Sen. Tan Parker

Maddy summarySB 1941 requires digital asset service providers (like exchanges or custodians) in Texas to file annual reports with the Department of Banking by the 90th day after each fiscal year ends. The reports must include: (1) a statement confirming customer liabilities, (2) proof of customer assets held, and (3) either an independent audit or agreed-upon procedures report verifying that custody assets match customer liabilities. This bill directly affects businesses managing digital assets for customers, imposing transparency requirements to ensure they can cover customer claims. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Texas public school districts from hiring uncertified teachers as the primary instructor (teacher of record) for K-5 reading/language arts or mathematics courses, or for mathematics courses in grades 6-8. It also requires districts to notify parents if a teacher without proper certification is assigned to these specific courses. The law applies to all public school districts and takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year. It does not affect certification requirements for other subjects or grade levels.

Maddy summarySB 1356 creates the Texas Alcohol Tourism Development Program to market wineries, breweries, and distilleries across the state. The program must develop marketing plans, maintain a public website listing tour/tasting locations, and promote alcohol tourism as part of Texas tourism. It also establishes a 9-member advisory committee (including industry permit holders, tourism representatives, and public members) to advise the state office on program implementation. The committee must submit a report by September 2026 and is dissolved January 1, 2027, with the program taking effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1910 requires Texas law enforcement agencies to provide the attorney general with victim-related crime reports (including witness statements and criminal history) within 14 business days of a request. This applies specifically to cases where the attorney general reviews applications for crime victims' compensation. The bill also prohibits releasing these reports under Texas public information laws (Chapter 552 of the Government Code). The change aims to streamline the compensation process by ensuring the attorney general has timely access to necessary documentation for eligibility determinations.

Maddy summarySB 752 requires public Texas colleges and universities to create emergency plans that specifically address the safety needs of students, staff, and guests with disabilities during crises. The bill mandates institutions to implement evacuation assistance devices in all multi-story campus buildings and develop plans accommodating different disabilities, including access to evacuation devices. It also directs the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to establish rules for these emergency plans, consulting disability advocacy groups during the process. These requirements apply to all public postsecondary institutions in Texas and aim to ensure equal access to safety during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 33) urges the U.S. Congress to preserve three specific tax provisions in the Internal Revenue Code: Sections 45U, 45Y, and 48E. These sections provide federal tax incentives for nuclear and natural gas energy projects. The resolution directly affects Texas' nuclear and natural gas energy sector, which the state claims supports nearly half of its electricity generation and employs thousands of workers. Texas lawmakers request Congress maintain these tax provisions to support the state's energy infrastructure and economic growth.

Maddy summarySB 1823 requires life insurance and annuity insurers to follow specific timelines when a policyholder replaces their policy with a new insurer. It mandates that existing insurers acknowledge replacement notices within 5 business days and send payments (to the policyholder or new insurer) within 30 days. If payments are delayed beyond 30 days, insurers must pay 18% annual interest on the unpaid amount. This bill applies to replacement transactions occurring on or after January 1, 2026, directly affecting policyholders, existing insurers, and replacing insurers.

Maddy summarySB 1829 requires first responders (fire and emergency medical services personnel) to complete approved human trafficking prevention training. It mandates hospitals to display clear, visible signs in emergency departments stating that staff must receive this training and cannot face retaliation for reporting suspected trafficking. The bill also prohibits healthcare facilities from disciplining or retaliating against employees who report human trafficking in good faith. These provisions directly affect first responders, hospital staff, and healthcare facilities across Texas, aiming to improve identification and reporting of trafficking cases.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 1831 amends the Health and Safety Code to require the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee to study pregnancy-related deaths - including those related to voluntary termination of pregnancy - and analyze trends in maternal mortality. The bill specifically exempts records related to voluntary termination of pregnancy from being collected, maintained, or disclosed under this chapter (Section 34.013). This means healthcare providers and the committee cannot use such records for the purpose of reviewing maternal mortality cases under this law. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 258 is a commemorative measure honoring the late U.S. Congressman Sylvester Turner of Houston, who died on March 5, 2025. The resolution recognizes his career as a Texas state legislator, mayor of Houston, and U.S. Congressman, highlighting his dedication to public service in Houston's Acres Homes neighborhood and his work on health care, education, and community resilience. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups, as it is a symbolic tribute to his legacy.