Sen. Bryan Hughes

Maddy summarySB 10 requires all Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a specific, standardized version of the Ten Commandments in every classroom starting September 1, 2025. The law mandates a durable poster or framed copy meeting strict size (at least 16x20 inches) and content requirements, including only the exact text listed in the bill. Schools must display this unless they accept a privately donated version meeting the same specifications, and may optionally use district funds to purchase compliant displays. This directly affects every public school classroom in Texas, requiring a physical display of the specified religious text.

Maddy summarySB 379 prohibits SNAP (food stamp) benefits in Texas from being used to purchase energy drinks, sweetened beverages (like soda), carbonated drinks, candy, potato/corn chips, and pre-packaged cookies. It directly affects SNAP recipients who previously could buy these items with their benefits. The law includes exceptions for milk products, milk substitutes (like almond milk), unsweetened beverages, infant formula, weight-loss drinks, and health-recommended products. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 24 establishes new procedures for Texas municipalities to adjust zoning regulations or district boundaries. It requires a public hearing with 15 days' notice published in a newspaper and online before any zoning change takes effect. For changes that do not allow more residential development (non-comprehensive changes), property owners can protest by signing a written protest if they own 20% of the affected area or 60% of adjacent land within 200 feet. The bill, effective September 1, 2025, applies to all Texas cities and aims to balance development decisions with community input.

Maddy summarySB 1230 designates Farm-to-Market Road 10 in Panola County as the "Deputy Sheriff Chris Dickerson Memorial Highway" under Texas Transportation Code. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the highway and at appropriate intermediate locations along the route. This is a ceremonial designation with no new funding, regulations, or policy changes; it solely honors Deputy Sheriff Chris Dickerson. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after receiving approval from both legislative chambers and the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits public school districts in Texas from assigning or requiring staff to engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. It specifically bans schools from mandating DEI statements, giving preferential treatment based on such statements, or implementing policies that reference race, gender identity, or sexual orientation - except where required by law. School employees who violate these restrictions may face discipline, including termination. The bill directly affects public school districts, their employees, and students by restricting certain curriculum and staff training practices related to DEI. It does not impact schools' ability to teach about historical holidays or events.

Maddy summarySB 2216 requires political subdivisions (like counties and cities) that operate voting systems to store election equipment in locked rooms and apply security seals to prevent unauthorized access. It mandates that election officials document seal placements and any removals, including who accessed the equipment and why. The bill also adds polling location details to equipment inventory records. These requirements apply only to elections held on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2368 requires electricity market participants in Texas to report purchases of critical grid equipment from specified foreign entities and attest that such purchases won’t grant foreign access to grid infrastructure (except for warranty/support). It directly affects utilities, power companies, and other entities operating in Texas’ electricity market. Key provisions include mandatory reporting to the independent grid operator (ERCOT), new attestation requirements, and increased administrative penalties for violations - raising fines to $1 million per violation. The bill amends Texas Utilities Code sections 39.360 and 15.023 to implement these requirements, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 840 establishes new rules for zoning certain mixed-use and multifamily residential developments in Texas. It defines "mixed-use residential" as projects with at least 65% residential space and "multifamily residential" as developments with three or more dwelling units. The law applies only to cities over 90,000 population located in counties over 300,000 population, limiting municipal authority to regulate these projects under Chapter 218 of the Local Government Code. It does not affect existing rules for short-term rentals or water quality protections.

Maddy summarySB 31, titled the "Life of the Mother Act," amends Texas Health and Safety Code to create a specific exception allowing abortions when a physician determines in "reasonable medical judgment" that a pregnancy poses a life-threatening risk of death or serious risk of substantial impairment to a major bodily function. It directly affects pregnant individuals with pregnancy-related conditions that threaten life or major bodily function, removing prior requirements that risks be imminent or that physical damage already occur. The law permits physicians to act proactively to address such risks before symptoms manifest, without needing to wait for documented harm. Signed by the governor on June 20, 2025, it became effective immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 668 amends Texas law to change how handgun license holders renew their permits. It requires license holders to submit a renewal application form, pay a $40 nonrefundable fee, and sign an informational form on or before their license's expiration anniversary. This applies to all license holders renewing permits expiring before, on, or after the law's effective date. The bill, signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025, took effect immediately and directly affects Texas residents holding active handgun carry licenses seeking renewal.