Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summaryHB 668 amends Texas law to change how handgun license holders renew their permits. It requires license holders to submit a renewal application form, pay a $40 nonrefundable fee, and sign an informational form on or before their license's expiration anniversary. This applies to all license holders renewing permits expiring before, on, or after the law's effective date. The bill, signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025, took effect immediately and directly affects Texas residents holding active handgun carry licenses seeking renewal.

Maddy summaryHB 5655 creates Fort Bend County Water Control and Improvement District No. 13 to manage water control and improvement within its boundaries. The district will directly affect property owners in the designated area by authorizing it to collect assessments, fees, and taxes for its operations. Key provisions include granting limited eminent domain power for necessary infrastructure, the authority to issue bonds for capital projects, and the ability to impose fees for water management services. The bill establishes the district's governance structure, including board elections and requirements for municipal consent before implementation. This legislation enables the district to address local water management needs, such as stormwater control and waste water handling, as defined by Texas law.

Maddy summarySB 965 protects public school employees in Texas (including teachers and staff) from being restricted from engaging in religious speech or prayer during work hours. It prohibits school districts or charter schools from infringing on this right unless they have a compelling state interest that cannot be achieved through less restrictive means. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies directly to all public school employees in Texas. This is a policy change that defines when schools may limit religious expression, not a requirement for employees to engage in it.

Maddy summaryHB 3041 changes admission policies at The University of Texas at Austin to better support students who completed nontraditional secondary education (like homeschooling or alternative programs). It requires UT Austin to use standardized test score benchmarks instead of high school class rank when admitting these students, ensuring consistent admission rates compared to traditionally educated peers. This policy applies specifically to first-time resident undergraduate students and connects to their eligibility for state financial aid programs, as outlined in the bill's title. The bill was enacted in June 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5665 creates Waller County Municipal Utility District No. 70 to provide water, sewer, and other utility services in specific areas of Waller County. The bill grants the district limited power to acquire private property (eminent domain) for utility infrastructure, authority to issue bonds for project financing, and the ability to impose taxes, fees, and assessments on properties within its boundaries. This district directly affects property owners in the designated territory who will pay associated costs. The bill became effective immediately after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025, establishing the legal framework for the district's operations.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 75 (SB 75) is a finding bill that establishes legislative justification for improving electric grid resilience, directly affecting vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure. The bill cites the 2021 and 2011 statewide power outages as evidence of grid vulnerabilities, highlighting disproportionate risks to elderly, underprivileged populations, and communities near industrial facilities like refineries. It emphasizes Texas' unique position as a net energy exporter with a self-contained grid and identifies weatherization of generation infrastructure as a key focus area to prevent future failures. The bill passed unanimously in committee and became law on June 20, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 143 requires oil and gas operators to maintain electrical power lines at well sites and related surface facilities according to the National Electrical Code. Landowners or lessees can report unsafe conditions to the Railroad Commission, which must inspect and notify the Public Utility Commission and operator within three days if a fire or injury risk is found. The Railroad Commission must resolve the issue within 10 days and inform the affected landowner. This law directly affects oil/gas operators, landowners near well sites, and the Railroad Commission and Public Utility Commission of Texas. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2963 creates Chapter 121 in Texas' Business & Commerce Code, requiring manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to provide diagnostic tools and documentation to independent repair providers on "fair and reasonable terms." The law defines "digital electronic equipment" broadly as any product relying on embedded digital electronics to function. It specifically mandates that manufacturers make these tools available without restricting access to only authorized repair providers, ensuring non-manufacturer repair shops can diagnose and fix devices. This directly affects consumers seeking affordable repairs and independent repair businesses, aiming to increase repair accessibility and competition.

Maddy summaryHB 3284 creates the Texas Commission on Marriage and Family, composed of seven members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and House speaker. The commission must study ways to promote strong marriages and healthy families, identify state policies that discourage marriage or parenting, and make recommendations to the legislature. It requires members to have specific expertise in family law, counseling, child development, or community work supporting families. This procedural bill establishes a study group with no immediate policy changes, focusing instead on research and recommendations to foster an environment supportive of marriage and family formation.

Maddy summarySB 23 increases the school district homestead tax exemption for elderly (65+) or disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000 of their home's appraised value. This directly affects eligible homeowners who qualify for the exemption and school districts that may lose local tax revenue due to the change. The bill requires the state to provide additional aid to school districts to offset revenue losses from the higher exemption, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The state aid calculation compares current revenue to what would have been collected under the previous exemption amount. The bill was signed into law on June 16, 2025, and is now effective.