Sen. Borris Miles

Maddy summarySB 46 modifies Texas' state immunization registry rules to clarify which vaccination data can be included and how individuals can opt out. It requires healthcare providers to obtain initial consent (once for adults) before adding immunization records, while giving individuals or parents/guardians multiple ways to request exclusion - such as at birth, during appointments, online, or via written request. The bill ensures people aren’t required to repeatedly opt out and mandates that exclusion requests are honored until a new written request for inclusion is submitted. This directly affects Texas residents, parents/guardians of minors, and healthcare providers who report immunization data to the state registry.

Maddy summarySB 697 requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to annually report on post-release employment and related data for inmates. The report, due by January 30 each year, includes statistics on how long released inmates take to find jobs (broken down by whether they received career training), occupational license applications and approvals, and employment data categorized by industry and median wages over three years. TDCJ must publish the report online and may partner with the Texas Workforce Commission to gather data. The first report is due by January 30, 2026, and the bill takes effect September 1, 2025. This bill directly affects TDCJ's reporting duties and provides transparency on inmate reintegration outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 1628 restricts Texas state agencies from asking about criminal history on initial job applications for public employment or occupational licenses. It prohibits disqualification based on arrests without conviction, sealed/expunged records, or certain minor offenses (like Class C misdemeanors), and requires agencies to consider criminal history only after a conditional job offer. Before denying employment, agencies must notify applicants in writing, provide their criminal history record, and allow 10 days for applicants to submit evidence of rehabilitation. Final hiring decisions must be based on an individualized assessment of whether a conviction directly relates to the job's duties.

Maddy summarySB 1513 creates an income-based assistance fund within Texas' general revenue to help low-income retail electric customers. It mandates that the Health and Human Services Commission automatically identify eligible low-income customers and share this data with electric providers, cooperatives, and municipally owned utilities that offer customer choice. These entities must then provide a fixed discount on electricity bills (in addition to any local programs) and automatically enroll eligible customers, with the state reimbursing them from the fund. The bill specifies that the fund can also cover one-time bill payment assistance for critical care residential customers facing disconnection. This program applies only to electric providers operating in areas with customer choice, excluding municipally owned utilities or cooperatives that do not offer such choice.

Maddy summarySB 491 allows specific individuals to request confidentiality for their home addresses in public property tax appraisal records. It directly affects peace officers, their families, certain law enforcement and criminal justice employees, victims of family violence or sexual assault (with proof), participants in the address confidentiality program, judges, and related legal professionals. The bill requires property tax appraisers to withhold home addresses from public records for these eligible groups upon verification of their status. This policy change aims to protect vulnerable individuals from potential safety risks associated with public access to their residential information.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes March 4, 2025, as Texas Southern University Day at the Texas State Capitol. It honors Texas Southern University's role as a historically Black institution founded in 1927, highlighting its educational contributions, student enrollment (approximately 8,700), and community impact. The resolution directly affects Texas Southern University and its community by extending official recognition through a formal Senate gesture, with a copy provided to the university.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 199) formally recognizes March 4, 2025, as "Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It acknowledges the fraternity's founding in 1906 as the first African American Greek-letter organization, its history of civic engagement, and notable members like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The resolution serves as a ceremonial tribute with no policy or financial impact, offering the fraternity an official copy as a symbol of the Texas Senate's recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 180) recognizing March 4, 2025, as "Nurse Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It formally honors nurses across Texas - including certified nursing assistants, licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses, and advanced practice nurses - for their daily care of Texans, their service during the pandemic, and their high public trust ratings. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation by the Texas Senate. It was adopted and enrolled by the Senate on March 4, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 201) honors the late Reverend William A. Lawson, a Houston civil rights leader who died in May 2024 at age 95. It commemorates his lifelong work founding Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, connecting with Martin Luther King Jr., leading Houston's SCLC chapter for over 30 years, and advocating against racism and homelessness. The Texas Senate passed the resolution on March 4, 2025, to pay tribute to his legacy and extend condolences to his family. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents.

Maddy summarySB 1780 modifies Texas vehicle registration and inspection fees. It creates a new 24-month registration period for new passenger cars/light trucks purchased in Texas (or by commercial fleets) that have never been registered elsewhere and are current or previous model year vehicles. Instead of annual $7.50 registration fees, owners pay a one-time $22.25 fee for initial registration, which covers the next two registration cycles. $6 of this fee is directed to the clean air account, as specified in Section 548.510(c) of the Transportation Code. The bill also repeals several existing inspection-related sections.