Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summarySB 1319 limits public Texas universities to awarding no more than 25% of athletic scholarships in any sports program to international students (citizens of foreign countries) during each academic year. It directly affects all public institutions of higher education in Texas that offer intercollegiate athletics. The bill requires universities to adjust their scholarship allocations to comply with this cap starting with the 2026-2027 academic year. This is a concrete policy change that modifies how athletic financial aid is distributed, without altering other scholarship rules.

Maddy summarySB 1555 establishes a state grant program to fund railroad grade separation projects at local road and pedestrian crossings not on state highways. Local governments (cities, counties) can apply for grants to build overpasses or underpasses at these intersections to improve safety and reduce traffic conflicts. The program requires at least 10% of project costs from non-state sources (like local funds or federal grants), prohibits using state highway funds for these grants, and mandates that recipients partner with the Texas Department of Transportation to manage construction. Signed into law on May 24, 2025, this policy directly affects communities with railroad crossings near public roads or sidewalks.

Maddy summarySB 1349 creates new criminal offenses in Texas for "transnational repression" and "unauthorized enforcement of foreign law." It targets individuals acting as agents of foreign governments or terrorist organizations who commit specific crimes (like assault or harassment) with the intent to force someone to act for a foreign entity, restrict their movement, suppress protected speech, or retaliate for exercising free expression. The law increases penalties for these offenses, making them one category higher than the underlying crime (e.g., a first-degree felony becomes a first-degree felony with a 15-year minimum sentence). This bill directly affects foreign agents operating within Texas who engage in such conduct, aiming to protect First Amendment rights and prevent foreign interference in U.S. affairs. It became effective on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2730 requires Texas chief appraisers to follow specific steps before asking homeowners with a homestead tax exemption to reapply or confirm their eligibility. It allows reconfirmation only if the appraiser has reason to believe the homeowner no longer qualifies (e.g., after checking databases like driver’s license records), and must provide written notice explaining the concern. The bill specifically protects homeowners aged 65+ from losing their exemption due to non-filing unless all required steps are followed. This directly affects Texas residents currently receiving homestead tax exemptions on their primary residences. The law took effect immediately upon the governor’s signature on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 767 designates a specific segment of State Highway 249 in Montgomery County as the "Paul P. Mendes Memorial Parkway" to honor Paul P. Mendes. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the highway segment and at appropriate intermediate locations along the route. This is a ceremonial naming resolution with no substantive policy changes or funding impacts. The designation took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 888 allows the Texas Attorney General to defend district or county attorneys in federal lawsuits under specific conditions. It applies when a lawsuit targets an attorney in their official role, relates to enforcing a state law, and the attorney formally requests the Attorney General's help. The law only covers federal cases filed on or after September 1, 2025, with prior cases following existing rules. This change streamlines defense coordination for local prosecutors facing federal challenges tied to state law enforcement.

Maddy summaryHCR 80 is a ceremonial resolution designating Brenham as Texas' official "Ice Cream Capital" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It directly recognizes Brenham's historical and economic ties to Blue Bell Creameries, the state's iconic ice cream manufacturer founded there in 1907. The resolution cites Blue Bell's role as a major employer, tourist attraction (projecting 300,000 visitors annually), and contributor to Brenham's culinary heritage. This designation, effective immediately after the governor signed it on May 24, 2025, has no regulatory or financial impact - it is purely symbolic recognition under Texas Government Code Section 391.003(e).

Maddy summarySB 1978 requires electric utilities and cooperatives in Texas to obtain approval from the Public Utility Commission before connecting facilities within the ERCOT power grid (Texas' grid) to facilities outside Texas or connected to outside facilities. Specifically, they must first get a commission determination that the interconnection aligns with free market principles and avoids federal control of the Texas grid, and second, comply with existing utility regulations. The bill mandates that this approval request be filed at least 180 days before seeking any federal energy commission order related to the connection. It exempts facilities already operational as of December 31, 2014, from these requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1073 prevents Texas licensing authorities from imposing rules or penalties that discriminate against or burden applicants or licensed attorneys based on sincerely held religious beliefs, free speech (including religious or political views), religious organization membership, or freedom of association. It prohibits policies that limit license eligibility or renewal due to these protected rights, while allowing exceptions for rules strictly necessary to serve a compelling government purpose or address willful bias in legal proceedings. The bill directly affects law license applicants and holders in Texas by ensuring their constitutional rights cannot be infringed through licensing decisions. Violations can be challenged in administrative or court proceedings, though this defense cannot be used in cases involving sexual misconduct allegations or criminal prosecutions.

Maddy summarySB 2532 modifies how certain coastal municipalities calculate their voter-approval tax rate. It specifically affects eligible coastal municipalities that receive hotel occupancy tax revenue and park board funds, as defined in the bill. The key change introduces a "misspent public money rate" - calculated by dividing misspent funds (money spent outside authorized uses or received from park boards) by the municipality's total taxable property value. This rate is then subtracted from the standard voter-approval tax rate formula for these municipalities, potentially lowering the required tax rate. The bill does not change tax collections but adjusts the calculation method for eligible coastal communities.