Sen. Mayes Middleton

Maddy summarySB 2010 prohibits Texas political subdivisions (like cities and counties) from establishing or operating guaranteed income programs - defined as direct cash payments, gift cards, or similar financial assistance to individuals - unless explicitly authorized by federal law. The bill bans the use of state or local public funds to support such programs, even if federally permitted, and exempts only short-term work-conditioned programs requiring employment or training. Existing programs in effect before the bill's effective date may continue until January 1, 2026, or their expiration. This legislation directly affects local governments seeking to implement unconditional cash assistance initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2553) amends Texas property tax appraisal rules for historic or archaeological sites. It requires chief appraisers to consider how restrictions on altering, improving, or repairing a property (due to its historic designation) affect its market value when calculating ad valorem taxes. The law directly affects owners of properties qualifying for historic or archaeological tax exemptions, ensuring their tax assessment reflects the reduced value caused by preservation restrictions. The change applies only to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 517 amends Texas Penal Code sections defining gambling offenses and penalties. It clarifies that most electronic or mechanical gaming devices (like video poker or slot machines) qualify as gambling devices, removing an exemption for low-value prize machines (e.g., those offering prizes under $5 or 10 times the play cost). The bill upgrades penalties for violating these laws from Class A misdemeanors to third-degree felonies. This directly affects operators of gaming machines, including casinos, arcades, and businesses using electronic games, by expanding the scope of prohibited devices and increasing criminal consequences.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 506) is a symbolic gesture by the Texas Senate to recognize May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month. It formally acknowledges the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States and Texas, including their roles in the Texas Revolution, community founding, and cultural enrichment. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it serves only as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Texas Senate. It directly affects the state legislature's official recognition of this observance. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 8, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2422 prohibits the Texas Medical Board from investigating or disciplining healthcare professionals for prescribing or advocating ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, or budesonide for COVID-19 treatment, making statements about mask effectiveness, or failing to require masks (except in areas where mask-wearing was customary before the pandemic). It requires the Medical Board to expunge all records created since January 1, 2020, containing those drug names or the word "mask" in disciplinary contexts, and to vacate any penalties based on such records. The bill would take effect immediately if passed by a two-thirds vote, or on September 1, 2025, if not.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment (SJR 18) that would ban Texas from taxing capital gains - both when assets are sold (realized) or when their value increases without being sold (unrealized) - for individuals, families, estates, or trusts. It explicitly excludes property taxes, sales taxes on goods/services, and use taxes from this prohibition. If approved by voters in the November 2025 election, the amendment would require future Texas laws to comply with this ban on capital gains taxation. The measure directly affects taxpayers who own investments or assets subject to capital gains, but does not change existing tax types like property or sales taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Texas Attorney General to prosecute certain election-related crimes if local prosecutors do not act within six months. Specifically, it mandates that law enforcement agencies must send reports of suspected election law violations to both local prosecutors and the Attorney General. If a local prosecutor fails to file charges within six months, the Attorney General gains automatic authority to handle the case. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and affects how election crime cases are processed across Texas.

Maddy summarySB 569 allows Texas school districts to adjust how student attendance is calculated during emergencies (like natural disasters or pandemics) to maintain funding under the Foundation School Program. It authorizes the commissioner of education to grant waivers or modifications to average daily attendance rules during crises, preventing funding cuts that would otherwise occur if attendance dropped due to virtual learning or school closures. The bill also permits the commissioner to charge a fee for processing these attendance adjustments. This directly affects school districts relying on state funding tied to attendance metrics during emergency periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Texas public universities to disregard undergraduate applicants' academic records older than 10 years when evaluating admission, but requires them to retain the most recent 5 years of grades and credits. Colleges must publicly post their specific policies on this practice and cannot selectively ignore only parts of the 10-year window - they must disregard all records from that period if they choose to apply the policy. The law applies to admissions for the 2025 fall semester and affects how institutions count credits toward degree requirements for students using this "academic fresh start" option. It also ties state funding for relevant credits to this policy starting in 2025.

Maddy summarySB 28 prohibits purchasing or facilitating the purchase of state lottery tickets via telephone, internet, or mobile applications. It specifically bans individuals from buying tickets online or through apps (a Class C misdemeanor) and bans selling or arranging such purchases for compensation (a Class A misdemeanor). The bill directly affects residents attempting to access lottery games digitally and businesses or individuals offering such services. It creates new criminal penalties under Section 466.318 of the Government Code, effective September 1, 2025. The law aims to enforce existing age and location restrictions for lottery play by closing digital loopholes.