Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (SR 405), not a policy bill. It commemorates Connie Jane Hunt, a Calhoun County resident who died in 2025, honoring her life, community service (including work with the Calhoun County Republican Club and a high school program), and faith-based volunteerism. The Texas Senate passed this resolution on April 14, 2025, to express condolences to her family and adjourn in her memory. It has no legal effect or policy impact - it is purely a symbolic gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 404), not a bill with policy changes. It formally commends the Texas Christian University Student Government Association for 110 years of service to the university community. The resolution recognizes their advocacy on campus issues like exam schedules, academic support, and events such as homecoming, as well as their national work through initiatives like "Big 12 on the Hill." It includes no new laws or funding, only a symbolic expression of appreciation from the Texas Senate.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 406), not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes the Victoria Bach Festival's 50th anniversary season (May 31-June 7, 2025), commending its organizers, volunteers, and performers for preserving classical music heritage. The resolution highlights the festival's 50-year history of presenting concerts featuring renowned musicians, offering free or low-cost performances, and supporting music education programs in South Texas. It has no legal effect or direct impact on constituents, as it is solely an expression of legislative support.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 390) recognizing Richard Whitaker's retirement as head football coach and athletic director at Calhoun High School. The resolution commends his 20-year leadership at the school and 35-year coaching career, highlighting his role in transforming the football program and mentoring athletes. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors his contributions to the school and community. The resolution was adopted by the Texas Senate on April 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 387) recognizing the Burleson County Chamber of Commerce for its 100th anniversary on April 3, 2025. It formally commends the Chamber's century of work promoting local business, economic development, and community projects in Burleson County, Texas. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is purely a symbolic expression of appreciation from the Texas Senate.

Maddy summarySB 893 creates new criminal offenses in Texas for creating and distributing misleading election-related media. It targets individuals who intentionally produce and share manipulated videos ("deep fake videos") or altered images designed to deceive voters or influence election results within 30 days of an election. The law classifies creating deep fake videos as a Class B misdemeanor and altering images as a Class A misdemeanor, but includes a defense if the altered image is clearly labeled as manipulated. Exclusions cover satirical content (like cartoons) and minor edits (e.g., adjusting brightness), focusing only on content meant to mislead voters during elections.

Maddy summarySB 26 establishes new requirements for Texas public school districts and charter schools regarding teacher evaluation, compensation, and support. It creates an "enhanced teacher incentive allotment" designation for schools implementing performance-based evaluation systems, requiring them to use appraisals to determine teacher designations, offer performance-linked pay (without automatic raises), and place effective teachers at high-need campuses. The bill also creates a grant program to help districts expand local teacher designation systems and provides free liability insurance and rights assistance for classroom teachers through a contracted third party. These provisions directly affect school districts, charter schools, principals, instructional staff, and all public school teachers in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 1006 requires Texas insurers to provide written explanations for declining insurance applications, canceling policies, or refusing to renew coverage. This applies to applicants and policyholders for liability and commercial property insurance, as well as other policies covered under the Texas Insurance Code. Insurers must send a clear written notice stating the specific reason for the decision, following rules set by the insurance commissioner. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and only applies to policies delivered or renewed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a binding law) expressing Texas's support for strengthening economic ties with Israel. It urges the creation of a Texas Trade and Investment Office in Jerusalem to foster business connections, particularly with countries in the Abraham Accords or peace agreements with Israel. The resolution reaffirms Texas's existing trade relationship with Israel - where Texas ranks among top U.S. states for exports - and directs officials to share the resolution with state, federal, and Israeli leaders. It does not create new programs or allocate funding, serving only as a formal statement of support.

Maddy summarySB 400 requires Texas public school employees to obtain written parental consent before conducting psychological or psychiatric examinations, tests, or treatment of students. The bill defines these activities broadly to include surveys, check-ins, or screenings embedded in lessons, unless mandated by special education law. Parents must sign consent forms for their child to participate, with exceptions for general well-being check-ins that don’t require written permission. The law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year and does not affect routine student wellness conversations. It directly affects all Texas public school students and their parents, changing how schools handle mental health-related student interactions.