Sen. Borris Miles

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 50 requires healthcare providers to obtain patient consent before conducting blood screening tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and to inform patients they can opt out of the test. If a screening test is positive, providers must offer information about available healthcare, prevention, and support services. The bill applies to all medical screenings for STDs in Texas and takes effect January 1, 2026, after the Health and Human Services Commission adopts implementing rules. It does not change existing testing protocols but adds a consent requirement and post-positive support obligation for providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires end-stage renal disease (ESRD) facilities in Texas to update their emergency contingency plans with stricter power and water backup standards. Specifically, facilities must maintain on-site fuel for 72 hours (up from 24 hours) or use battery-powered generators, install generators meeting National Fire Protection Association standards, and keep 24 hours of potable water on-site. Facilities unable to store fuel on-site must secure third-party fuel agreements during outages. These changes take effect by December 1, 2025, applying directly to dialysis centers to ensure continuous patient care during emergencies.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summarySB 1782 requires owners or operators of Texas group homes to obtain and maintain criminal history records from the Texas Department of Public Safety for all job applicants and employees. It mandates keeping records for at least 30 days after rejecting an applicant or for the entire employment duration if hired. The bill prohibits hiring individuals convicted of specific offenses listed in the Penal Code (including violent crimes, sexual offenses, and certain drug offenses) and imposes Class B misdemeanor penalties for failing to conduct checks or Class A misdemeanor penalties for hiring prohibited individuals. This law directly affects group homes - defined as facilities housing unrelated residents with basic services like meals and housekeeping but excluding licensed care facilities, hotels, or dormitories - and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) adopted by the Texas Senate on May 21, 2025. It formally recognizes the five students in the 13th class of the Senator Gregory Luna Legislative Scholars and Fellows Program - Ben Aguillon, Rachel Sepulveda, Leticia Sofia Torres, Christell Valdes, and Ezra Villarreal - for their service in Texas Senate offices during the 89th Legislative Session. The resolution commends their "remarkable service and excellent work" and provides them with a formal copy as a gesture of the Senate's "high regard." No new laws, funding, or policy changes are created by this resolution.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the 2025 University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs Fellows - Alexis Boehmer, Erick Garcia, and nine other students - for their internship work supporting Texas legislators during the 89th Session. It commends their contributions to the legislative process, including assisting with meetings, constituent engagement, and policy research. The resolution provides each Fellow with a formal copy as a token of recognition from the Texas Senate. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely to acknowledge their service.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 533) is a ceremonial Senate commendation recognizing 29 student interns who participated in the Texas Legislative Internship Program during the 89th Legislative Session. It formally acknowledges their service in legislative offices, state agencies, and local government, highlighting the program's role since 1990 in providing students with practical government experience. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it simply expresses the Senate's appreciation for these interns' contributions. The program is administered by the Mickey Leland Center at Texas Southern University.

Maddy summarySB 375 extends the expiration date for Harris County Hospital District's existing healthcare provider participation program from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2027. The bill modifies Section 299.004 of the Health and Safety Code to allow the program to continue operating beyond its original deadline. This directly affects the district's ability to maintain its current healthcare provider network without requiring new program design or funding changes. The legislation only extends the operational timeline for an existing program, with no new policy provisions or eligibility changes.