Sen. Mayes Middleton

Maddy summarySB 2324 requires Texas toll project entities to maintain separate financial accounts for each toll project. It mandates that revenue from a specific toll project cannot be used to cover costs for other projects, ensuring funds stay dedicated to their intended purpose. The bill specifies that toll revenue must be kept in dedicated subaccounts and can only be allocated to approved projects within the same region. This procedural change affects how toll revenue is managed but does not alter toll rates, collection practices, or the cessation of tolls.

Maddy summarySB 19 would restrict political subdivisions (such as cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to hire registered lobbyists or pay nonprofits that primarily represent political subdivisions and employ registered lobbyists. The bill permits exceptions for activities like providing legislative information, testifying, or conducting bill analysis without requiring lobbyist registration. Taxpayers could also seek court orders to halt prohibited spending and recover related costs. This legislation aims to limit public funding for lobbying efforts while preserving direct communication with lawmakers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 318) formally recognizes March 25, 2025, as "Space Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It acknowledges Texas's significant role in space exploration, highlighting the state's aerospace industry (including NASA's Johnson Space Center, commercial spaceports, and 145,000 related jobs), its $11 billion annual economic impact, and initiatives like the Texas Space Commission. The resolution serves as a symbolic tribute to Texas's contributions to the space industry without creating new laws or altering policies. It is a ceremonial gesture, not a substantive legislative action.

Maddy summarySB 2110 requires Texas' Public Utility Commission to study the costs of burying overhead power lines in coastal areas and statewide, with a report due by December 2026. It mandates electric utilities in coastal regions to replace all wooden poles by 2045, prioritizing areas within 10 miles of the coast and locations serving critical infrastructure. The bill also requires utilities to implement a vegetation management plan (clearing trees every three years near power lines) and submit annual reports on both pole replacement and vegetation activities. These provisions directly affect Texas electric utilities operating in coastal zones, focusing on grid resilience through infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.

Maddy summarySB 507 requires county election authorities to provide each precinct with ballots equal to 125% of the previous election's turnout in that precinct (capped at registered voters unless using countywide polling). It creates a Class A misdemeanor offense for intentionally failing to provide the required ballots or to supplement ballots upon polling place requests. The bill applies to election supply procurement and directly affects county election officials and polling places. Penalties increase for certain election code violations, with new misdemeanor charges for supply failures. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 305) honors Jill Diane Warrington Glover, a Republican Party member, mental health professional, and civic leader who died in January 2024. It pays tribute to her work supporting conservative legislation (including the Texas Heartbeat Act), her service on the State Republican Executive Committee, and her family. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely to recognize her contributions. The Texas Senate adopted it to extend sympathy to her husband, son, brothers, and other family members.

Maddy summarySB 452 requires the governing board of each public Texas university to approve the hiring of department heads before the position is filled. This directly affects public higher education institutions and their governing boards, as they must review and formally approve these leadership hires. The bill prohibits institutions from appointing department heads without this board approval, adding a layer of oversight for these specific leadership roles. The law would take effect on September 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summarySB 754 prohibits health care facilities and practitioners from compelling or coercing individuals lawfully residing in Texas to receive health care services, including vaccines. It defines "health care service" to explicitly include vaccine administration and establishes that patients have the right to provide or withhold consent for any treatment. The bill requires health care providers to respect patient autonomy in decision-making, aligning with informed consent principles recognized in medical ethics and federal regulations. This law supersedes conflicting state laws and applies to all health care settings licensed in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 714 requires Texas regulators and ERCOT to create new rules addressing electricity price distortions caused by federal tax credits for certain energy projects (specifically under 26 U.S.C. Section 45). The bill mandates that parties causing these distortions - like generators benefiting from tax credits - pay the associated costs (e.g., maintaining capacity during peak demand), rather than spreading them across all electricity users. It also eliminates existing pricing rules that adjust electricity costs based on reserve levels and the risk of power shortages. The rules must take effect by September 1, 2025, directly impacting Texas electricity market operations and pricing.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 265) symbolically recognizes March 21, 2025, as World Down Syndrome Day in Texas. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or groups, as it is a ceremonial gesture acknowledging the United Nations-designated day. The resolution encourages Texans to support inclusion for people with Down syndrome, referencing medical advances and societal progress. It formally declares the Senate’s recognition of this day at the State Capitol, aligning Texas with global observances.