Sen. Borris Miles

Maddy summarySB 801 requires Texas state and local registrars to issue free certified birth records to homeless individuals upon request, without requiring a physical address. It defines a "homeless individual" as someone lacking stable housing or staying in temporary shelters (like transitional housing or shelters), excluding those in correctional facilities. The bill mandates that the Health and Human Services Commission create rules to verify homelessness and determine required documentation. This law takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies only to applications submitted on or after that date. The bill directly affects homeless Texans seeking vital records for essential services like housing, employment, or healthcare.

Maddy summarySB 2717 would create the Texas Energy Efficiency Council within the state's regulatory framework. The council, composed of 11 ex-officio members from key state agencies (including the Public Utility Commission, Environmental Quality Commission, and Texas A&M Energy Systems Lab), would evaluate and recommend strategies for statewide energy efficiency. Its key duties include measuring energy efficiency performance, monitoring programs, coordinating federal funding opportunities (like from the U.S. Department of Energy), and establishing a central information hub for energy efficiency programs and resources. The bill directly affects state agencies, electric utilities, and programs focused on reducing energy consumption through efficiency measures.

Maddy summaryHB 1327 extends the expiration date of the Harris County Hospital District's healthcare provider participation program from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2027. This change directly affects the Harris County Hospital District and healthcare providers participating in its program, ensuring continued operation of the initiative. The bill amends Section 299.004 of the Health and Safety Code to adjust the program's expiration date and the chapter's effective period. The legislation passed both chambers with unanimous support and took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 462 requires Texas child-care providers to give priority placement on waiting lists to children of licensed child-care workers who work at least 25 hours per week. This applies to workers employed in licensed facilities (excluding facility owners/directors unless their child is in a separate program). The law mandates that these priority placements must be reviewed annually for eligibility. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, after being signed into law by the Governor on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryTexas bill SB 1777 prohibits health care providers (including their employees or contractors) from accepting any payment for referring potential residents to group homes that lack a valid license. The law specifically targets unlicensed group homes, including those operating under state waiver programs. Violating this prohibition is a Class B misdemeanor offense. The bill aims to prevent financial incentives for referrals to facilities not meeting licensing standards, directly affecting health care providers who make such referrals.

Maddy summarySB 1802 requires Texas landlords to make a "diligent effort" to repair or fix conditions that materially affect a tenant's health or safety after receiving proper notice. It directly affects landlords and tenants in residential properties, specifically covering issues like failure to maintain hot water at 120°F or unsafe accessibility features (ramps, elevators, handrails). The bill mandates that tenants must notify landlords at the rent payment location, be current on rent, and give a follow-up written notice if repairs aren't made within a reasonable time. Landlords who fail to address these issues after proper notice become liable to tenants under the law.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 290 requires applicants for large stationary LP-gas installations (with an aggregate water capacity of 10,000 gallons or more) to mail written notice to all property owners within 500 feet of the proposed site. The notice must be sent via registered/certified mail with proof of delivery, and applicants must retain records of this proof. This applies only to applications filed with the Railroad Commission of Texas on or after the bill’s effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote for immediate effect). The bill directly affects property owners near proposed installations by mandating advance notification of such projects.

Maddy summarySB 2611 creates two new criminal offenses: "real property theft" (stealing homes, land, or buildings) and "real property fraud" (deceiving others to obtain property through false documents). It establishes a 10-year statute of limitations for prosecuting these crimes, meaning prosecutors must file charges within a decade of the offense. The bill also harmonizes existing statute of limitations for other property-related crimes and increases penalties for certain offenses. These changes directly affect individuals who commit real estate theft or fraud and law enforcement agencies handling such cases.

Maddy summarySB 2082 prohibits concrete crushing facilities from operating within 440 yards of qualifying hospitals, single/multi-family residences, schools, or places of worship. It specifically applies to hospitals licensed under Chapter 241 with over 200 beds located in cities with over 2 million residents and within four miles of a major railroad switching yard (64+ tracks). The bill includes exceptions for facilities operating under pre-2001 permits, those meeting distance requirements at permit application, and facilities using enclosed crushers for recycled products within specific population zones. Temporary facilities in public works project right-of-ways are also exempt from the 440-yard rule.

Maddy summarySB 731 requires certain low-income housing developments for seniors (55+ years old) that are four stories or taller and receive low-income housing tax credits to install water pressure boosters. These boosters must provide water to all floors during emergencies. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs must ensure compliance by December 31, 2026, and report on progress to the legislature by March 1, 2027. The law directly affects qualifying senior housing developments receiving tax credits, mandating a specific safety feature for emergency water access.