Rep. Tom Craddick

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 8, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires certain facilities like restrooms, locker rooms, and shelters to be designated and used based on biological sex as defined by reproductive anatomy. It directly affects correctional facilities, family violence shelters, and institutions of higher education by mandating single-occupancy spaces for each biological sex and restricting access to multi-occupancy spaces based on sex. The bill defines "female" and "male" based on natural reproductive systems (e.g., egg production or sperm production) and authorizes civil penalties for violations, as well as private lawsuits to enforce compliance. The law became effective September 22, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

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 summaryHCR 8 is a ceremonial concurrent resolution congratulating Charles and Margaret Semple of Midland on their 60th wedding anniversary. It formally recognizes their marriage milestone, which was celebrated on July 31, 2025, and extends the Texas Legislature's best wishes for their continued happiness. The resolution has been passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor, as part of standard commemorative practice for significant personal milestones.

Maddy summaryHCR 6 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the Senior Life Midland Meals on Wheels program for delivering its five millionth meal. It recognizes the program's history since 1974, including its expansion to support homebound seniors through meals and social interaction. The resolution formally commends the organization's work and expresses the Texas Legislature's appreciation for its service to older residents. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.

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 summaryHCR 20 is a ceremonial resolution commemorating St. Ann's Catholic School in Midland, Texas, for its 75th anniversary in 2025. It formally recognizes the school's founding in 1950, its educational programs for prekindergarten through eighth grade, and its contributions to the community over three-quarters of a century. The resolution has been fully enacted (passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor) and includes a formal copy to be presented to the school as an expression of legislative support. This is a purely symbolic gesture with no policy changes, funding, or legal requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 8 creates a new statewide "instructionally supportive assessment program" for Texas public schools, requiring the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to design tests focused on student progress and essential skills. It mandates that schools provide parents with immediate online access to their child's assessment results via a single-click website and maintain parent portals for this access. The bill also establishes school performance ratings based on these assessments and outlines interventions for underperforming schools. These changes directly affect parents, public school districts, and the TEA, shifting accountability toward transparent, student-centered testing.

Maddy summaryHCR 5 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating Don Sparks of Midland for receiving the 2025 Chief Roughneck Award from the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA). It recognizes Sparks’ career as a petroleum engineer, cofounder of Discovery Operating, and contributions to the oil and gas industry, including his work on shale development and industry leadership. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative appreciation through a formal commendation. It was signed by both chambers and the governor, with a copy delivered to Sparks as a token of respect.

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.