Sen. Sarah Eckhardt

Maddy summarySB 773 expands property tax exemptions for qualified charitable organizations in Texas by broadening existing exemptions under the Tax Code. It directly affects charities meeting specific criteria by exempting: (1) buildings and property used exclusively by them; (2) land and incomplete construction projects designed for their use; and (3) certain mineral rights held by qualifying charities. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to tax years beginning after that date. This change modifies current tax law to include additional property types under existing charitable exemption rules.

Maddy summarySB 709 exempts textbooks purchased by Texas university and college students from state sales and use taxes during two specific 7-day periods each year (in January and August). The exemption applies only to books designed for educational purposes, purchased by enrolled students at Texas institutions accredited by recognized agencies. The comptroller will designate the exact dates each year based on academic calendars, and students must show valid ID to claim the exemption. This policy directly affects students buying required course materials during these limited windows, reducing their immediate textbook costs.

Maddy summarySB 798 would allow specific Texas counties to add an optional $20 fee to vehicle registration fees, with the revenue dedicated to local transportation projects. It applies to counties bordering Mexico with over 250,000 residents, counties with 1.5 million+ population sharing a regional mobility authority, and counties with 190,000-1.5 million residents that match such an authority. Counties with under 700,000 residents could increase the fee to $20 only if approved by a majority of voters in a referendum. The bill requires commissioners courts to hold a vote for such fee increases in eligible smaller counties. It would take effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote, otherwise on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 38) formally recognizes participants in the YMCA Texas Youth and Government Program for their upcoming 2025 conferences at the Texas State Capitol. It extends the Texas Senate's recognition to over 2,000 middle and high school students participating in the program, which has educated youth about democratic processes since 1946, without creating any new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summarySR 39 is a Texas Senate Resolution honoring Norma Jean Spiller de Jong, who died on November 15, 2024, at age 97. The resolution expresses the Senate's condolences to her family and commemorates her life, including her 17-year career with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and volunteer work with organizations like Northwest Assistance Ministries. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal tribute to her legacy of community service and family. The Senate passed the resolution on February 5, 2025, and will provide a copy to her family.

Maddy summarySB 361 amends Texas Labor Code sections to prohibit employment discrimination based on "reproductive decisions," including decisions about pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical care. It directly affects employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations by banning discriminatory actions like refusal to hire, firing, or limiting opportunities due to such decisions. The bill also prohibits employment agreements that restrict an employee's reproductive choices. These changes add "reproductive decisions" to existing protected categories like race, sex, and disability under Texas anti-discrimination law. The legislation aims to expand workplace protections without specifying particular reproductive health services.

Maddy summarySB 161 requires lobbyists in Texas to submit proof of completing two specific trainings when registering: sexual harassment prevention training and ethics training, both completed within the previous two years. This applies directly to individuals registering as lobbyists under Texas law. The bill adds new requirements to the registration form (Section 305.005(f)) and creates new sections mandating these trainings every two years (Sections 305.0052 and 305.0053). The Texas Ethics Commission must adopt implementing rules by December 1, 2025, and the new requirements take effect for registrations filed on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 190 repeals Texas statutes that previously criminalized homosexual conduct and labeled it as "unacceptable" or "a criminal offense." It directly affects LGBTQ+ individuals by removing these discriminatory legal provisions and eliminating false, harmful statements from school health education materials. The bill amends health education codes to remove language claiming homosexuality is "not an acceptable lifestyle" or a criminal act under Penal Code Section 21.06. These changes ensure educational content aligns with current public health standards and removes outdated, stigmatizing language. The bill takes effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote, or September 1, 2025, if not.

Maddy summarySB 630 allows Texas residents who will turn 18 by the date of the general election for state and county offices to vote in the preceding primary elections. It amends voting registration rules to permit 17-year-olds (who will be 18 by the general election date) to register and vote in primaries, provided they meet all other voter requirements except age. The bill requires election officials to send written notices to these voters clarifying they can only vote in primaries until they turn 18. This change specifically applies to primary elections for candidates who will run in the general election, not to general elections themselves. The bill is currently pending in the State Affairs committee.

Maddy summarySB 333 amends Texas law to clarify when sexual assault occurs "without consent," specifically adding 15 new circumstances where consent is legally invalid. These include situations involving force, threats, exploitation of professional power (like by clergy, healthcare providers, or caregivers), intoxication without consent, and assisted reproduction procedures without explicit permission. The bill directly affects victims of sexual assault and prosecutors by providing clearer legal standards for determining consent in court. It does not change penalties but refines the definition of non-consensual acts under Texas Penal Code §22.011(b). The bill is currently pending in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.