Maddy summarySJR 59 proposes a constitutional amendment to create two dedicated funds for Texas State Technical College System campuses: a permanent infrastructure fund for long-term capital projects and an available workforce education fund for immediate equipment and facility needs. This bill repeals a current funding limitation, allowing the system to access annual appropriations meant for public higher education institutions without restrictions. The funds would be financed through existing state appropriations, investments, and donations, managed by the comptroller, to support campus buildings, equipment, and educational program infrastructure. The amendment would directly affect Texas State Technical College System campuses by providing a dedicated, stable funding source for their capital requirements.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 150 establishes the Texas Cyber Command as a new state agency under the Government Code, effective September 1, 2025. The bill transfers specific cybersecurity responsibilities from the Department of Information Resources to this new command, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure such as energy systems, water facilities, health care, and transportation networks. The command will handle cybersecurity incidents - including ransomware attacks and system breaches - by providing services to covered entities like local governments and private operators of critical infrastructure. This creates a dedicated state-level entity for coordinating cybersecurity efforts across vital systems, replacing the previous structure managed by the Department of Information Resources.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 1402) commends 40 University of Texas System students who served as interns in Texas legislative offices during the 2025 session. It recognizes their participation in the inaugural UT System Texas Legislative Fellowship Program, which places students in state legislative offices for hands-on experience in policymaking and government operations. The resolution has no policy effect - it is purely ceremonial, honoring the students' service without creating new laws or altering government functions. As a commemorative resolution, it does not directly affect any laws, budgets, or regulations.
Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution honoring Cameron Celeste Jacobson, a 21-year-old San Antonio resident who died in March 2022. The Texas House of Representatives adopted HR 781 to pay tribute to her life, character, and impact on her family and community, extending condolences to her parents, relatives, and friends. It has no policy provisions or legal effect - it is purely a ceremonial expression of remembrance. The resolution was adopted by the House on June 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a legislative bill with policy changes) passed by the Texas House of Representatives. It formally congratulates Susann Kazunas on her promotion to group vice president and executive engineering officer at Toyota Motor North America. The resolution expresses the House's "high regard" for her career and includes a copy for her as a gesture of recognition. It does not create any new laws, regulations, or financial obligations.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 37) is a symbolic resolution recognizing the Panama Canal's importance to U.S. and Texas economic interests. It highlights how the canal enables trade flow for Texas ports handling key exports like LNG, oil, and agricultural goods, and emphasizes the need for canal security. The resolution urges federal leadership to prioritize diplomatic engagement with Panama and supports continued investment in Texas port infrastructure. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but formally expresses Texas' position to federal officials and the Congressional Record.
Maddy summaryHB 198, known as the Wade Cannon Act, requires Texas cities and counties that employ firefighters to provide free occupational cancer screenings starting in a firefighter's fifth year of service, with annual screenings thereafter. The screenings must include specific tests: urine, pulmonary function, electrocardiogram, infectious disease screening, breast cancer screening, blood tests, and chest x-rays (limited to once every five years). Political subdivisions may exempt themselves if they already offer annual occupational medical exams meeting standards set by the National Fire Protection Association and approved by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. The law takes effect June 1, 2026, directly affecting all Texas firefighters employed by local governments.
Maddy summaryHB 3594 amends Texas law to establish standardized rules for retirement health care benefits for firefighters and police officers in participating municipalities. It defines key terms like "months of service" (excluding unpaid leave or military service without credit) and sets a "default rate" for fund investments. The bill protects retirees' health benefits from being seized by creditors or subject to taxes, ensuring these benefits remain secure. It directly affects current and future retirees, their spouses, and dependents covered under the plan. The law was enacted in May 2025 and applies to health care plans in effect as of October 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 4 restricts Texas public school districts and campuses from obtaining exemptions or waivers for specific requirements, including graduation standards, school accountability measures under Chapters 39 and 39A, health and safety rules, and programs for special education and bilingual students. The bill explicitly prohibits waivers for federal mandates, essential knowledge/skills, class size limits (except as allowed by law), extracurricular activities, and other key areas listed in the legislation. It also changes the appeal process for challenges to the commissioner's decisions, requiring appeals to be filed in Travis County district court with specific procedural steps. This bill directly affects school districts, the Texas Education Agency, and individuals seeking to challenge educational decisions.
Maddy summaryHCR 59 is a ceremonial resolution designating April as "Promise Month" in Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it is solely a symbolic recognition intended to honor religious and historical perspectives on promises. The resolution references biblical principles and the founding of the U.S. on "Biblical principles," but the designation itself has no legal or policy impact on residents or state operations. This is a procedural, commemorative resolution with no concrete policy changes.