Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to restrict when the Texas legislature can redraw voting districts for both the Texas Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. It would require redistricting bills to be enacted only during specific, constitutionally defined timeframes: for state districts, only during the legislature's required apportionment period; for U.S. House districts, within a window tied to the federal census release date (either by September 1 or a 120-day period after). An exception allows limited redistricting within one year if courts invalidate districts, but prohibits it during periods when the Legislative Redistricting Board has exclusive authority. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2026 election.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 31, titled the "Texas Regulation of Cannabis Act," proposes comprehensive state-level regulation of cannabis cultivation, sale, and taxation while establishing licensing requirements for businesses. It would require occupational licenses for cannabis growers, testing facilities, and transporters, impose a tax on cannabis products, and provide for expungement of records related to decriminalized cannabis offenses. The bill also mandates a study by state agencies to establish a new commission for cannabis oversight, with findings due by December 2026. This legislation directly affects cannabis businesses, consumers, and law enforcement by creating new regulatory frameworks and record-clearing mechanisms. It does not legalize cannabis use but regulates its commercial activity under state authority.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create an independent redistricting commission in Texas. The commission would be responsible for drawing election districts for the U.S. House of Representatives (Texas seats), Texas Senate, and Texas House of Representatives, replacing the current legislative process. It would have sole authority to establish or change district boundaries after each federal census, requiring districts to follow specific geographic and population rules. The amendment would take effect by adding new sections to the Texas Constitution, shifting redistricting power from the legislature to this nonpartisan body.
Maddy summarySB 33 creates a voluntary system for Texas municipalities and counties to share emergency warning alerts with residents. It allows local governments to contract with the Department of Public Safety to obtain consent-based contact information (like phone numbers or email addresses) from residents who apply for or renew a driver's license and opt in. Residents can later opt out by submitting a written request, including via text message, and may also choose to receive alerts in both English and Spanish. The bill directly affects Texas residents interacting with driver's license services and local emergency management systems.
Maddy summarySB 30 establishes a regulatory framework for hemp-derived consumable products (like food and drink) and hemp beverages in Texas. Businesses must obtain licenses, pay fees, undergo mandatory product testing by approved labs, and comply with safety standards. The bill creates penalties for violations, including criminal charges and civil fines, and imposes taxes on regulated products. These rules will take effect on January 1, 2027, and are administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 82), not a policy bill. It formally honors Doris Jean Gary, a Texas resident who died in November 2024 at age 75, and extends condolences to her family. The resolution commemorates her life, including her upbringing in El Campo, her marriages, her 5 children, 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and her service as a church organist. It was adopted by the Texas Senate on August 15, 2025, as a symbolic tribute with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation.
Maddy summarySB 13 requires Texas cities and counties (political subdivisions) to offer credits against water and wastewater impact fees to builders and developers who implement eligible water conservation or reuse projects. These credits apply to facilities or systems that reduce per-unit water consumption, decrease wastewater treatment needs, minimize stormwater infrastructure demand, or exceed standard water efficiency requirements. Political subdivisions must establish fair procedures for calculating, applying, and reviewing these credits. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly benefiting developers who invest in qualifying water-saving infrastructure.
Maddy summarySB 43 exempts certain local water management districts from needing permits from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to build or maintain small dams and reservoirs. Specifically, it applies to "qualified local sponsors" (like districts created under Texas Constitution Article III or XVI) operating dams with normal storage under 200 acre-feet for erosion, floodwater, and sediment control. The bill allows these entities to construct, maintain, and divert water for repairs without TCEQ permits, while ensuring the exemption continues even if their federal USDA agreement ends. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality must adopt implementing rules by April 2026.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Texas law regarding death investigations by allowing justices of the peace to skip inquests for deaths resulting from natural disasters, provided clear evidence shows the death was caused by disaster-related injuries and not unlawful acts. It directly affects local courts and families seeking death investigations in disaster-impacted areas. The key provision requires justices to verify disaster causation through clear evidence before waiving the inquest, with similar rules applying to autopsy certifications. The bill expires April 1, 2027, and applies to deaths occurring in the justice's county.