Sen. Mayes Middleton

Maddy summarySB 1643 requires Texas insurers to obtain prior approval from the state insurance department for property and casualty insurance rate changes exceeding 10% (either increases or decreases) for commercial/residential property insurance or commercial/personal auto insurance. This directly affects insurers who must file rate changes with the department, and policyholders who may see slower rate adjustments. The bill establishes a 30-day review period for the department, after which unreviewed rates are automatically approved unless the change is 10% or more. It applies only to policies delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage, limiting coverage, or charging higher rates to individuals who are widowed or whose marital status reflects the death of a spouse, compared to married individuals. It directly affects widowed people applying for or renewing insurance policies. The law requires insurers to treat widowed customers the same as married customers for rate-setting and coverage availability. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not apply to policies delivered or renewed before that date.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 554) honors Christopher "Chris" Jake Stone, a 17-year-old Santa Fe High School student who died heroically in the 2018 school shooting while barricading a classroom door to protect classmates. It commemorates his posthumous recognition as a Young Hero Award recipient and his legacy of selflessness. The Texas Senate formally adopted the resolution to pay tribute to his life and courage, and adjourned in his memory. (Note: This is a commemorative resolution, not a bill with policy changes.)

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 536) honors Mark Garcia for his 25 years of service as Texas Senate auditor. It formally recognizes his professional contributions, dedication, and personal involvement with Senate colleagues and community activities like the Senate Christmas band and the Texas MS 150 fundraiser. The resolution directs the Senate to present Garcia with an official copy as a gesture of appreciation for his service. No new laws or policy changes are created by this resolution.

Maddy summarySB 1008 clarifies that Texas counties, municipalities, and public health districts can only require permits for food businesses (like restaurants, food trucks, and mobile vendors) if state law already mandates them. It prevents local governments from charging duplicate fees for alcohol permits if businesses already paid fees to operate locally, and requires them to post all fee schedules online. The bill directly affects food service operators and local governments by standardizing permit and fee rules to align with state law. Businesses can now legally challenge local ordinances that violate specific state codes (e.g., Health & Safety Code sections 437.001-437.012). This aims to reduce conflicting regulations for food service businesses across Texas.

Maddy summarySB 412 amends Texas Penal Code sections 43.24 and 43.25 to add new affirmative defenses for certain offenses involving material or conduct harmful to children. It allows judicial or law enforcement officers to use their official duties as a defense when prosecuted under specific sections, and adds two other defenses: being the child’s spouse or being no more than two years older than the child. The bill applies only to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, and does not affect past cases. These changes directly affect prosecutors, defendants in such cases, and law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity.

Maddy summarySB 2043 prohibits health care facilities and others from retaliating against physicians or health care providers who report violations related to patient safety, unsafe treatment practices, or public health risks. It directly affects nurses, pharmacists, technicians, and other health care workers who report concerns about care quality or safety. The law creates a civil remedy, allowing affected providers to sue for damages if retaliated against (e.g., through termination or demotion). This establishes a legal pathway for health care professionals to report safety issues without fear of workplace punishment.

Maddy summarySB 867 amends Texas law to require housing finance corporations to follow open meetings and open records laws (Chapters 551 and 552 of the Government Code). This directly affects housing finance corporations by mandating public transparency in their meetings and records. The key provision adds Section 394.0045 to the Local Government Code, applying standard public accountability rules to these entities. The bill does not create a new fee, as its title suggests, but instead modifies governance requirements for existing housing finance corporations. These changes ensure greater public access to the operations of entities managing affordable housing programs.

Maddy summarySB 825 requires the Texas state department to conduct an annual study on the economic, environmental, and financial impacts of illegal immigration within the state. The study must be completed by September 1 each year, with results submitted to the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature. The department may collaborate with universities, nonprofits, or government agencies to assist with the study. This bill directly affects state agencies responsible for data collection and reporting, with the requirement taking effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that non-U.S. citizens cannot vote in Texas. It amends Article VI, Section 1(a) of the Texas Constitution by adding "persons who are not citizens of the United States" as a prohibited voting class. This would clarify existing voting eligibility rules by making citizenship a constitutional requirement, directly affecting non-citizen residents. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 4, 2025, election to take effect.