Rep. Tom Craddick

Maddy summaryHB 186 restricts how local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) can use public funds for lobbying. It prohibits spending public money to hire registered lobbyists or pay nonprofit groups that represent local governments and employ lobbyists. Exceptions include activities by elected officials, employees providing information to legislators, travel expenses for such activities, and services by associations representing sheriffs or law enforcement. The bill allows taxpayers to sue to stop prohibited spending and recover legal fees if they win. This directly affects local government budget decisions regarding legislative advocacy.

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 summaryThis resolution urges Governor Greg Abbott to return federal reconciliation funds to Texas taxpayers by implementing property tax relief. The Texas House of Representatives passed this non-binding resolution to formally request the Governor use the funds for property tax cuts, directing the chief clerk to forward a copy to the Governor's office. It does not require legal action or change existing tax policy, as resolutions like this serve only as a formal expression of legislative opinion.

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 summaryHCR 9 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating Charles and Margaret Semple of Midland on their 60th wedding anniversary. It has no policy provisions or impact on laws, taxes, or regulations - it simply expresses the Texas Legislature's recognition of the couple's milestone. The resolution formally extends "sincere best wishes for continued happiness" to the Semple family. As a commemorative measure, it does not affect any individuals beyond the honorees or create new legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HCR 5) honoring Richard Augustus Hewitt of San Antonio, who passed away on October 30, 2024. The resolution recognizes his 20-year U.S. Air Force service, career with Burroughs Corporation, 57-year involvement with the Masonic lodge, and dedication to family and community. It formally pays tribute to his life and extends sympathy to his family. As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely as a gesture of remembrance by the Texas Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 3) congratulating Senior Life Midland Meals on Wheels for delivering its five millionth meal to homebound seniors. It formally recognizes the organization's 50+ year history of providing nutritious meals and social support to older adults in Midland, Texas. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official expression of appreciation from the Texas Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 1), not a substantive bill. It formally congratulates Don Sparks of Midland for receiving the 2025 Chief Roughneck Award from the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA). The resolution recognizes Sparks as the 66th recipient of IPAA’s highest honor, which celebrates individuals who embody the oil and gas industry’s highest ideals. The Texas Legislature resolves to send him a copy of this resolution as a gesture of respect for his professional contributions to the industry.