Sen. Joan Huffman

Maddy summarySB 1660 requires Texas crime laboratories to annually notify prosecutors' offices in the county where an intoxication offense (like DWI) occurred about toxicology evidence they hold, including the date the evidence was received. It also establishes a 90-day window for prosecutors to deny requests to destroy evidence after the retention period expires, after which labs may proceed with destruction. The law applies only to evidence with retention periods expiring on or after September 1, 2025, and became effective on that date. This bill directly affects crime labs, prosecutors, and defense attorneys by standardizing evidence retention and destruction procedures for intoxication cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill bars community supervision for individuals convicted of stalking by adding it to a list of offenses where such supervision is unavailable. It specifically targets convictions under Penal Code Section 42.072 (stalking) and explicitly excludes it from eligibility under Article 42A.053 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. As a result, judges must impose prison sentences instead of community supervision for stalking convictions, aligning it with other serious offenses like aggravated sexual assault. The law became effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 506 requires ballot propositions in Texas to use clear, neutral wording that avoids misleading voters. It mandates the Secretary of State to review propositions within seven days for clarity and fairness, and directs cities to revise or replace misleading language. If cities fail to correct issues, the Secretary of State can draft the ballot language instead. This law directly affects home-rule cities, petitioners, and voters by standardizing ballot language for city charter amendments, initiatives, and referendums. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after passing both chambers and receiving gubernatorial approval.

Maddy summaryHB 75 requires magistrates in Texas to provide written findings within 24 hours when they determine no probable cause exists for a criminal arrest. This applies specifically to cases involving offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. The law aims to create a clear, documented record of the magistrate's decision in these initial proceedings. It directly affects magistrates handling pretrial detention hearings for criminal defendants.

Maddy summaryHB 2529 amends Texas law to change how the state calculates annual salary supplements for certain county judges. It replaces a fixed 18% of a district judge's base salary with a new requirement: county judges must spend at least 18% of their functions or work hours performing judicial duties to qualify for the supplement. This bill directly affects county judges who meet this threshold, ensuring the supplement aligns with their judicial workload. The change applies only to salary payments starting September 1, 2025, with prior payments governed by previous law.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 30) ceremonially designates Matagorda County as Texas' "Birding Capital" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It recognizes the county's diverse habitats, including over 26,000 acres of conservation areas and a record 225 bird species documented in the 2023-2024 Audubon count. The resolution has no legal effect or funding provisions - it serves only as symbolic recognition of the county's birding resources and annual events like Matagorda Bay Birdfest.

Maddy summaryHB 2697 modifies Texas criminal procedure to require bail bond companies (sureties) to notify the state prosecutor *before* filing paperwork to surrender a defendant, but only when the defendant faces felony charges. Specifically, the bill adds a new requirement (Section 1(a-1)) that sureties must inform the state attorney handling the case of their intent to surrender the defendant, in addition to existing notification rules. This change directly affects bail bond companies and state prosecutors in felony cases, streamlining communication during bond surrender processes. The policy change takes effect September 1, 2025, with no impact on misdemeanor cases.

Maddy summarySB 1019 updates victim definitions in juvenile court cases involving sexual or assaultive offenses against children or people with disabilities. It lowers the age threshold for children covered from 18 to 12 years old and expands protections to include "persons with a disability" as defined by Penal Code Section 22.04 (those 13+ unable to protect themselves due to age or disability). The bill amends Family Code Section 54.031 to apply these definitions to cases under specific Penal Code sections (e.g., sexual offenses, trafficking, or assault). This change applies only to juvenile court cases beginning on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4623 creates new liability standards for Texas public schools and their employees regarding student sexual misconduct. It holds schools financially responsible if they act with gross negligence or intentional misconduct in hiring or supervising employees who commit sexual misconduct against students or fail to report suspected abuse. The law caps damages at $500,000 per victim in successful claims and requires the employee who committed the act to be named as a defendant. This directly affects public school districts, charter schools, and all professional school employees covered by the definition, including teachers, administrators, and even student interns. The law became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 1896 requires arresting officers or jail staff to provide specific information about both the arrested person and the victim to magistrates when making an arrest for offenses covered under Article 17.292(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This information, which includes details specified in Section 411.042(b)(6) of the Government Code, must be provided to help magistrates issue emergency protection orders. The bill mandates this information be shared at the time of arrest or custody transfer, using a standardized form if available. The law applies to cases where emergency protection orders are sought, ensuring magistrates have necessary details to make timely safety decisions.