Sen. Tan Parker

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 bill allows local governments within regional transportation authorities to use up to 25% of their annual sales tax revenue for local mobility projects. It directly affects cities and counties that are part of these regional authorities, enabling them to fund sidewalks, trails, streetlights, traffic signals, and drainage improvements. Funds must be distributed with 50% provided at the start of the fiscal year and 50% reimbursed later, with unused funds required to pay down debt secured by a 1% sales tax. The bill creates a formal process for local units to allocate transportation funds while maintaining regional oversight.

Maddy summarySB 9 proposes changes to Texas public school accountability systems. It requires the Texas Education Agency to create a single-click website for parents to access their child’s state assessment results immediately after testing. The bill mandates a new "instructionally supportive assessment program" focused on progress monitoring and balanced testing, replacing punitive rating systems. It also establishes a grant program for school districts to develop local accountability plans and outlines procedures for challenging TEA decisions related to school ratings. The bill directly affects parents, public schools, and the Texas Education Agency.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas' commissioner of state health services to issue a statewide order allowing licensed pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a prescription. It mandates standardized protocols for pharmacists, requires patient instructions on proper use, and protects pharmacists from criminal, civil, or disciplinary liability when following the order. Pharmacists must also submit annual reports to the state on dispensing volumes. The bill directly affects Texas pharmacists and patients seeking ivermectin without a prescription.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal defense for individuals who were victims of human trafficking or forced prostitution and were compelled by force, fraud, or coercion to commit criminal acts. It allows such victims to argue in court that they engaged in the charged conduct solely because of their traffickers' actions, provided they wouldn't have committed the act without coercion and the coercion would have compelled a reasonable person in their situation. The defense does not apply to certain offenses listed in Texas law, and the person doesn't need to prove their trafficker was charged or convicted. The law applies only to prosecutions for offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date (91 days after the 2025 legislative session).

Maddy summarySB 13 requires Texas cities and counties (political subdivisions) to offer credits against water and wastewater impact fees to builders and developers who implement eligible water conservation or reuse projects. These credits apply to facilities or systems that reduce per-unit water consumption, decrease wastewater treatment needs, minimize stormwater infrastructure demand, or exceed standard water efficiency requirements. Political subdivisions must establish fair procedures for calculating, applying, and reviewing these credits. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly benefiting developers who invest in qualifying water-saving infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 3 provides $294 million in supplemental state funding for disaster relief following a July 2025 flood event in Texas. It allocates funds to match federal disaster aid, support local governments in 27 specific counties (including Travis and Bexar) for flood warning systems and equipment, improve weather forecasting in the Texas Hill Country, and build a swift water training facility for first responders. The bill directs the Office of the Governor to manage these funds over two years, with specific requirements for how each allocation must be used. It directly affects local governments in designated flood-impacted areas and emergency response agencies preparing for future weather events.

Maddy summarySB 14 creates confidential "department files" for law enforcement agencies to track information about licensed employees who hold state-issued law enforcement licenses. These files must include documents about alleged misconduct where evidence was insufficient, but exclude standard personnel records. Agencies must share these files only with the licensing commission during investigations or when hiring new employees, and the files are exempt from public disclosure under Texas law. This policy directly affects law enforcement agencies and their licensed staff by standardizing how sensitive employment-related information is handled and shared.

Maddy summarySB 2 creates a grant program administered by the governor to help municipalities and counties cover the costs of installing outdoor warning sirens in flood-prone areas. The bill defines "flood-prone areas" as regions affected by a specific 2025 flood event and requires local governments to install sirens in locations with a history of severe flooding and high risks to life or property. The grant program must include clear rules for eligibility, application processes, and monitoring of funds to ensure proper use. This legislation amends both the Government Code (to establish the grant) and Water Code (to mandate siren requirements).