Sen. Mayes Middleton

Maddy summarySB 973 prohibits Texas property tax offices (appraisal districts) from posting certain residential property information online, specifically interior photos, detailed floor plans, or records showing specific interior features. It allows posting of aerial photos showing multiple buildings, street-level exterior photos, and field records showing only building outlines, general landscape features, and basic property dimensions. The law directly affects residential property owners by restricting how detailed property data can be shared publicly online. This is a concrete policy change limiting public access to specific types of property assessment information.

Maddy summaryHB 2518 prohibits third-party premium financing arrangements for Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) policies, requiring policyholders to use installment payment plans directly through TWIA at no additional cost. It applies to all TWIA policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and became effective September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects Texas homeowners and property owners insured through TWIA who previously relied on third-party financing options. This change eliminates fees associated with external premium financing by mandating that TWIA provide its own no-cost installment plans.

Maddy summaryHB 3372 prohibits school district administrators (excluding classroom teachers) from receiving financial benefits for personal services provided to specific entities, including businesses that work with their school district, curriculum service providers, or other school districts. The law directly affects administrators with significant operational duties, such as those managing campuses or programs, by banning conflicts of interest tied to district business relationships. Violations carry a $10,000 civil penalty per incident, and the bill took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on June 22, 2025. This legislation aims to prevent administrators from profiting from their official positions within the education system.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 recognizes physical gold and silver coins meeting specific weight and purity standards as legal tender in Texas for debt payments, while prohibiting government markings except for identifying refiners. It authorizes the state comptroller to establish electronic payment systems backed by bullion held in depositories, allowing transactions using gold/silver-based currency. The bill explicitly states it does not replace U.S. dollars, restrict federal currency, or require businesses to accept gold/silver tender. It also permits the comptroller to set reasonable administrative fees for the system. This law applies to Texas residents and businesses using the state-administered electronic currency system, operating alongside existing federal currency.

Maddy summarySB 25 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to provide daily moderate or vigorous physical activity for students in prekindergarten through grade 8. Specifically, it mandates at least 30 minutes daily for grades K-5 and 30 minutes daily for at least four semesters in grades 6-8, with alternatives for scheduling challenges (e.g., 135 minutes weekly). The bill prohibits schools from restricting student participation in physical activity as punishment for academic or behavioral issues. It directly affects K-8 students and school employees responsible for implementing physical education curricula, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2520 amends Texas' open meetings law to expand the definition of "governmental body" subject to public meeting requirements. It adds entities like reinvestment zone boards, workforce development boards, certain nonprofit water corporations, and local workforce boards to the list of groups required to follow open meeting rules. The bill also requires more specific meeting notices, including detailed agendas that clearly identify topics of public interest and any items discussed in closed sessions. This legislation, which passed both chambers in May 2025, was vetoed by the Governor on June 22, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2185 establishes a new $10 million annual funding allotment for school districts in Texas that offer approved dual language immersion programs (one-way or two-way). It provides 15% of the basic allotment per emergent bilingual student and 5% per other student in these programs, requiring districts to report additional data on program methods through the state's education data system. At least 55% of these funds must be used for bilingual/special language programs, covering instructional materials, staff development, and other quality instruction costs. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting school districts offering approved bilingual education models under Texas law.

Maddy summarySB 1388 establishes the Thriving Texas Families Program, a statewide initiative under the Health and Human Services Commission that provides community outreach, consultation, and care coordination for women facing unexpected pregnancies. The program offers "life-affirming" alternatives to abortion through support services, directly affecting pregnant individuals seeking non-abortion options. Key provisions define terms like "abortion services provider" (broadly including those who refer for abortion, fund travel, or provide related information) and "network contractor" (entities delivering program services), shaping eligibility and service delivery. The law, effective September 1, 2025, replaces the previous "alternatives to abortion" program with this new framework.

Maddy summarySB 1383 regulates referral agencies that connect seniors with senior living communities by requiring them to provide clear written disclosures to consumers at the time of referral. The bill mandates that disclosures include details about services, who pays the referral fee (consumer or community), and the consumer's right to stop using the service without penalty. It also prohibits referral agencies from using cost as the sole factor in selecting a community and prevents senior living communities from being forced to contract with referral agencies. This law directly affects referral agencies, seniors seeking housing options, and senior living communities by establishing transparency and consumer protections.

Maddy summarySB 1241 amends Texas law to allow public universities to admit students who achieve a minimum SAT score of 1,500 (or equivalent ACT score) as an alternative to graduating in the top 10% of their high school class. It directly affects undergraduate applicants to Texas public institutions of higher education who do not meet the top 10% academic requirement. The bill establishes specific score thresholds (1,500 on the SAT or equivalent ACT benchmarks) that applicants must meet to qualify for admission under this new pathway. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is also directed to study how these entrance examinations impact student success and institutional admissions. The law took effect September 1, 2025.