Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summarySB 11 creates a legal defense for individuals prosecuted for crimes they committed while being trafficked or subjected to compelling prostitution. It applies specifically to people who engaged in criminal conduct (like selling drugs or theft) because they were forced, defrauded, or coerced by traffickers - meeting four strict conditions, such as proving the coercion was unavoidable and the crime wouldn't have occurred without it. The defense does not apply to certain serious offenses listed in law or to cases where the victim had other options. This change only affects prosecutions for crimes committed on or after the bill’s effective date (September 17, 2025), not past cases. It aims to prevent trafficked victims from facing punishment for acts they were compelled to commit.

Maddy summarySB 3 creates a state grant program to help local governments cover costs for installing outdoor warning sirens in areas identified as flood-prone due to the July 2025 Hill Country floods. The bill requires municipalities and counties to install these sirens in locations with a history of severe flooding, high residential density, or significant property damage risk, as determined by the board. The Governor's office will administer the grant program, setting eligibility rules, application processes, and monitoring requirements for funding. This law directly affects local governments in designated flood-prone areas, mandating siren systems to alert residents of imminent flood threats. The bill became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature on September 5, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1, the Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act, requires youth camps (for minors on a day care or boarding basis) to comply with new safety standards. It prohibits issuing or renewing licenses for youth camps operating cabins within floodplains, except when cabins are near still water bodies like lakes or ponds that aren't connected to streams or rivers. The law also mandates annual license renewals for camps that alter boundaries, build new cabins, or renovate existing cabins affecting bed counts or access. Additionally, it creates an online registry of all licensed youth camps for public transparency. These provisions directly affect youth camp operators and the Texas Department of Health and Safety.

Maddy summaryHB 1, the Youth CAMPER Act, requires youth camp operators to submit updated plans when altering camp boundaries, building new cabins, or renovating existing cabins that change bed counts or access points. It also mandates the state health department to establish minimum staff-to-camper ratios for overnight stays at youth camps. The bill authorizes penalties for noncompliance but does not specify penalty amounts in the provided text. This law directly affects licensed youth camps operating on a boarding or overnight basis in Texas, focusing on physical safety planning and staffing standards.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 57) formally honors Lieutenant Richard L. Jankovsky III upon his retirement after 23 years of service with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). It recognizes his career progression from 2002 through various DPS locations, his prior U.S. Coast Guard service, and his leadership in disaster response and border security. The resolution also acknowledges his seven-year presidency of the DPS Officers Association, where he advocated for officers' interests before the Texas Legislature, and his community work supporting children's health initiatives. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal expression of the Texas Senate's appreciation for his service.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 8), not a legislative bill. It honors Dr. James F. Arens, a retired anesthesiologist and medical educator who died on July 27, 2025, at age 91. The resolution recognizes his career spanning military service, leadership at major medical institutions (including the University of Texas Medical Branch), and roles in national medical boards. It was adopted by the Texas Senate on September 4, 2025, as a tribute to his professional legacy and family.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 7), not a substantive bill. It formally recognizes Commodore John Weldon Koenig on his 90th birthday, highlighting his distinguished 30+ year career in the U.S. Navy (including command of submarines and promotion to rear admiral), his service as Director of Logistics for Pacific Command, and his post-military community involvement in Texas. The resolution expresses the Texas Senate's esteem for Koenig as a veteran and citizen, extending congratulations on his birthday. No policy changes or affected groups are involved - this is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate Resolution (SR 6), not a legislative bill. It honors Lamar Gene Urbanovsky, a former chancellor of the Texas State University System who died in July 2025. The resolution recognizes his career, including his leadership from 1989 until 2005, his role in expanding the university system, and his community contributions. It serves solely as a tribute from the Texas Senate to his legacy and condolences to his family.

Maddy summarySB 10 amends Texas tax code to change how local governments calculate two key tax rates requiring voter approval. It defines new formulas for the "no-new-revenue tax rate" (based on property value changes) and "voter-approval tax rate" (which adjusts for maintenance, debt, and unused tax increments). The bill specifies different multipliers for different taxing units: 1.08 for special districts, 1.035 for small cities/counties (under 75,000 population), and 1.025 for other units. This directly affects all Texas taxing units - like cities, counties, and special districts - that need voter approval for tax increases.

Maddy summarySB 19 prohibits making or accepting political contributions to statewide officeholders, state legislators, or their specific-purpose committees during any special legislative session. The bill requires recipients to refuse and return such contributions within 30 days, with specific rules for mail/delivery timing. Exceptions include contributions intended for elections held during the session period, election contests, or by defeated officeholders. This change applies only to contributions made on or after the bill's effective date.