Sen. Sarah Eckhardt

Maddy summarySB 145 would allow any qualified Texas voter to request a ballot by mail without restrictions. It removes a prior requirement that voters in the address confidentiality program (for safety reasons) must submit mail-in voting applications in person. The bill also repeals criminal penalties for soliciting or distributing mail-in voting application forms. These changes make mail-in voting more accessible and simplify the process for voters. The bill is currently in committee referral after being filed in early 2025.

Maddy summarySB 345 amends Texas election law to require most elected officials to register as lobbyists if they lobby, but exempts unpaid local officials in small cities or towns. Specifically, it excludes non-presiding officers in political subdivisions with under 150,000 residents (if unpaid) and presiding officers in places with under 50,000 residents (if they refuse salary). The bill clarifies that these officials are not required to register under Texas lobbying laws, while maintaining registration requirements for other elected roles. This focuses on eligibility rules rather than new policy outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 344 updates Texas lobbying disclosure rules by requiring lobbyists to report more detailed information about expenditures exceeding specific thresholds. It increases the spending limit for transportation/lodging from 30% to 60% of the legislative per diem before reporting is required, and adds new reporting mandates for food/beverage, entertainment, and gifts over $50. Lobbyists must now disclose the recipient's name, date, location, and purpose for these expenses. The bill also clarifies that when multiple lobbyists collaborate on a single expenditure, each must report their share of the total cost. This directly affects registered lobbyists who interact with state legislators or executive branch officials.

Maddy summarySB 421 requires Texas peace officers to complete training on acquired and traumatic brain injuries and trauma-affected veterans as part of their minimum curriculum. This applies to officers beginning their training on or after January 1, 2026, under new provisions added to the Occupations Code. The bill mandates that the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement establish specific training programs to meet this requirement. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, with implementation rules to be adopted by the commission.

Maddy summarySB 353 requires private firearm transfers between non-family members to undergo a national criminal background check through a licensed firearms dealer. It directly affects private sellers (not licensed dealers) who transfer firearms to people they are not related to within the first degree of family. The bill mandates that sellers must request a background check via a licensed dealer before completing the transfer, with dealers required to conduct the check and share results. Violating this requirement is a Class A misdemeanor. The law creates a new regulatory framework for private sales, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 246 allows Texas distillers and wineries to directly ship certain alcoholic beverages (distilled spirits and wine) to end consumers, including in areas where alcohol sales are otherwise restricted ("dry areas"). It requires shipments to use licensed carriers, include clear labels identifying the contents and permitted recipients, and mandates that deliveries be made only to individuals 21+ after verifying age with ID and obtaining a signature. The bill prohibits shipping to minors, using unlicensed carriers, or exceeding legal purchase limits per Section 14.05(c). It creates criminal penalties for violations of these provisions.

Maddy summarySB 147 requires Texas counties to establish polling places on the main campuses of public institutions of higher education within their borders if those institutions enroll at least 5,000 students. Specifically, counties must designate one polling place for campuses with 5,000-9,999 students, two places for 10,000-19,999 students, and one additional place for every 10,000 students beyond 10,000. The bill applies to all public colleges and universities meeting these enrollment thresholds located in the county. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 368 allows housing developments financed with Texas low-income housing tax credits to give occupancy preference to teachers and other school district employees (and their household members) who live in the same school district as the development. This applies only to new applications submitted under the 2026 or later allocation plans for the tax credit program. The preference must comply with all other state and federal housing occupancy rules. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 335 establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for cannabis in Texas, creating new licensing requirements for businesses involved in cultivation, processing, distribution, and sale. It directly affects cannabis businesses (growers, testing facilities, dispensaries, and transporters) by mandating state licenses, imposing fees, and requiring product safety testing. Key provisions include defining "cannabis" and "cannabis products" (excluding hemp), creating specific license categories, and authorizing criminal penalties for violations. The bill aims to regulate all aspects of the cannabis supply chain under a new Health and Safety Code chapter.

Maddy summarySB 484 requires manufacturers and retailers of portable generators sold in Texas to place clear warning labels on generators without carbon-monoxide kill switches. These labels must inform consumers about the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and provide safe operation instructions. Manufacturers or retailers who fail to comply face civil lawsuits for injuries or deaths caused by the lack of warnings, including compensation for damages and legal fees. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to incidents occurring after that date.