Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summaryHB 3778 defines geothermal energy facilities as "dispatchable" under Texas law, meaning their power output can be controlled by human operators. This reclassification directly affects geothermal developers in the ERCOT grid region by making their facilities eligible for state financial incentives. The bill creates two key provisions: (1) loans for upgrading existing dispatchable facilities (minimum 100MW capacity increase) and (2) completion grants for new dispatchable facilities (minimum 100MW capacity), excluding electric storage facilities. These mechanisms aim to incentivize geothermal energy development as a reliable power source within Texas' energy grid.

Maddy summaryHJR 34 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a property tax exemption for landowners in counties bordering Mexico. The exemption would apply specifically to the increased market value of real property resulting from border security infrastructure (like barriers or roads) and related improvements. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would let the legislature establish rules for qualifying properties and define "border security infrastructure." The change would directly affect property owners in border counties whose land value rises due to such projects. It does not exempt all property, only the value increase tied to border security construction.

Maddy summarySB 1999 prohibits school districts, charter schools, colleges, and government employers from disciplining, retaliating against, or discriminating against employees or students who use terms consistent with a person's biological sex when addressing them. It applies to K-12 staff and students (Section 22.905), higher education staff and students (Section 51.9316), and public employees addressing colleagues or the public (Section 3001.001). The law specifically protects using terms matching a person’s sex assigned at birth, without requiring anyone to use such terms. The bill takes effect immediately if passed by two-thirds vote, or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summaryHB 4273 requires Texas Medicaid officials to conduct regular electronic data checks to verify recipient eligibility, directly affecting Medicaid beneficiaries and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Key provisions include monthly verification of lottery winnings, death records, and out-of-state transactions, plus quarterly checks of voter registration status to identify potential eligibility changes. The bill prohibits accepting self-reported income, residency, citizenship, or household composition for Medicaid eligibility, replacing it with mandatory data matching. These changes aim to strengthen verification processes for Medicaid benefits under Texas law.

Maddy summarySB 2309 requires counties with populations over 100,000 to install video surveillance systems in all areas storing voted ballots, from delivery until final canvass, with public livestreams showing visible clocks. It also expands election watcher access to observe ballot box sealing, transfer, and processing at all handling locations. The bill directly affects large-county election offices and their ballot processing procedures. Key mechanisms include mandatory video monitoring of ballot storage areas and formalizing observer rights during ballot transport. These provisions aim to increase transparency during election processing without specifying new penalties or fraud prevention measures beyond the stated requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2639) modifies Texas law to change how cities with populations over 950,000 can designate properties as historic landmarks or include them in historic districts. It requires property owner consent for designation, unless the city follows a specific process: providing a detailed impact statement (listing costs, tax benefits, and repair requirements) and making a written compensation offer to the owner if they object. If the owner rejects the offer, the city can seek court approval to proceed, with a judge appointing commissioners to assess damages. The law directly affects property owners in large Texas cities and aims to balance historic preservation with property rights.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 556) recognizing the Randle High School football team for winning the 2024 University Interscholastic League 5A Division 2 State Championship. It formally commends the team's achievement of a perfect 16-0 season, including their 38-35 championship victory over South Oak Cliff High School, and requests a copy of the resolution be presented to the team. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves solely as an expression of legislative recognition for the team's athletic accomplishment.

Maddy summarySB 2529 requires local taxing units (like cities, school districts, or water districts) to obtain a supermajority vote from their governing body before adopting tax rates exceeding voter-approved limits or issuing certain bonds. Specifically, it mandates at least 60% approval for general obligation bonds and 75% approval for tax rates that exceed previously rejected voter-approved rates. The bill applies when a taxing unit seeks to raise taxes above the rate voters previously rejected in an election. This policy change directly affects local government decision-making on tax increases and bond issuances.

Maddy summarySB 383 prohibits Texas' Public Utility Commission from approving interconnection of offshore wind power facilities to the ERCOT grid under specific conditions. The bill requires the Commission to deny approvals if a facility might negatively impact shipping routes, tourism, fishing, wildlife, migratory patterns, or public safety in disaster-prone areas, or if existing services are sufficient. It directly affects offshore wind developers and the Commission's approval process for grid connections. The law takes effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote, or September 1, 2025, otherwise.