Sen. Tan Parker

Maddy summarySB 32 would create a $25,000 property tax exemption for businesses owning or leasing tangible personal property (like equipment or tools) used to generate income. This exemption applies to each business location within a taxing unit, with property at the same location being combined to determine eligibility. Businesses leasing equipment would receive the same exemption as if they owned it. The bill affects Texas businesses that use physical assets to produce income, reducing their local property tax burden on those assets.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 819 establishes a new permit requirement for renewable energy facilities (wind or solar) with a capacity of 10 megawatts or more that connect to the power grid. It directly affects developers and operators of large-scale wind and solar projects, requiring them to apply for a commission permit before construction or significant expansion. Key provisions include submitting facility details, conducting environmental reviews with the Parks and Wildlife Department, holding public meetings within 25 miles of the site, and publishing meeting notices online. The bill does not apply to solar facilities within home-rule municipalities, and permits must be obtained before September 1, 2025, for existing facilities that expand or relocate significantly.

Maddy summarySB 1873 limits out-of-school suspensions for Texas public school students to a maximum of three school days, while allowing in-school suspensions to continue without a time limit. It requires schools to establish a placement review committee that must evaluate a student's educational progress and determine if continued in-school suspension is appropriate at least once every fifteen school days. The bill directly affects students in Texas public schools who face suspensions, aiming to ensure ongoing educational engagement during suspensions. It would take effect for the 2025-2026 school year if passed.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 1872 would require public school students in Texas to be expelled for engaging in specific serious offenses, including weapons violations, violent crimes (like aggravated assault or murder), sexual offenses (such as indecency with a child), and threats against school staff. The bill expands mandatory expulsion to cover conduct matching elements of certain Penal Code offenses, including those committed on school grounds, during school activities, or within 300 feet of school property. It applies directly to students in Texas public schools who commit these acts, removing discretion for school officials in these cases. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to school discipline, not broader educational outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 1741 requires all Texas public universities to report foreign funding received from entities outside the U.S. annually, beginning September 2024. It prohibits institutions from accepting gifts, grants, or donations from the Chinese government or entities controlled by it. The bill also mandates that all university researchers complete annual training on identifying espionage risks, protecting intellectual property, and reporting suspicious activity. Universities must establish internal systems for staff and students to report potential espionage or theft. These requirements apply directly to every public institution of higher education in Texas.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (SR 416), not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes 19 interns who worked for Senator Judith Zaffirini's office during Texas' 89th Legislative Session (2025). The resolution commends them for their contributions to legislative research, constituent outreach, and administrative tasks, and expresses the Senate's appreciation for their dedication. It was adopted by the Texas Senate on April 22, 2025, and includes a copy of the resolution as a token of recognition. This is purely a ceremonial gesture with no legal effect or policy impact.

Maddy summarySB 2365 would require Texas public school districts and charter schools to adopt policies banning students from using personal wireless devices (like smartphones, tablets, or laptops not issued by the school) during class time. The bill allows exceptions for devices needed for individualized education programs (IEPs), documented medical needs, or health/safety requirements. School boards must implement these policies starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill directly affects all public school students in Texas during instructional periods, with limited exceptions for specific educational or safety needs.

Maddy summarySJR 12 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a parent's right to direct their child's education in Texas. It would add Section 37 to the Texas Constitution, defining "parent" broadly to include natural parents, stepparents, adoptive parents, guardians, and legal custodians. The amendment guarantees specific rights: choosing public school options, selecting alternatives like private or homeschool, accessing school materials and records (including health records), and attending school meetings - without restriction based on disability. This is a procedural bill requiring voter approval in the November 2025 election.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies who can authorize the donation of unclaimed bodies or bodies required to be buried at public expense to medical or forensic science programs. It requires written consent (via will or other document) for such donations and limits this authority to individuals who legally claim the body for burial. The commission must establish rules to implement these changes, ensuring only authorized parties can donate bodies to medical schools or accredited anatomical donation programs. The law applies specifically to bodies not claimed for burial or subject to public burial expenses. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution designates the first full week in April as "Gifted and Talented Students Week" in Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It symbolically recognizes students identified as gifted and talented (over 450,000 in Texas) and the educators who serve them, without creating new laws or allocating funds. The designation remains in effect annually until the 10th anniversary of the resolution's passage, as permitted under Texas Government Code Section 391.004(d). This is a ceremonial observance to celebrate these students' achievements and support their specialized educational needs.