plans. This directly affects public school students, parents, and school districts by changing how assessment data is shared and used to evaluate school performance.

Maddy summaryHB 274 establishes a framework for Texas to join an interstate compact focused on animal health initiatives with other states. The bill authorizes the governor to develop and execute this compact, enabling states to share resources like research facilities, surveillance systems, and personnel to address animal health outbreaks affecting livestock, wildlife, and other animals. Key provisions include joint planning for disease response, mutual support for infrastructure/equipment, and allowing fund transfers between states for research and response activities. The compact does not require congressional approval or increase states' political power relative to the federal government. This legislation creates a mechanism for future cooperation but does not mandate specific actions or funding.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 11) urges the federal government to take immediate action to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm - a parasitic fly that infests livestock - into Texas. It directly affects Texas ranchers, the state’s $1.8 billion livestock industry, and the broader national food supply chain, as an outbreak could cause widespread animal deaths and economic damage. The resolution requests federal agencies to: collaborate with Mexico on control plans, fund a Texas-based screwworm control facility, approve treatments for infected animals, and approve pesticides for prevention. It does not create new laws but formally asks Congress and federal agencies to act, citing the parasite’s proximity to Texas (370 miles from the border as of July 2025).

Maddy summaryHB 273 creates the Institute for Animal Health Research and Response as a component of Texas A&M University, operating under Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. The institute will partner with Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Texas Animal Health Commission to study animal diseases and parasitic infestations, develop prevention strategies, and create treatments. It may accept grants, hire staff, build facilities, and prioritize specific health threats, but implementation depends on legislative funding appropriations. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 272 establishes a special fund called the Screwworm Abatement Trust (SWAT) Fund to support efforts preventing, controlling, and eradicating the New World Screwworm pest. The fund, managed by the state comptroller outside the main treasury, can receive gifts, donations, or appropriations (capped at $50 million) to cover related programs, research, surveillance, and emergency responses. It directly affects state agricultural agencies, universities, and other public entities that administer or utilize these pest control activities. The bill creates a dedicated funding mechanism for coordinated intergovernmental efforts without imposing new taxes or regulations.