Sen. Bryan Hughes

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 283) formally recognizes Laura Rogers, Sherman County District Clerk and former paramedic, for saving a man's life at the Texas State Capitol on May 29, 2024. It commends her quick actions - performing CPR, using an AED, and assisting EMS - after she noticed a health emergency during a Senate hearing. The resolution, adopted by the Texas Senate on March 18, 2025, expresses the Senate's high regard and provides Rogers with an official copy as a token of appreciation. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy impact or direct effect on legislation.

Maddy summarySB 2002 proposes creating a Texas state-issued currency backed by physical gold and silver held in a "pooled depository account" managed by the comptroller. It would allow the comptroller to establish gold and silver currency representing specific fractions of a troy ounce (e.g., 1/10th ounce), which holders could use as legal tender for debts and transfer electronically. The bill authorizes fees to cover costs, permits Texas-based private vendors to assist in implementation, and requires security measures to prevent fraud. This would directly affect Texas residents who hold the new currency and the state's financial operations. The bill is currently in the Finance Committee for review after being filed in March 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1837 establishes rules for electric utilities during rate suspension periods when a proposed rate change is under review. It allows utilities to implement interim rates not exceeding the proposed rate, requires 45 days' notice to retail providers, and mandates refunds for overcollections or surcharges for undercollections. The bill directly affects Texas electric utilities operating within ERCOT and retail electric providers in their service areas. Key provisions include prohibiting regulators from considering certain costs (like legislative advocacy) in rate decisions and setting a 155-day timeline for final rate implementation after filing. This bill amends Texas Utilities Code Sections 36.062 and 36.1091.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 258 is a commemorative measure honoring the late U.S. Congressman Sylvester Turner of Houston, who died on March 5, 2025. The resolution recognizes his career as a Texas state legislator, mayor of Houston, and U.S. Congressman, highlighting his dedication to public service in Houston's Acres Homes neighborhood and his work on health care, education, and community resilience. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups, as it is a symbolic tribute to his legacy.

Maddy summarySB 1836 requires the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to evaluate applications for certain affordable housing financial assistance using a standardized point system. It mandates scoring based on specific criteria including tenant income levels (aligned with existing funding priorities), rent levels, community support (measured via official municipal or county resolutions), guaranteed affordability periods, cost per unit, unit quality, and tenant services. The bill also adds a new requirement that all units in the development must have air conditioning, whether owned by the applicant or by a housing authority providing financial assistance. This affects developers applying for private activity bonds to fund affordable housing projects across Texas.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 1847 prohibits Texas government entities from entering contracts or using technology from companies owned by countries designated as "foreign adversaries" by the U.S. Commerce Department. It specifically bans the use of remote sensing technology (like LiDAR) and transportation infrastructure systems (such as traffic cameras) purchased or leased from these companies. The law applies to new contracts entered into on or after July 1, 2026, and defines "critical infrastructure" to include communication systems, electric grids, water treatment facilities, and traffic enforcement systems. The governor must consider designating countries as threats based on U.S. Commerce Department designations.

Maddy summarySB 1771 requires all aeronautics structures in Texas taller than 500 feet (such as communication towers) to comply with all applicable federal laws and regulations. This directly affects owners and operators of such tall structures, including telecommunications and broadcast facilities. The bill adds a new requirement to the Texas Transportation Code, mandating that these structures meet federal safety and operational standards. It takes effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote or on September 1, 2025, if not.

Maddy summarySJR 71 proposes a constitutional amendment that would prohibit the Texas legislature from imposing a tax based on the carbon content of fuels or emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from goods and services. If approved by voters, this amendment would prevent future Texas laws from implementing a carbon tax, directly affecting the legislature’s ability to enact such taxes. The amendment requires voter approval, with a ballot question stating: "The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of a carbon tax," to be voted on November 4, 2025. This is a procedural measure seeking to restrict legislative authority through a constitutional change, not a current tax policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to prescribe or order Schedule II controlled substances (highly regulated drugs like opioids) within federally permitted narcotic drug treatment programs (NDTPs). It specifically amends delegation rules so physicians can authorize these providers to prescribe as part of a patient's treatment plan in NDTPs that already hold a valid permit under Texas law. The change applies only to NDTPs, not general hospital or hospice settings. This would expand access to medication-assisted treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder within approved programs. The bill would take effect September 1, 2025, if not approved for immediate effect.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 251) honors John Lawrence Wilborn Sr. of Marshall, Texas, who passed away on February 1, 2025, at age 92. It commemorates his life, including his service as a teacher, Marshall city council member (24 years), and mayor (1992-1994), as well as his military service and community involvement. The resolution extends condolences to his family and directs the Texas Senate to adjourn in his memory. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents.