Maddy summarySB 949, the "Equality in Financial Services Act," bans large financial institutions from using a "social credit score" to deny or restrict services based on protected activities. It specifically prohibits institutions (with $100B+ assets or processing $100B+ in transactions annually) from considering factors like religious practice, political speech, refusal to adopt environmental targets, or business ties to firearms/fossil fuels as financial risk factors. The bill requires institutions to provide written reasons within 90 days if they deny service, and explicitly excludes publicly disclosed, quantifiable financial risk assessments from the ban. It directly affects consumers and businesses interacting with major banks and payment processors in Texas.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 831 amends Texas tax law to adjust reimbursement deductions for businesses collecting sales and use taxes. Businesses can now deduct 0.5% of regular sales tax collected and 2.5% of tax from credit card sales to cover collection costs. It also adds a 1.25% prepayment discount for businesses estimating quarterly or monthly tax liabilities, provided they pay at least 90% of the prior year’s tax. Businesses may voluntarily contribute their reimbursement amount to education grants via the comptroller, with the law taking effect October 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment (SJR 45) that would allow Texas lawmakers to create laws denying bail to individuals accused of committing a trafficking or sexual offense against a child while already out on bail for a similar offense. It directly affects defendants charged with repeat child sexual or trafficking offenses who are awaiting trial on a prior similar charge. The amendment would require a judge to hold a hearing and determine by "preponderance of the evidence" that the new offense occurred while the person was on bail. The proposed law must be approved by voters in the November 2025 election.
Maddy summarySB 877 creates an Office of Inspector General within the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse in public education administration. The office will directly affect school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, regional education service centers, and other local education agencies by conducting investigations into wrongdoing, receiving complaints, and performing forensic audits (with the investigated entity covering audit costs). Key provisions include the commissioner appointing an inspector general, authorizing the office to make findings about violations regardless of time limits, and enabling proactive reviews of education entities. This bill establishes a dedicated oversight body to address misconduct in Texas public education funding and operations.
Maddy summaryTexas SB 829 requires the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to annually review its process for entering into adoption assistance agreements. The bill mandates DFPS to examine three specific factors each year: available funding for subsidies, the maximum payment amounts authorized, and the criteria used to determine a child's eligibility for financial support. This procedural requirement directly affects DFPS operations and the adoption assistance program, which provides financial support to families adopting children with special needs. The review process must be completed annually, with the law taking effect on September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySR 98 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing Senator Judith Zaffirini on her birthday. It honors her service as Dean of the Texas Senate - the longest-serving and highest-ranking member - and acknowledges her historic role as the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas Senate. The resolution celebrates her 38 years of legislative service, including over 72,000 consecutive votes since 1987, and her work on health care, education, and family support. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely a tribute with no legislative action required.
Maddy summarySB 938 creates new regulations for "earned wage access services," which allow workers to access a portion of their earned but unpaid wages before their regular pay date. The bill directly affects providers of these services (like apps or third-party platforms) and workers who use them, defining key terms like "earned but unpaid income" and excluding payroll services and employers themselves from the regulated category. Key provisions establish administrative penalties for providers who violate the rules, require restitution payments to affected workers for violations, and add Chapter 398 to the Finance Code as the Texas Earned Wage Access Services Act. The law aims to set clear standards for these services while giving regulators enforcement tools.
Maddy summarySB 828 requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to create person-centered reentry plans for offenders with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including coordination of treatment, housing assistance, and community resources. The bill mandates the department to identify community resources to support successful community reintegration for these offenders. It also prohibits using department funds for residential housing assistance for offenders convicted of specific offenses listed in Section 508.149(a) of the law. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes Texas municipal spending rules by raising the threshold for mandatory competitive bidding from $50,000 to $100,000 for contracts funded by municipal money. It also creates a new requirement: for purchases between $3,000 and $100,000, municipalities must contact at least two historically underutilized businesses on a rotating basis (using state-provided lists). These changes apply only to purchases made on or after September 1, 2025, with older contracts governed by prior law. The bill directly affects Texas municipalities managing public spending and impacts historically underutilized businesses seeking municipal contracts.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) designating February 11, 2025, as "Texas State Technical College Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It recognizes the college's role in providing technical education across 11 campuses and its contributions to student success and Texas' economic development. The resolution formally commends the college's students, faculty, and administrators for their work in higher education.