Maddy summarySB 2487 establishes crisis service centers in Texas counties with populations exceeding 1.2 million, requiring 24/7 provision of mental health crisis services including immediate stabilization, short-term residential care, medical detoxification, and housing coordination for individuals experiencing homelessness. The bill revises detention procedures by mandating that a licensed mental health professional conduct an immediate examination for certain individuals and a physician complete a preliminary exam within 12 hours (reducing the prior 24-hour window). It requires crisis centers to provide follow-up services within 72 hours of initial intervention, including risk reassessment and connections to housing and treatment, and ensures individuals released receive information about outpatient care options. These centers must coordinate with law enforcement to prioritize crisis center visits over restrictive settings and integrate with federal homelessness programs like HUD's continuum of care.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2497 requires small public drinking water systems (serving fewer than 100 connections) that get water from underground sources to install filtration systems under specific conditions. It applies when a system repeatedly exceeds health-related contaminant limits, has multiple verified water quality complaints in a year, or needs to manage non-health-related water quality standards. The requirement only applies if the filtration system can be installed at a reasonable cost. This bill targets small rural or community water systems, not large municipal providers. It takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 748, known as Trey's Law, prohibits the enforcement of confidentiality clauses in agreements that prevent disclosure of sexual abuse. The bill makes any provision in settlement, employment, or other agreements that blocks someone from sharing details about sexual abuse (including the act itself, identity of victims/perpetrators, or related facts) void and unenforceable. However, it does not restrict confidentiality around other settlement terms, such as payment amounts. For agreements signed before the law's effective date (September 1, 2025), parties must first obtain a court declaration confirming the clause's enforceability to avoid being voided.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 583) formally recognizes the LOVB Austin Volleyball women's team for winning the inaugural LOVB Pro Finals championship in April 2025. The resolution acknowledges their "impressive reverse-sweep" victory at the league's first championship event, where they entered as the fifth seed. It specifically commends the team's achievements, noting their representation of Texas and their role in advancing volleyball through the LOVB Pro league. The resolution, adopted by the Texas Senate, will be presented to the team as a formal expression of commendation.
Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate Resolution (SR 581) honoring Blaine Hal Bull, a former legislative director, campaign manager, and business leader who died on April 19, 2025. The resolution expresses the Texas Senate's condolences to his family and commemorates his life, career, and personal legacy - including his 42-year marriage, three children, and two grandchildren. It does not create any new laws, policies, or direct effects on individuals or groups. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 27, 2025, and includes a formal adjournment in his memory.
Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (SR 582) honoring Thomas Everett Spencer, a longtime Austin resident, public television host, and environmental advocate who died on April 2, 2025. The resolution commemorates his life, career (including hosting "Central Texas Gardener" and a radio show), and community service with organizations like TreeFolks. It expresses the Texas Senate's condolences to his family and directs that the resolution be presented to them. The Senate adopted this resolution on May 27, 2025, as a formal tribute with no new policy or funding changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the State of Texas to sell or lease two specific properties in Austin: 20.31 acres at 4400 Shoal Creek Boulevard (used by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission) and approximately 7.5 acres near Lamar Boulevard. Proceeds from these transactions must be deposited into a dedicated fund for capital improvements to the Sam Houston Regional Library and the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives Building. The sale or lease is contingent on constructing a new state records facility to replace the current library/records site. The fund will also support making original historical materials more publicly accessible.
Maddy summarySB 455 requires that surplus lines insurance contracts (for risks wholly located in Texas) include arbitration agreements conducted in Texas under Texas law, unless both insurer and policyholder agree to change the venue after the insurer provides written notice and a premium credit for added costs. This applies to new or renewed contracts on or after January 1, 2026, affecting insurers and policyholders purchasing specialized insurance for high-risk properties in Texas. The bill ensures arbitration venues and legal interpretations remain tied to Texas, preventing out-of-state arbitration without financial compensation to policyholders. It becomes effective September 1, 2025, but the new rules apply to contracts delivered after 2025.
Maddy summarySB 1013 amends Texas law to clarify the legal definition of a "crosswalk" in the Transportation Code. It specifies that crosswalks include unmarked intersections (where sidewalks connect across roads), portions of driveways between interrupted sidewalks, and marked pedestrian crossings. This directly affects pedestrians, drivers, and local governments responsible for sidewalk and road design by establishing clear, enforceable boundaries for pedestrian right-of-way. The change aims to improve pedestrian safety and legal clarity in situations where crosswalks aren't painted. The bill takes effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025, otherwise.
Maddy summarySB 1986 requires pharmacists to affix a specific warning label on all opioid prescription containers. The label must state: "CAUTION: Opioid. Risk of Addiction, Respiratory Depression, and Overdose." This applies to prescriptions dispensed on or after March 1, 2026, affecting pharmacists who dispense opioids and patients receiving these medications. The Texas State Board of Pharmacy must adopt implementing rules by January 1, 2026. The bill does not change prescribing practices but mandates this standardized patient warning.