Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summarySB 2 allows justices of the peace in counties without medical examiners to skip autopsies for deaths caused by natural disasters (like hurricanes or floods), provided they confirm: 1) the death resulted from disaster injuries, 2) no unlawful act caused it, and 3) no family member is seeking an autopsy. It requires the state to create a training program for these justices on managing mass fatality events, including autopsy decisions, body documentation, and coordinating with agencies. The law expires April 1, 2027, and directly affects local officials handling disaster-related deaths in rural counties. The bill does not impose licensing or fees, as implied in its title but not reflected in the actual text.

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes Texas judicial districts and court procedures. It redesignates specific districts (like the 522nd and 173rd Judicial Districts), modifies court jurisdiction (e.g., the 274th District Court in Comal/Guadalupe/Hays counties), and specifies which clerks handle certain cases (e.g., county clerks for misdemeanor cases). It also directs the 173rd District Court to prioritize civil/family matters and the 392nd District Court to prioritize criminal cases. The changes take effect between 2026-2027 and directly affect county court operations and case management across multiple Texas counties.

Maddy summarySB 15 requires Texas law enforcement agencies to create and maintain confidential "department files" for each employee who holds a license (such as a peace officer or security officer). These files must include documents about employee conduct - like unproven misconduct allegations - that aren't in regular personnel records, and must be kept separate from those files. Agencies can share these files with the licensing commission for hiring reviews or investigations, but otherwise the files are confidential and exempt from public disclosure under Texas law. The bill applies directly to all law enforcement agencies employing licensed personnel and takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits cities, counties, and other local governments (political subdivisions) from using public funds to hire registered lobbyists or pay nonprofit organizations that primarily represent local governments and hire lobbyists. It allows local officials to provide information to legislators, testify, or advocate for policy changes without triggering the restriction, and exempts associations representing sheriffs or law enforcement officers. Taxpayers can seek court orders to stop prohibited spending and recover public funds used in violation. The law aims to limit the use of public money for lobbying activities while preserving basic communication with lawmakers.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 6 regulates consumable hemp products (like edibles, vape liquids, and topicals containing hemp-derived cannabinoids such as CBD) by requiring businesses to obtain occupational licenses and registrations. It imposes fees for these licenses, creates criminal penalties for violations, and authorizes administrative fines for noncompliance. The law specifically applies to products intended for human ingestion, absorption, or inhalation, while excluding low-THC cannabis, research activities, and certain food ingredients like hemp seed oil. Businesses manufacturing or selling these products must comply with the new licensing and fee structure under the Health and Safety Code.

Maddy summarySB 7 creates civil liability for manufacturers and providers of abortion-inducing drugs, with key exemptions for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and spontaneous miscarriages. It allows private citizens to file lawsuits (qui tam actions) seeking damages against those supplying such drugs, while modifying fee-shifting rules in abortion litigation. The bill also grants the Texas attorney general expanded authority to pursue cases under the "Woman and Child Protection Act" and alters jurisdiction for related court cases. It does not restrict medical procedures covered by the specified exemptions.

Maddy summarySB 9 proposes changes to Texas public school accountability systems. It requires the Texas Education Agency to create a single-click website for parents to access their child’s state assessment results immediately after testing. The bill mandates a new "instructionally supportive assessment program" focused on progress monitoring and balanced testing, replacing punitive rating systems. It also establishes a grant program for school districts to develop local accountability plans and outlines procedures for challenging TEA decisions related to school ratings. The bill directly affects parents, public schools, and the Texas Education Agency.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas' commissioner of state health services to issue a statewide order allowing licensed pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a prescription. It mandates standardized protocols for pharmacists, requires patient instructions on proper use, and protects pharmacists from criminal, civil, or disciplinary liability when following the order. Pharmacists must also submit annual reports to the state on dispensing volumes. The bill directly affects Texas pharmacists and patients seeking ivermectin without a prescription.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 96) honoring Madeline Groce, a 106-year-old Burleson County resident. The Texas Senate formally recognizes her 106th birthday, highlighting her lifelong service in her community, family life, and work at local schools and hospitals. The resolution extends congratulations and best wishes but does not create any new laws or affect policy. It serves solely as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for her contributions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 90), not a policy bill. It commemorates Robert Leon Oliver, a Cuero, Texas, resident and community leader who died in June 2025. The resolution honors his contributions to historic preservation in DeWitt County, including his work with the Cuero Heritage Museum and Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, and his efforts to save historic buildings like the English-German School. It expresses the Texas Senate's condolences to his family and recognizes his legacy of community service.