Maddy summarySB 1126 creates a property tax exemption for partially disabled veterans and their surviving spouses in Texas. It allows veterans with a disability rating of 10% to 99% to exempt a percentage of their home’s appraised value equal to their disability rating (e.g., a 40% rating exempts 40% of the tax). Surviving spouses retain this exemption if they remain unmarried, live in the same home the veteran owned at death, and the home stays their primary residence. The exemption applies to the same property value amount as the veteran received, with a certificate from the appraisal district enabling transfers if the spouse moves to a new home. This policy directly affects eligible veterans and their spouses by reducing their local property tax burden.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 1128 modifies how Texas school districts contribute to the Teacher Retirement System for teachers earning the minimum salary set by law. It establishes three payment periods: a fixed 1.5% contribution for September 2014-August 2015, a variable rate (capped at 1.5%) for September 2015-August 2019 based on state contribution changes, and a further adjusted rate starting September 2019. School districts must pay the lower amount between two calculation methods each period. The bill applies to the 2025-2026 school year or earlier if approved by a two-thirds vote.
Maddy summarySB 1009 adopts the Uniform Easement Relocation Act into Texas property law. It establishes clear definitions for different easement types (like conservation easements protecting natural areas, public utility easements for companies, and appurtenant easements tied to specific properties) and creates standardized procedures for relocating easements when property is subdivided, sold, or redeveloped. This directly affects property owners, utility companies, conservation groups, and developers by providing predictable rules for moving easements without requiring new legal agreements. The law aims to reduce disputes by defining terms like "dominant estate" (the benefited property) and "servient estate" (the burdened property) and clarifying when easement holders can request relocation.
Maddy summarySB 1007 amends Texas law to clarify that specific consumer transaction protections under Chapter 601 of the Business & Commerce Code do not apply to certain transactions. It directly affects consumers and businesses by exempting transactions like farm equipment purchases, insurance sales regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance, real estate deals with licensed professionals, and service contracts with written cancellation rights. Key provisions list six specific exceptions where standard cancellation rules (e.g., cooling-off periods) won’t apply. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, impacting only transactions occurring on or after that date.
Maddy summarySB 1068 requires out-of-state colleges competing against Texas public universities in intercollegiate athletics to certify 30 days in advance that they will comply with Texas' biological sex-based athletic team requirements. It directly affects out-of-state institutions participating in competitions against Texas public colleges or universities. The bill amends the Education Code to mandate this certification before any competition, applying to all such events starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. The law takes effect immediately if passed by a two-thirds vote, or September 1, 2025, if not.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state commission to evaluate whether relocating certain state agencies from Travis County or adjacent counties to other locations would save the state money over a 10-year period. It directs the commission (with help from the Texas Facilities Commission) to analyze costs like new office space, moving expenses, and potential revenue from selling current state property. If the evaluation finds cost savings, the affected agency must relocate its headquarters outside Travis County or adjacent counties. The law applies to agencies currently headquartered in those areas and takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 970 requires the Public Utility Commission of Texas to prioritize granting or loaning funds from the Texas Energy Fund to electric generating facilities with a capacity of at least 750 megawatts. This policy directly affects large-scale power plants seeking financial support through the state's energy fund. The bill mandates that applications for these grants or loans submitted on or after September 1, 2025, must be evaluated with preference for facilities meeting the 750-megawatt threshold. The provision applies only to new applications after the effective date and does not alter existing commitments.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 121) honors former Baytown Mayor Pedro "Pete" Cuellar Alfaro, who served from 1989 to 2000 and passed away in December 2023. It commemorates his 11 years as mayor, his work on infrastructure projects like the Fred Hartman Bridge, and his community leadership roles, including hospital and college board service. The resolution extends sympathy to his family and directs the Texas Senate to adjourn in his memory. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves as a tribute to his legacy.
Maddy summarySB 403 requires Texas to deposit federal reimbursements for border security costs into a dedicated account within the general revenue fund. The comptroller must calculate this amount annually and deposit it by the 90th day of each fiscal year. This money can only be used by the legislature to provide property tax relief (ad valorem tax relief) for homeowners and businesses. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, but applies to fiscal years beginning September 1, 2027. It directly affects Texas taxpayers through potential property tax reductions, using existing federal border security reimbursements rather than new state funds.
Maddy summarySB 79 makes it illegal to purchase lottery tickets via phone or internet/mobile apps, or to arrange such purchases for compensation. It directly affects individuals buying tickets online and anyone offering to sell or arrange lottery tickets through digital means. The bill creates two criminal offenses: a Class C misdemeanor for buying tickets online (Section 466.318(a)(1)), and a Class A misdemeanor for facilitating purchases for money (Section 466.318(a)(2)). The law takes effect September 1, 2025, closing a loophole in existing lottery regulations.