Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 395) formally recognizes the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements Jr. Scholars, a group of 20 Texas students participating in the Clements Legislative Study Program. The program, hosted by the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute, provides conservative students with hands-on experience in public policy and leadership through direct work with Texas legislators. The resolution commends these students for their dedication to public service and extends "sincere best wishes for success" without creating any new laws, policies, or funding requirements. As a commemorative resolution, it serves solely as an expression of recognition by the Texas Senate.

Maddy summaryHJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment that would prohibit Texas from imposing state taxes on property transferred after someone's death, including estate, inheritance, or gift taxes. It specifically prevents new taxes on these transfers or increases to existing taxes that were in place before January 1, 2025. Exceptions include taxes on motor vehicle gifts, certain property taxes (ad valorem), and taxes already authorized under existing law. This amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election and would affect anyone transferring property through wills, inheritances, or gifts after the amendment takes effect.

Maddy summarySB 1950 amends Texas unemployment benefit eligibility rules to strengthen requirements for claimants. It requires individuals to have earned wages in at least three calendar quarters (up from two) during their base period, with earnings equal to 37 times their weekly benefit amount (up from six times). The bill also mandates verified work search activities - such as submitting job applications, attending job fairs, or participating in approved training - and identity verification by the Texas Workforce Commission. These changes directly affect unemployed Texans seeking benefits, making it harder to qualify by increasing wage credit thresholds and verifying job search efforts.

Maddy summarySB 2943 prohibits Texas state agencies from adopting rules, regulations, or policies that limit an occupational license applicant's or holder's ability to obtain, maintain, or renew a license based on their sincerely held religious beliefs. It also bans actions that burden an applicant's or holder's free exercise of religion, religious speech, or membership in a religious organization. Exceptions include peace officer licensing (handled by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) and requirements to ensure professional standards, while the law does not override medical services needed to prevent death or serious injury. Individuals can challenge violations through administrative hearings or court actions, except in cases involving sexual misconduct allegations or criminal prosecution.

Maddy summarySB 1809 creates a new criminal offense in Texas for fraudulently using, possessing, or tampering with gift cards, their packaging, or digital redemption data. It specifically targets individuals who intentionally alter physical or virtual gift cards, steal or misuse unique redemption information, or use counterfeit cards to obtain goods or services. The law directly affects fraudsters and protects cardholders, card issuers, and gift card sellers by criminalizing acts like altering card data, possessing stolen redemption codes, or knowingly using fake cards. Key provisions define "counterfeit gift cards" and prohibit actions such as tampering with packaging or transporting unactivated cards to retail stores for fraudulent purposes. This law became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 2340 gives Texas' Attorney General authority to investigate the records of businesses registered in Texas (including out-of-state companies operating here) to check compliance with state laws and their own governing documents. Businesses that refuse to allow record examinations risk losing their right to operate in Texas, though they may avoid penalties by filing a court petition showing good faith reasons for refusal. The bill also creates a misdemeanor crime for intentionally destroying, altering, or falsifying records to evade these requirements, punishable by fines up to $5,000.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 715) modifies reliability requirements for electric power plants in Texas' ERCOT grid that have operated for at least one year and aren't self-generators. It creates specific exemptions from financial penalties for these plants during planned maintenance, transmission outages, or when they already meet other performance rules. The bill also requires Texas' Public Utility Commission to consider using collected penalty funds to rebate money directly to consumers or fund reliability improvements, prioritizing maximum consumer benefit while maintaining grid reliability. These changes apply to facilities meeting the bill's criteria starting September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 514) recognizing Citizens State Bank for its 100th anniversary. It honors the bank's history since 1925, including its founding in Somerville, expansion to multiple branches in Burleson, Washington, and Grimes Counties, and its commitment to community service through the Great Depression, World War II, and modern banking. The resolution has no policy impact or funding; it simply expresses the Texas Senate's commendation and congratulations to the bank's leadership and staff.

Maddy summaryHB 3371 allows Texas to seek federal reimbursement for state border security costs incurred during specific budget periods. It requires the governor to submit applications requesting $4.72 billion for the 2023 biennium and $6.54 billion for the 2025 biennium, with the attorney general authorized to sue the federal government if payments are delayed. Any recovered funds would be deposited into the state's general revenue fund. The bill expires August 31, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 504 requires nonprofit organizations (including economic development corporations) that sign contracts worth over $500,000 with local governments (like cities, counties, or school districts) to disclose two specific financial details. They must provide their current operating budget and list any employee salaries exceeding twice the median salary of state employees. Local governments must then publish this information on their public websites. The bill excludes electric cooperatives, certain utility organizations, and water supply corporations from these requirements. This law aims to increase transparency around large nonprofit-government contracts.