Sen. Tan Parker

Maddy summarySJR 72 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a property tax exemption for data centers. If approved by voters, it would let the legislature exempt the full appraised value of both the land/building used as a data center and the equipment at the site that powers its energy needs from local property taxes. The exemption would require a future law passed by the legislature to implement specific eligibility rules. This bill must be voted on by Texas voters in the November 2025 election.

Maddy summarySB 2435 amends Texas Penal Code sections related to human trafficking prosecutions. It specifically removes two defenses in cases where traffickers cause children or disabled individuals to engage in or become victims of prostitution: that the victim lacked mental capacity for prostitution, or that the victim didn't complete the act. The bill directly affects prosecutors and defendants in these trafficking cases involving vulnerable victims. It applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2402 extends the Texas Lottery Commission's existence by subjecting it to periodic review under the Texas Sunset Act, preventing its automatic dissolution on September 1, 2037, unless legislative action continues it. The bill adds a limited-scope Sunset review for 2025-2029 to assess the Commission's compliance with recent law changes and Sunset Advisory Commission recommendations. It also requires the Commission to implement annual training for members on laws, audits, and ethics, establish three subcommittees (audit, legal, planning), and create a lottery advisory committee with balanced public representation. The bill updates minor sales rules to require sales agents to exercise criminal negligence (e.g., failing to check age) when selling tickets to individuals under 18. These provisions directly affect the Commission’s operations, its members, and sales agents handling lottery transactions.

Maddy summarySB 2388 establishes Chapter 527 of the Texas Government Code, creating a "Managed Care Client Choice Program" for Medicaid and child health plan programs. It defines key terms like "managed care contract," "contracted managed care organization," and "health care service region" to standardize procurement processes. The bill applies specifically to Texas Medicaid programs (including STAR Medicaid, STAR+PLUS, and STAR Kids) and the child health plan program, outlining requirements for how the Health and Human Services Commission procures and manages these contracts. This legislation focuses on administrative clarity for existing managed care programs without altering service delivery or funding.

Maddy summarySB 2307 makes it a felony to knowingly operate a property (like a building or space) where people use illegal drugs, targeting owners, managers, or renters who allow such activity. The law specifically criminalizes actions like renting space for drug use, profiting from drug activity on premises, or making space available for drug consumption. It excludes legitimate medical settings, such as medication-assisted treatment centers with valid prescriptions. This bill, if passed, would impose second-degree felony penalties for violations while allowing prosecution under other applicable laws.

Maddy summarySB 2437 updates Texas law for self-service storage facilities seeking to sell tenants' stored items when rent isn't paid. It requires facilities to advertise sales through specific methods: publishing in a local newspaper for two weeks (with a 15-day wait), posting at the facility and five other locations (10-day wait), or making sales accessible online with at least three bidders (10-day wait). The bill applies only to new storage rental agreements signed on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing agreements under previous rules. This clarifies notice requirements to ensure tenants have sufficient time to reclaim belongings before sales occur.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 19, 2025, as "Texas Small Business Development Center Day" to honor the Texas SBDC Network. It recognizes the network's 40+ years of providing free business consulting, helping businesses access over $421 million in financing in 2024, and contributing to 33,000+ jobs and $703 million in new sales. The resolution has no binding policy impact - it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of the network's economic contributions to Texas.

Maddy summarySB 2400 sets new sunset review dates for several Texas state agencies, requiring them to be reviewed by the Sunset Advisory Commission before their potential abolition. It extends the deadline for the Credit Union Department to 2031 (not 2035), requires the State Office of Administrative Hearings to undergo regular reviews without abolition, and establishes a limited 2026 review for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department focused solely on regionalization efforts and facility management. The bill also sets a 2033 sunset date for the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and updates reporting requirements for agencies facing review. This is a procedural bill adjusting existing sunset review schedules, not creating new programs or policies.

Maddy summarySB 2317 clarifies that homeowners' associations in Texas are exempt from sales and use taxes when providing specific documents to members or their representatives (like lenders or title companies). This includes resale certificates, condominium information statements, financial records, and organizational documents, aligning tax treatment with existing law. The bill does not create new exemptions but explicitly states these services are non-taxable under the Tax Code. (Bill: SB 2317)

Maddy summarySB 19 would restrict political subdivisions (such as cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to hire registered lobbyists or pay nonprofits that primarily represent political subdivisions and employ registered lobbyists. The bill permits exceptions for activities like providing legislative information, testifying, or conducting bill analysis without requiring lobbyist registration. Taxpayers could also seek court orders to halt prohibited spending and recover related costs. This legislation aims to limit public funding for lobbying efforts while preserving direct communication with lawmakers.