Sen. Mayes Middleton

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 561), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally congratulates the Boerne Little League All-Stars for advancing to the 2024 Little League Baseball World Series U.S. championship game. The resolution recognizes their achievement of winning 17 consecutive games, including regional tournaments and the World Series, and extends "sincere best wishes" to the players and coaches. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create legal obligations or affect any policies or individuals beyond expressing official recognition.

Maddy summarySB 1524 prohibits child-placing agencies and state departments from requiring foster homes to disclose specific types of firearms present in their homes or to report changes in firearm types. It also restricts agencies from using any existing firearm information for purposes beyond verifying weapon presence, and mandates that such information remains confidential under Texas law. Violations by agencies could result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per incident, enforceable by the attorney general. The bill directly affects foster care agencies, state departments, and foster parents by limiting how firearm information is handled and shared. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 2403 requires campaign finance reports filed with the Texas Ethics Commission to be submitted electronically (via software meeting commission standards) instead of by fax or hand delivery. Reports must be received electronically by midnight of the first business day after a contribution or expenditure, or by 5 p.m. the next business day if filed by fax or hand. The bill removes the requirement for most reports to include a signature affidavit and adjusts late-filing penalties, including a $500 flat fee for most late reports and tiered daily penalties for others. This directly affects campaign committees and candidates submitting financial reports under Texas election law.

Maddy summarySJR 40 proposes a constitutional amendment that would require the Texas governor to call a special legislative session if a disaster or emergency affects significant portions of the state (e.g., 40% of counties, half the population, or two-thirds of counties in three trauma areas). It would give the legislature the power to renew or extend emergency declarations beyond 30 days (90 days for nuclear/radiological events) and to pass related laws. The amendment also specifies that legislative votes on modifying or ending emergency declarations would not be subject to certain constitutional restrictions. This would directly affect how Texas manages prolonged emergencies by shifting authority to require legislative approval for extended emergency powers.

Maddy summarySB 2529 requires local taxing units (like cities, school districts, or water districts) to obtain a supermajority vote from their governing body before adopting tax rates exceeding voter-approved limits or issuing certain bonds. Specifically, it mandates at least 60% approval for general obligation bonds and 75% approval for tax rates that exceed previously rejected voter-approved rates. The bill applies when a taxing unit seeks to raise taxes above the rate voters previously rejected in an election. This policy change directly affects local government decision-making on tax increases and bond issuances.

Maddy summarySB 383 prohibits Texas' Public Utility Commission from approving interconnection of offshore wind power facilities to the ERCOT grid under specific conditions. The bill requires the Commission to deny approvals if a facility might negatively impact shipping routes, tourism, fishing, wildlife, migratory patterns, or public safety in disaster-prone areas, or if existing services are sufficient. It directly affects offshore wind developers and the Commission's approval process for grid connections. The law takes effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote, or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summarySB 871 amends Texas Government Code to clarify the authority of the governor, state agencies, and local governments during disasters and emergencies. It updates the definition of "disaster" to exclude civil unrest, riots, or insurrection, while explicitly including natural events like floods, earthquakes, and energy emergencies. The bill outlines specific purposes, such as improving coordination between state and local entities, reducing community vulnerability, and aligning with federal emergency management goals. This legislation directly affects state and local officials responsible for emergency response, recovery, and disaster preparedness planning.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 5596 modifies how certain coastal municipalities calculate their voter-approval tax rate. It specifically affects eligible coastal municipalities (those with park boards under Local Government Code) that receive hotel occupancy tax revenue. The bill adds a new "misspent hotel occupancy tax revenue rate" to the calculation, which accounts for funds spent on unauthorized purposes. This rate is subtracted from the standard voter-approval formula, potentially lowering the required tax rate for these municipalities. The change directly impacts how these cities determine the tax rate they need voter approval for.