Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summarySB 371 requires Texas public school districts to obtain written parental consent before providing human sexuality instruction to students. The bill mandates that schools must separately notify parents at least 14 days before instruction begins, with this request not bundled with other communications. It directly affects parents of students in Texas public schools and applies starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The law does not change existing curriculum content but adds a consent requirement for this specific instruction.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution symbolically designates Brenham as Texas' "Official Ice Cream Capital" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It recognizes Brenham's historical connection to Blue Bell Creameries (founded there in 1907) and the company's role as a major employer and tourist attraction. The designation, which does not create new legal requirements or affect residents, is intended to honor the city's culinary heritage and the ice cream industry's economic impact. It will remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the resolution's final passage.

Maddy summarySB 718 creates the groundwater science, research, and innovation fund within the Texas Water Development Board's administration. The fund will receive state appropriations, investment returns, grants, and other designated revenue to provide grants to groundwater conservation districts. These grants will support specific projects focused on improving groundwater understanding, modeling, use efficiency, recharge, and water quality protection. The Texas Water Development Board will establish application procedures and criteria to evaluate district proposals for funding.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Concurrent Resolution 44 (SCR 44) is a non-binding resolution urging federal lawmakers and the Trump administration to address regulatory pressure on banks. It calls for modernizing anti-money laundering (AML) laws to focus enforcement on actual criminal activity - like money laundering or terrorism financing - rather than cutting off law-abiding customers. The resolution cites past examples like "Operation Choke Point" (targeting gun sellers and payday lenders) and "Operation Choke Point 2.0" (limiting crypto banking) as evidence of regulators unfairly pressuring banks to sever customer relationships. It also demands greater transparency for regulators to balance AML enforcement with ensuring customers can access banking services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2755) restricts damage recovery for drivers who failed to maintain financial responsibility (like auto insurance) in motor vehicle collisions. It prohibits individuals from recovering damages for injuries, death, or property damage if they lacked required financial coverage at the time of the collision. Exceptions include drivers who had coverage for at least one year prior to a short 45-day lapse, passengers, minors under 18, and military members returning from deployment within six months. The law applies to claims under Texas civil code, directly affecting uninsured drivers seeking compensation after accidents.

Maddy summarySB 2656 requires existing centralized application systems for medical and dental schools (like the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service, TMDSAS) to also include nursing school applications. This means nursing school applicants in Texas will use the same single online platform currently used for medical and dental programs, starting with the 2026 fall semester. The bill directly affects nursing schools across Texas and prospective nursing students by streamlining the application process. It amends the Education Code to mandate this inclusion, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2542 requires U.S. citizenship for certain leadership roles at entities involved in homeland security, specifically executive directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, and equivalent positions. It allows the executive director to extend this requirement to other roles handling critical data or infrastructure systems. The law applies only to employees hired on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing employees unaffected. This bill directly affects leadership positions within Texas homeland security entities but does not change citizenship requirements for most state employees.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (SR 365), not a substantive bill. It honors Eugene Bothe of Brenham, Texas, who died on March 11, 2025, at age 92. The resolution expresses the Texas Senate's condolences to his family and commemorates his life, including his career in the automotive industry, family, and community involvement. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 368) recognizing John Sharp for his service as chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, where he served from 2011 until his planned retirement in 2025. The resolution formally acknowledges his leadership in expanding the system to 11 universities and eight agencies, growing enrollment to over 79,000 students, and advancing research and athletic programs. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legislative effect and serves solely to honor his contributions.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 366 formally commends Dallyn Pesek for serving as Miss Texas Teen USA 2024. The resolution recognizes her achievements, including winning the state title in June 2024, competing at Miss Teen USA 2024, her academic and athletic involvement at Saint Paul High School, and her volunteer work supporting individuals with disabilities. It expresses the Texas Senate’s appreciation for her service and extends best wishes for her future studies in pediatric neurology at the University of Texas at Austin. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy impact or funding changes.