Sen. Borris Miles

Maddy summarySB 288 requires Texas health facilities to verify employment history for job applicants before offering positions in specific roles. This applies directly to facilities hiring staff who provide services to children or vulnerable adults, or handle state funds. The law mandates that facilities contact previous employers listed in applications to confirm employment details. Health facilities may hire third parties to conduct these verifications, and the rule takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 286 prohibits Texas school district superintendents from accepting financial benefits for personal services performed for certain entities, including businesses that work with the district, education service providers, or other school districts. For other services - such as those provided to charter schools, regional education centers, or colleges - the school board must approve each benefit individually in an open meeting. The bill clarifies that reimbursing reasonable expenses does not count as a financial benefit. These rules apply only to benefits received on or after the bill's effective date, set for September 1, 2025, unless it takes effect immediately with a two-thirds legislative vote.

Maddy summarySB 271 updates Texas law to define "critical care residential customers" for electricity services. It adds two specific conditions: a household must permanently house someone dependent on an electric medical device to sustain life or an elevator for home access. This directly affects Texas residential electricity customers with these medical or mobility needs. The bill amends the Utilities Code and takes effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote, or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 285 prohibits open-enrollment charter schools from using state funds received under Section 12.106 to support schools located outside Texas. The bill specifically bans spending state funds on out-of-state schools, except for contracts covering goods or services directly related to the charter school's operations. Violations trigger penalties: the state commissioner must withhold three times the misused amount from future funding, and repeated violations exceeding $100,000 can lead to charter revocation. This directly affects Texas charter schools receiving state funding, ensuring public funds support only in-state education.

Maddy summarySB 283 creates the Texas African American Heritage Commission to identify, preserve, interpret, and promote sites reflecting Texas's African American heritage. The commission, composed of nine members (seven appointed by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, one by Texas Southern University, and one by Prairie View A&M University), will work independently under the Texas Historical Commission for administrative support. It will advise on historical markers and projects involving African American heritage sites, such as state historical markers and projects subject to federal preservation laws. The commission is set to expire in 2037 unless extended under Texas's Sunset Act.

Maddy summarySB 564 modifies Texas school district management rules by requiring school boards to regain control of campuses or districts previously placed under conservators or boards of managers when all affected campuses achieve acceptable performance ratings. The bill specifies that management reverts to the school board if every campus that triggered the conservator appointment meets performance standards for two consecutive school years. It applies to districts where the commissioner appointed external management due to campus performance issues. The bill takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year, unless approved for immediate effect by a two-thirds legislative vote. This is a procedural change to existing accountability mechanisms, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 16) is a ceremonial recognition by the Texas Senate. It formally designates January 29, 2025, as "Alpha Kappa Alpha Day" at the State Capitol to welcome the sorority's delegation for their annual celebration. The resolution does not create new laws, policies, or funding; it simply acknowledges the event and extends a welcome. It directly affects the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. delegation gathering at the Capitol that day.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 14) honoring Deputy Jesus "Jesse" Vargas of the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, who died in the line of duty on January 15, 2025. The resolution extends condolences to his wife, three daughters, parents, siblings, and colleagues, and memorializes him as a 17-year veteran dedicated to community service. It has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal tribute with no legislative effect.