Sen. Bryan Hughes

Maddy summarySJR 34 proposes adding Section 37 to the Texas Constitution to affirm parents' inherent right to make decisions about their children's upbringing, including care, custody, and control. It states the state cannot interfere with these parental rights unless the interference is essential for a compelling government interest and narrowly tailored to achieve that interest. If passed, this constitutional amendment would require voter approval in the November 2025 election, with the ballot phrased as supporting "parents as the primary decision-makers for their children." The bill directly affects parents' legal authority over child-rearing decisions and sets new constitutional limits on state intervention.

Maddy summarySB 1744 designates a specific segment of State Loop 255 in Camp County (between FM 1520 and U.S. Highway 271) as the "Camp County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway." 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 designation is purely commemorative and does not alter existing highway management or funding. The bill took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 1863 requires the Texas Secretary of State to conduct randomized audits of election procedures in 16 counties (reduced from 89) following each November election. It mandates that counties register with the Secretary of State and notify them 90 days before elections, while audits must cover voter registration accuracy, equipment testing, mail ballot procedures, and election record documentation. The bill specifies that audits must randomly select 13 counties with under 300,000 residents and 3 counties with 300,000+ residents, excluding counties audited in the previous cycle. Audits cannot occur during election contest periods or runoffs, and must be completed before the next election cycle. This applies directly to all Texas counties and political subdivisions holding elections.

Maddy summarySB 1229 designates a specific segment of U.S. Highway 69 in Smith County (between South State Loop 323 and Bullard's northern limits) as the Veterans Memorial Highway. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the route and at appropriate intermediate locations. This is a commemorative designation with no substantive policy changes, intended to honor veterans through highway signage.

Maddy summarySB 1119 creates a new legal framework limiting liability for water park operators in Texas. It states that water park entities (owners/operators) cannot be held liable for participant injuries if they post a specific warning sign at the entrance, as required by the bill. The warning must state that Texas law limits liability for injuries from attendance or participation in water park activities. Exceptions apply for injuries caused by the park's negligence, known dangerous conditions, or intentional harm. This law directly affects water park operators and participants by shifting liability risk when the warning requirement is met.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Texas law to establish a presumption that courts should order retroactive child support beginning on the date of a child's conception, rather than the child's birth. It specifies that courts must determine the earliest conception date using medical evidence (per Health and Safety Code standards) or parental testimony. The bill also allows courts to order obligors to pay an equitable share of prenatal/postnatal health care costs for the mother and child. These changes apply only to paternity orders or acknowledgments of paternity executed on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill prohibits most state agencies, courts, and the legislature from implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that influence hiring or workforce composition based on race, sex, or ethnicity. It bans offices conducting trainings or programs related to concepts like "systemic oppression," "anti-racism," or "gender theory" unless specifically approved by an attorney general for legal compliance. The law exempts universities and initiatives solely designed to meet federal or state legal requirements. It defines prohibited activities to prevent "differential treatment" or "special benefits" based on protected characteristics.

Maddy summarySB 311 amends Texas law to clarify the Texas Supreme Court's authority to issue certain court writs (like mandamus or certiorari). It removes the governor, the Court of Criminal Appeals, and its judges from the list of officials/judges the Supreme Court can issue writs against. This change applies only to writ applications filed on or after September 1, 2025, with pre-existing cases governed by prior law. The bill is procedural, focusing on defining judicial writ authority without creating new policies or affecting public programs.

Maddy summarySB 2312 creates the Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict to prepare for potential international crises that could disrupt Texas' supply chains or critical infrastructure. The committee, composed of nine members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house, will develop pre-conflict security strategies and gather information to support state response during emergencies. It defines "critical infrastructure" to include systems like oil/gas, water, power, and emergency services, and "geopolitical conflict" as events threatening these systems through war, diplomatic breakdowns, or supply chain disruptions. The bill aims to enhance Texas' defensive posture and protect citizens by making proactive preparations, without altering existing laws or funding.