Sen. Bryan Hughes

Maddy summarySB 2876 amends Texas law to increase criminal penalties for individuals participating in riots while intentionally wearing a mask or face covering to conceal their identity. Specifically, it elevates such offenses to a Class A misdemeanor (a more serious charge) if the court finds the person wore the mask "with the intent to conceal the actor's identity" during the riot. The bill directly affects individuals engaging in riotous conduct who deliberately hide their identity using face coverings. This change applies only to offenses occurring on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, and does not apply to past incidents. The law does not prohibit mask-wearing generally but targets its use during riots to evade identification.

Maddy summarySCR 31 designates Mineola as Texas' official "Sweets Capital" for a 10-year period ending in 2035, replacing its previous designation as the "City of Festivals" established in 1991. The resolution recognizes Mineola's downtown area for its concentration of locally owned sweet shops like Grandma Cleda's Gourmet Candy, Mineola Fudge Shop, and Bluebonnet Bakery, which offer a variety of desserts and have gained regional and national attention. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or regulations but formally acknowledges the city's reputation for sweets businesses. The designation will remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the resolution's final passage by the legislature.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 819 establishes a new permit requirement for renewable energy facilities (wind or solar) with a capacity of 10 megawatts or more that connect to the power grid. It directly affects developers and operators of large-scale wind and solar projects, requiring them to apply for a commission permit before construction or significant expansion. Key provisions include submitting facility details, conducting environmental reviews with the Parks and Wildlife Department, holding public meetings within 25 miles of the site, and publishing meeting notices online. The bill does not apply to solar facilities within home-rule municipalities, and permits must be obtained before September 1, 2025, for existing facilities that expand or relocate significantly.

Maddy summaryHCR 65 is a commemorative resolution honoring Tracy Lee Vincent, a Longview resident who passed away on July 30, 2024. The resolution recognizes his life, including his community service (such as chairing the Gregg County Republican Party and involvement with the Longview Chamber of Commerce), his family, and his dedication to local organizations. This non-binding resolution was passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor, formally paying tribute to Vincent's legacy.

Maddy summarySB 1033 (Texas Senate Bill 1033) amends Texas election law to change rules for candidate withdrawal in runoff primary elections. It shortens the withdrawal deadline from the fifth to the third business day after the state canvass deadline (Section 172.059(a)). If a candidate withdraws before this deadline, the third-place primary finisher replaces them on the runoff ballot (Section 172.059(c)); if withdrawal occurs after, the remaining candidate wins by default and no runoff is held (Section 172.059(d)). The bill applies to elections ordered on or after September 1, 2025, affecting candidates and voters in Texas runoff primaries.

Maddy summarySB 846 requires the Texas Attorney General to prosecute specific criminal offenses if local prosecutors fail to act within six months. It applies to offenses under the Election Code, Health and Safety Code (Chapters 170A/171), and certain Penal Code chapters (20A, 36, 39). The bill mandates that law enforcement agencies must simultaneously send reports of these offenses to both local prosecutors and the Attorney General, triggering the AG's mandatory prosecution duty after six months without local action. This change takes effect September 1, 2025, and only applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 2796 amends Texas law to clarify the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas' (CPRI) fiscal responsibilities to the state. It requires CPRI to manage state funds responsibly, setting a non-binding annual return goal of at least 1% for investments. The bill adds new executive roles (like chief investment officer) and establishes specific criteria for prioritizing research funding, including financial viability within 20 years and interdisciplinary collaboration. These changes directly affect CPRI's operations and research institutions seeking its grants.

Maddy summarySR 399 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Cheryl Elise Crain of Round Rock, Texas, who died January 1, 2025. The resolution pays tribute to her life, highlighting her 57-year marriage to Jim Crain, her career as an English teacher and counselor, her family (including two daughters, five grandchildren, and extended relatives), and her volunteer work as a chaplain during the 85th Texas Legislature. It extends sympathy to her family and directs the Texas Senate to adjourn in her memory. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any group or legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires wastewater treatment facilities near large cities to conduct quarterly testing for specific chemicals in their intake and outflow water. It targets facilities within 10 miles of municipalities with populations of 25,000 or more, prioritizing those representative of typical systems for each population size. Testing must be performed by accredited labs for 10 listed urinary metabolites (like bisphenol A, estrone, and testosterone) and reported publicly online with detailed records including dates, locations, and results in parts per trillion. The bill aims to monitor environmental exposure to these chemicals but does not establish enforcement penalties or alter facility operations beyond the testing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 397), not a policy bill. It commemorates Peggy Ann Koski of Leander, Texas, who died on December 9, 2024, at age 92. The resolution honors her life, including her 65-year marriage, service on Derby, Kansas' city council, real estate career, community involvement, and family. It formally pays tribute to her and extends sympathy to her children, grandchildren, and extended family. This resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves as a memorial expression by the Texas Senate.