Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summarySB 1727 restricts probation options for certain juvenile offenders in Texas. It prohibits community supervision (probation) for teens aged 17+ who commit a felony while under the Texas Juvenile Justice Department's (TJJD) custody, in a TJJD halfway house, or in a secure juvenile facility. The bill also redefines "habitual felony conduct" to require prior felony adjudications and expands when prosecutors may refer serious juvenile cases (like murder, sexual assault, or aggravated robbery) to grand jury instead of juvenile court. These changes primarily affect teens facing felony charges during active juvenile detention or supervision. The law aims to limit probation for repeat or serious offenses committed while under state juvenile justice supervision.

Maddy summarySB 2010 prohibits Texas political subdivisions (like cities and counties) from establishing or operating guaranteed income programs - defined as direct cash payments, gift cards, or similar financial assistance to individuals - unless explicitly authorized by federal law. The bill bans the use of state or local public funds to support such programs, even if federally permitted, and exempts only short-term work-conditioned programs requiring employment or training. Existing programs in effect before the bill's effective date may continue until January 1, 2026, or their expiration. This legislation directly affects local governments seeking to implement unconditional cash assistance initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 505) designates April 24, 2025, as "Austin County Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It recognizes Austin County residents and their historical significance, citing the county's founding in the 1820s, its namesake Stephen F. Austin, and contributions to Texas history (including the first Texas newspaper and postal system). The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, extending the Senate's recognition to Austin County residents and sending a copy to the county as a gesture of esteem. The Senate adopted it on May 8, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment (SJR 18) that would ban Texas from taxing capital gains - both when assets are sold (realized) or when their value increases without being sold (unrealized) - for individuals, families, estates, or trusts. It explicitly excludes property taxes, sales taxes on goods/services, and use taxes from this prohibition. If approved by voters in the November 2025 election, the amendment would require future Texas laws to comply with this ban on capital gains taxation. The measure directly affects taxpayers who own investments or assets subject to capital gains, but does not change existing tax types like property or sales taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Texas Attorney General to prosecute certain election-related crimes if local prosecutors do not act within six months. Specifically, it mandates that law enforcement agencies must send reports of suspected election law violations to both local prosecutors and the Attorney General. If a local prosecutor fails to file charges within six months, the Attorney General gains automatic authority to handle the case. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and affects how election crime cases are processed across Texas.

Maddy summarySB 1183 requires Texas electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards for recipients of financial assistance or food benefits to display the recipient's name, photograph, a fraud hotline number, and a fraud reporting website. The Department of Public Safety must provide the commission with recipient photos for card use, unless the recipient qualifies for an exemption (such as being 65+ or under 19, blind, disabled, a domestic violence victim, homeless, or issued the card in person). Exemptions also apply if the Department lacks a recipient's photo. The bill aims to deter fraud by making it easier for the public to report misuse of benefits.

Maddy summarySB 28 prohibits purchasing or facilitating the purchase of state lottery tickets via telephone, internet, or mobile applications. It specifically bans individuals from buying tickets online or through apps (a Class C misdemeanor) and bans selling or arranging such purchases for compensation (a Class A misdemeanor). The bill directly affects residents attempting to access lottery games digitally and businesses or individuals offering such services. It creates new criminal penalties under Section 466.318 of the Government Code, effective September 1, 2025. The law aims to enforce existing age and location restrictions for lottery play by closing digital loopholes.

Maddy summarySB 396 amends Texas Election Code Section 15.051(a) to require voter registrars to send written confirmation notices to voters in specific situations. It directly affects voters whose registration address is a commercial post office box, who haven’t voted in 25 months after a general election, or whose residence is suspected of changing. The key mechanism is a written notice demanding voters verify their current residence address. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not alter voter eligibility or removal procedures.

Maddy summarySB 760 requires nursing facilities to notify legal guardians or agents (appointed via power of attorney) within five business days if a resident requests a mail-in ballot. It directly affects residents of nursing facilities who seek mail ballots, the facilities themselves, and the Health and Human Services Commission. The bill establishes a notification chain: early voting clerks must inform the Commission about facility-based ballot requests, and the Commission must then alert facilities. Facilities must verify if a guardian or agent exists and relay the ballot request to them, with audits ensuring compliance after each election. This procedural bill streamlines ballot access for vulnerable residents while maintaining facility accountability.

Maddy summarySB 322 limits annual increases in the appraised value of non-homestead real property (such as commercial, rental, or investment properties) for Texas property tax purposes to 20% per year, instead of the previous 10% cap. This directly affects property owners of non-primary residences, excluding homesteads, mineral interests, and properties under special appraisal rules. The bill requires tax offices to notify owners about this 20% annual increase limit and includes an expiration date of December 31, 2031. The provision applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, pending voter approval of a related constitutional amendment.