Sen. Borris Miles

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 175) formally recognizes February 2025 as Black History Month in Texas. It does not create new laws or policies, but serves as a symbolic gesture by the Texas Senate to honor African American contributions to Texas history and culture. The resolution encourages all Texans to learn about the achievements and heritage of Black communities in the state, as detailed in the preamble. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct legal effect on citizens or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 174) is a non-binding ceremonial gesture by the Texas Senate. It formally recognizes February 27, 2025, as "Texas Majority to End Gun Violence Advocacy Day" at the State Capitol, specifically acknowledging the Texas Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence for gathering there. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it solely expresses the Senate's support through a symbolic recognition of the coalition's advocacy work. It directly affects the coalition and its members by providing official acknowledgment of their planned event.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill), designating February 26, 2025, as "University of Houston-Downtown Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It formally recognizes the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) for its role in serving Houston's community, including its 14,000+ annual students, high representation of first-generation students, and affordable education. The resolution extends a welcome to UHD's delegation for a celebration at the Capitol on that date. It has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic recognition of the university's contributions.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) recognizing February 26, 2025, as "Green Light Houston Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors the Transportation Advocacy Group-Houston Region (TAG Houston) for its work since 2011 promoting transportation projects, mobility improvements, and regional growth. The resolution specifically acknowledges TAG Houston's role in advancing transportation legislation and its annual "Green Light Houston Day" event, which brings together advocacy groups to discuss mobility needs with legislators. It has no policy impact beyond ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summarySR 106 is a Texas Senate resolution honoring the late U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston, who died in July 2024. The resolution commemorates her 30-year congressional career, her advocacy for social justice, and her key role in establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. It recognizes her leadership in passing landmark legislation like the Sentencing Reform Act and her dedication to Houston constituents. As a memorial resolution, it has no legislative effect and serves solely to honor her legacy.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 77) honoring Paul McCann of Egypt, Texas, who died on February 4, 2025, at age 83. The resolution details his life: born in Egypt, Texas, served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, had a 24-year career with the Houston Police Department (becoming HPD’s seventh African American sergeant), and later returned to Egypt with his wife Patricia. It formally commends the Senate’s tribute to McCann and extends condolences to his family, including his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or funding provisions - it solely serves to recognize his life and service.

Maddy summarySB 1136 amends Texas law to require county fire marshals to inspect group homes only in certain counties (not all counties), updating the definition of "group home" to align with a new Health and Safety Code standard. The revised definition specifies that a group home must house three or more unrelated individuals receiving residential care services paid for by a government entity. The bill repeals a previous fee structure for inspections and sets an effective date of immediate enactment (if passed with a two-thirds vote) or September 1, 2025, if not. This change directly affects county fire marshals in designated counties and group homes meeting the updated definition.

Maddy summarySB 1022 allows Texas electric utilities to recover vegetation management costs (like tree trimming near power lines) more efficiently. It requires utilities to collect eligible costs as soon as possible and adjust them among customers based on their actual electricity usage. The bill mandates that any under- or over-collected costs must be resolved within 90 days (or a longer period if the commission approves for extraordinary costs), with customers notified and given a chance to protest. It also specifies that protests cannot challenge whether the costs were reasonable - only whether the recovery process followed the rules. This directly affects electricity customers and utilities managing power line vegetation.

Maddy summarySB 1140 establishes the Texas Rare Disease Advisory Council to advise state officials on the needs of Texans with rare diseases. The council, composed of 12 members including patients, caregivers, medical professionals (geneticists, nurses, physicians), hospital administrators, rare disease organizations, and industry representatives, will provide input to the legislature, governor, and state agencies. It requires the Texas Department of Health to designate an institution of higher education to provide administrative support. This bill directly affects individuals with rare diseases in Texas by creating a formal channel for their input into state health policy decisions.

Maddy summarySB 1139 requires senior independent living communities (facilities for residents 55+ years old) to restore elevator and related equipment function within 72 hours after a power outage by contracting with outside vendors. Communities failing to meet this deadline face administrative penalties: up to $1,000 per day for the first five days of noncompliance, then $5,000 per day for each additional day. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects all senior living communities operating elevators in Texas. It does not specify penalties for other building types or non-elevator equipment.