Sen. Mayes Middleton

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 90) commemorates Harmony Public Schools' 25th anniversary, recognizing its founding in 2000 and current network of 60+ campuses across Texas. It highlights the school system's focus on STEM education, rigorous curriculum, and community impact over 25 years. The resolution formally extends the Texas Senate's best wishes to Harmony Public Schools and directs an official copy be presented to the school system as a gesture of recognition. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summarySB 449 requires Texas to issue distinct licenses for noncitizens: handgun carry licenses, personal ID certificates, and driver's licenses must have a substantially different design than citizen versions and display "NONCITIZEN" on both front and back. This applies only to new licenses or renewals issued on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing licenses unaffected. The bill directly affects noncitizen license holders by making their identification visibly distinguishable from citizen-issued licenses. It does not change eligibility requirements or create new restrictions, solely altering the appearance of these specific documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts foreign entities from purchasing or acquiring title to specific types of real property in Texas if they pose a national security risk. It prohibits governmental entities of "designated countries" (identified by U.S. intelligence as threats) and organizations headquartered in such countries or under their control from buying agricultural land, mines, minerals, or standing timber. The prohibition applies if the purchase would risk public health, safety, or welfare - defined as potential criminal activity, corporate espionage, or endangerment. Exceptions cover U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and property intended for residential homesteads (with a 100-year leasehold limit).

Maddy summarySB 853 exempts brewpubs from paying the mixed beverage tax on malt beverages they produce and serve on their own premises. It applies only when the brewpub both makes the malt beverages under its license and sells them at the same location, not to other beer sales. Brewpubs must maintain records to prove eligibility for the exemption and provide them to tax authorities upon request. The exemption takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not change tax liability for sales before that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas Property Code sections to clarify tenant repair requirements and security deposit procedures. It requires tenants to hire independent, licensed contractors (not family, employers, or their own businesses) for repairs after issuing a "notice of intent to repair," and prohibits tenants from repairing structural elements in multi-unit buildings. Landlords must return security deposits or provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 days after tenants surrender possession, and tenants retain their right to a refund even if they don’t provide a forwarding address. These changes directly affect tenants and landlords in Texas rental housing.

Maddy summarySB 849 establishes "equal parenting orders" in Texas family law, defining this as court orders granting both parents nearly equal physical time with their child. The bill creates a rebuttable presumption that equal parenting is in a child's best interest, requiring courts to prioritize this arrangement unless a written finding proves otherwise. It also introduces an "alternative [standard] possession order" as a defined term and specifies that courts must use written findings to limit parental rights. These changes directly affect parents involved in custody disputes under Texas Family Code Chapter 153, shifting the default standard toward shared parenting time. The bill aims to encourage parents to share parenting duties equally after separation, as stated in Section 153.001(a).

Maddy summarySB 911 defines key terms for regulating advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Texas, including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. The bill amends licensing definitions in the Occupations Code to clarify their scope of practice, such as administering medications under authorized protocols. It also authorizes a fee related to this regulatory framework. This bill directly affects APRNs and healthcare facilities employing them by standardizing their licensing and practice parameters under Texas law.

Maddy summarySR 98 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing Senator Judith Zaffirini on her birthday. It honors her service as Dean of the Texas Senate - the longest-serving and highest-ranking member - and acknowledges her historic role as the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas Senate. The resolution celebrates her 38 years of legislative service, including over 72,000 consecutive votes since 1987, and her work on health care, education, and family support. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely a tribute with no legislative action required.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 72) passed by the Texas Senate on February 12, 2025, to honor Texans for Vaccine Choice on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. It recognizes the organization's work since 2015 in advocating for "informed consent, medical privacy, and vaccine choice" through education and policy efforts. The resolution commends the group for promoting "the fundamental right of Texans to make informed medical decisions" and expresses the Senate's "high regard" for their advocacy. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals beyond the named organization.

Maddy summarySB 716 would require 22 Texas licensing boards (including nursing, dental, engineering, and pharmacy boards) to issue licenses to out-of-state applicants who meet specific criteria. To qualify, applicants must hold a current, active license in another state with similar practice scope, have held that license for at least one year, meet original exam/education requirements, have no disqualifying criminal history, and not face recent disciplinary action. The bill streamlines licensing for qualified professionals moving to Texas, reducing barriers for those already licensed elsewhere. It applies only to individual occupational licenses - not facility permits - and mandates this process for all listed licensing authorities.