Sen. Mayes Middleton

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes Texas judicial districts and court procedures. It redesignates specific districts (like the 522nd and 173rd Judicial Districts), modifies court jurisdiction (e.g., the 274th District Court in Comal/Guadalupe/Hays counties), and specifies which clerks handle certain cases (e.g., county clerks for misdemeanor cases). It also directs the 173rd District Court to prioritize civil/family matters and the 392nd District Court to prioritize criminal cases. The changes take effect between 2026-2027 and directly affect county court operations and case management across multiple Texas counties.

Maddy summarySB 51 modifies Texas election procedures for voters with outdated residence addresses. It requires voters who moved within their county but haven't updated registration to submit a statement confirming their current address and eligibility to vote immediately in their current precinct. The bill changes when address changes take effect (30 days after submission) and repeals a previous provision about registration updates. This affects voters who move within a county but haven't processed registration changes, and election officials who process these statements. The changes apply to address notices submitted on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 49 appropriates $5,756,567.46 from the state general revenue fund to reimburse Galveston County for legal expenses it already incurred in the federal court case *Petteway v. Galveston County* (111 F.4th 596, 5th Cir. 2024). The bill directly affects Galveston County by covering specific litigation costs related to this ongoing lawsuit. The appropriation covers the two-year period starting when the bill becomes effective. This is a straightforward reimbursement measure with no new policy provisions or broader implications.

Maddy summarySB 48 establishes that a Texas state senator or representative vacates their seat if absent from all legislative sessions for seven consecutive days without approved leave from their house. This rule directly affects legislators who miss sessions without permission, triggering an automatic vacancy. The bill defines "excessive absence" as missing seven straight session days without an approved leave of absence. It applies only to absences occurring on or after its effective date, which depends on legislative approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits cities, counties, and other local governments (political subdivisions) from using public funds to hire registered lobbyists or pay nonprofit organizations that primarily represent local governments and hire lobbyists. It allows local officials to provide information to legislators, testify, or advocate for policy changes without triggering the restriction, and exempts associations representing sheriffs or law enforcement officers. Taxpayers can seek court orders to stop prohibited spending and recover public funds used in violation. The law aims to limit the use of public money for lobbying activities while preserving basic communication with lawmakers.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 6 regulates consumable hemp products (like edibles, vape liquids, and topicals containing hemp-derived cannabinoids such as CBD) by requiring businesses to obtain occupational licenses and registrations. It imposes fees for these licenses, creates criminal penalties for violations, and authorizes administrative fines for noncompliance. The law specifically applies to products intended for human ingestion, absorption, or inhalation, while excluding low-THC cannabis, research activities, and certain food ingredients like hemp seed oil. Businesses manufacturing or selling these products must comply with the new licensing and fee structure under the Health and Safety Code.

Maddy summarySB 4 is a redistricting bill that redraws the boundaries for Texas's congressional districts used in U.S. House elections. It directly affects Texas voters by determining which geographic areas elect their representatives in Congress starting with the 2026 election cycle. The bill establishes a new map for all 38 Texas congressional districts based on the latest census data, replacing the current district lines. This is a procedural change to the electoral map, not a policy affecting daily life or government programs.

Maddy summarySB 7 creates civil liability for manufacturers and providers of abortion-inducing drugs, with key exemptions for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and spontaneous miscarriages. It allows private citizens to file lawsuits (qui tam actions) seeking damages against those supplying such drugs, while modifying fee-shifting rules in abortion litigation. The bill also grants the Texas attorney general expanded authority to pursue cases under the "Woman and Child Protection Act" and alters jurisdiction for related court cases. It does not restrict medical procedures covered by the specified exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 11) honoring Molly Essary Smith, a Texas resident who served as a justice of the peace for two decades and later worked as a funeral director. The resolution commemorates her life, community service, family, and legacy of helping others. It formally pays tribute to her memory and extends condolences to her family, as resolved by the Texas Senate. The bill has no legislative effect - it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a bill) honoring Mary Barrett Stevens, an 8-year-old Austin resident who passed away on July 4, 2025. The resolution expresses the Texas Senate's tribute to her memory, acknowledging her life as a joyful, creative child who attended Highland Park Elementary School and was cherished by her family, including parents Stacy and Johnny Stevens, siblings Graham and Lilly, and extended relatives. It includes condolences to her family and directs the Senate to adjourn in her memory. This procedural resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or communities.