Maddy summarySB 2943 prohibits Texas state agencies from adopting rules, regulations, or policies that limit an occupational license applicant's or holder's ability to obtain, maintain, or renew a license based on their sincerely held religious beliefs. It also bans actions that burden an applicant's or holder's free exercise of religion, religious speech, or membership in a religious organization. Exceptions include peace officer licensing (handled by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) and requirements to ensure professional standards, while the law does not override medical services needed to prevent death or serious injury. Individuals can challenge violations through administrative hearings or court actions, except in cases involving sexual misconduct allegations or criminal prosecution.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 330 requires counties to hold voter elections before reducing or reallocating funding for certain prosecutors' offices (including district attorneys and county attorneys with criminal jurisdiction). It triggers an election if a county's budget for a fiscal year decreases funding for these offices compared to the previous year - either as a fixed amount, a percentage of the total budget, or staffing levels adjusted for population changes. The bill excludes one-time expenses (like new vehicles or training facilities), debt repayment, and detention officer compensation from triggering the election requirement. This directly affects county governments and their prosecutors' offices when making significant budget adjustments.
Maddy summarySB 1704 expands rights for crime victims, witnesses, and their close relatives in Texas criminal cases. It requires law enforcement to provide safety protection, mandates courts to consider victim safety when setting bail, and ensures victims receive timely updates about court proceedings, sentencing changes, and appeals. Victims gain the right to share impact statements before sentencing and access clear information about victim compensation programs, forensic exam payments for sexual assault victims, and social services. The bill directly affects individuals involved in criminal cases who have experienced trauma or loss.
Maddy summarySJR 57 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit Texas state funds from being used to pay debts or obligations of local public retirement systems (like city or county pension plans). It would amend the Texas Constitution to state that the state is not liable for these systems' debts and that the legislature cannot appropriate state money to cover them. This change would directly affect local retirement systems by shifting financial responsibility entirely to those systems, rather than allowing state funding to cover shortfalls. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election.
Maddy summarySB 1727 restricts probation options for certain juvenile offenders in Texas. It prohibits community supervision (probation) for teens aged 17+ who commit a felony while under the Texas Juvenile Justice Department's (TJJD) custody, in a TJJD halfway house, or in a secure juvenile facility. The bill also redefines "habitual felony conduct" to require prior felony adjudications and expands when prosecutors may refer serious juvenile cases (like murder, sexual assault, or aggravated robbery) to grand jury instead of juvenile court. These changes primarily affect teens facing felony charges during active juvenile detention or supervision. The law aims to limit probation for repeat or serious offenses committed while under state juvenile justice supervision.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 506) is a symbolic gesture by the Texas Senate to recognize May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month. It formally acknowledges the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States and Texas, including their roles in the Texas Revolution, community founding, and cultural enrichment. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it serves only as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Texas Senate. It directly affects the state legislature's official recognition of this observance. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 8, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 28 prohibits purchasing or facilitating the purchase of state lottery tickets via telephone, internet, or mobile applications. It specifically bans individuals from buying tickets online or through apps (a Class C misdemeanor) and bans selling or arranging such purchases for compensation (a Class A misdemeanor). The bill directly affects residents attempting to access lottery games digitally and businesses or individuals offering such services. It creates new criminal penalties under Section 466.318 of the Government Code, effective September 1, 2025. The law aims to enforce existing age and location restrictions for lottery play by closing digital loopholes.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 484) formally commends Bryan Collier for his 40 years of service to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). It recognizes his career progression from clerk to TDCJ executive director (2016-present), overseeing operations for over 130,000 inmates and 30,000 employees. The resolution highlights his professional achievements, including leadership roles in corrections associations and awards like the 2022 Michael Francke Career Achievement Award. It does not create new laws or affect policy - only expressing the Texas Senate’s appreciation through a formal resolution.
Maddy summarySB 324 requires state contractors, local governments (political subdivisions), and private employers working with Texas state entities to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm employees' work authorization. The bill mandates that contractors must register with and maintain participation in E-Verify to secure or retain state contracts, with contracts including a certification statement about compliance. This policy directly affects businesses and government units doing work with Texas state agencies, requiring them to verify employee eligibility through the federal program rather than relying on other methods. The bill modifies Texas Government Code Chapter 2264 to enforce this requirement through contract terms and verification standards.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 473) recognizing the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) for its 50th anniversary. The resolution honors NCSL's work since 1975 in supporting state legislatures, fostering bipartisan cooperation, and strengthening state voices in federal policy. It has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, expressing the Texas Senate's appreciation for NCSL's role in American democracy. The resolution was adopted by the Texas Senate on May 1, 2025.