Sen. Bryan Hughes

Maddy summarySB 1162 requires Texas public institutions of higher education offering flat-rate tuition plans to clearly explain how these plans affect students' cost per credit hour. It mandates that schools provide this information to entering and transferring undergraduate students at enrollment time, in registration materials, on their websites, and in financial aid communications. The bill specifies that institutions must detail the current flat tuition rate and show exactly how much tuition a student would pay for different course loads under the plan. This applies to institutions with fixed or flat-rate tuition programs, directly affecting undergraduate students enrolled in such plans. The requirement aims to increase transparency about tuition costs without changing the actual rates or financial obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 1222) allows retired appellate justices to serve as visiting judges in statutory probate courts when needed. It amends Texas law to permit presiding judges of probate courts to assign retired appellate justices (alongside retired probate judges) to handle cases under specific circumstances, such as when a probate judge is absent, disqualified, or when dockets require additional judicial capacity. The key mechanism expands the pool of eligible temporary judges to include former appellate justices, aiming to improve court efficiency in probate matters. This directly affects probate courts statewide by providing more flexible staffing options during staffing shortages or high caseloads.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a sales and use tax exemption for tangible personal property directly used by providers of cable television, internet access, or telecommunications services. It exempts property sold, leased, or rented to these providers (or their subsidiaries) when used in distributing cable service, providing internet access, or transmitting telecom services. The exemption does not cover property used for data processing services or certain taxes under Subtitle C. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1334 requires Texas Medicaid providers offering personal care, attendant care, or similar services to use either the state's electronic visit verification (EVV) system or an alternative system approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. It directly affects healthcare providers who bill Medicaid for these services, mandating they comply with documentation standards, maintain confidentiality, and allow the Commission or Medicaid managed care organizations to review EVV records at no cost. The bill establishes a process for the Commission to approve alternative systems (including those developed by providers) that meet data, reporting, and business rule requirements, and allows for vendor reimbursement of EVV transaction costs under federal law. Providers must grant on-site system access to authorized entities upon request.

Maddy summarySB 1186 requires county election officials in Texas to obtain prior approval from the Secretary of State before implementing any election procedure not explicitly described in the Election Code. This directly affects county election officials, who must now seek state-level authorization for new or unlisted procedures. The bill adds Section 31.0205 to the Election Code, mandating that counties cannot adopt unapproved procedures without this oversight. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1156 prohibits health benefit plan issuers (like insurance companies and health plans) from favoring their own affiliated providers over nonaffiliated ones. It bans issuers from offering higher reimbursement rates to nonaffiliated providers if they join an affiliated group and requires equal reimbursement for the same service between affiliated and nonaffiliated providers, except for value-based or capitation arrangements. The bill also prevents issuers from directing patients to use affiliated providers through targeted communications (like ads or online messages) or by requiring their use to get full benefits, with limited exceptions for lower rates or quality-based tiers. This law applies to most health plans in Texas starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 813 creates regional grievance boards within Texas public education to handle specific appeals, directly affecting school employees, parents, and students. These boards - composed of five members (a school administrator, two teachers, and two parents from the region) - will share jurisdiction with the state commissioner for grievances involving school board decisions, state education laws, or employment contract violations causing monetary harm. Appeals must be filed within 60 days after exhausting local school district procedures, and boards must issue decisions within 60 days (or 90 days for board decisions) using a substantial evidence review. The bill establishes a new, regional-level appeals process parallel to the existing commissioner route for defined education-related disputes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 175) formally recognizes February 2025 as Black History Month in Texas. It does not create new laws or policies, but serves as a symbolic gesture by the Texas Senate to honor African American contributions to Texas history and culture. The resolution encourages all Texans to learn about the achievements and heritage of Black communities in the state, as detailed in the preamble. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct legal effect on citizens or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 146) passed by the Texas Senate to honor John Lee Ussery of Gladewater, who died on December 5, 2024. The resolution pays tribute to his life, including his career as a CPA and real estate broker, community service (such as serving on the Gladewater City Council and as Upshur County Republican Party treasurer), and decades of volunteer work at his church. It extends sympathy to his family - his wife Carol, mother Marilyn, sister Carla, and extended relatives - and directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate resolution (SR 160) honoring Brother Howard J. Sears Jr. of Texarkana, who passed away on June 11, 2024, at age 90. The resolution commemorates his life, including his service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars (21-year Air Force career), work at the Red River Army Depot, role as a pastor, and involvement with the Masons. It extends condolences to his family and directs the Texas Senate to adjourn "in memory of Howard Sears" upon passage. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond honoring his legacy.