Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 1973 establishes new regulations for organizations that collect human bodies or body parts for education and research (called "human body acquisition services"). It requires these services to obtain documented informed consent from donors or authorized representatives, specifying the exact recipient facility, whether the donation includes a whole body or specific parts, and the permitted uses (e.g., teaching or research). The bill directly affects medical schools, research institutions, and body acquisition services that handle donated anatomical materials. It also creates a presumption that unspecified donations go to the Texas Funeral Service Commission unless otherwise stated in the consent form. The law aims to ensure transparency and proper use of donated bodies while protecting donor intent.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas public schools to include social studies knowledge and skills in the standardized assessment for fifth-grade students starting in the 2026-2027 school year. It directly affects all fifth-grade students in Texas public schools by adding social studies content to their existing state-mandated test. The law amends the Education Code to mandate that one of the required assessment instruments for fifth graders must evaluate essential social studies learning objectives. The change applies to all public school districts and does not alter current assessment requirements for other grades.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 258 is a commemorative measure honoring the late U.S. Congressman Sylvester Turner of Houston, who died on March 5, 2025. The resolution recognizes his career as a Texas state legislator, mayor of Houston, and U.S. Congressman, highlighting his dedication to public service in Houston's Acres Homes neighborhood and his work on health care, education, and community resilience. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups, as it is a symbolic tribute to his legacy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 244) is a ceremonial recognition, not a law. It formally designates March 17, 2025, as "Lavaca County Day" at the Texas State Capitol. The resolution expresses the Texas Senate's appreciation for Lavaca County's history, cultural heritage (including Czech/German traditions and events like Kolache Fest), and contributions to the state. It directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to Lavaca County as a symbolic gesture of esteem. No policy changes or direct impacts on residents or programs are created by this resolution.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2212) streamlines operations for Texas legislative agencies by updating definitions and processes. It requires the Texas Legislative Council to prioritize drafting proposed legislation during legislative sessions and conduct a study on improving how statutory codes are updated after sessions, with a report due to the 90th Legislature. The bill also clarifies that "state agency" includes most government entities but excludes legislative offices, and mandates that state agencies submit three paper and one electronic copy of publications to the Legislative Reference Library. These changes aim to modernize legislative support functions without creating new programs.

Maddy summarySB 501 updates Texas law to enhance safety for underground utility infrastructure. It expands the definition of "underground facility" to include telecom, electricity, gas, water, and hazardous liquids, directly affecting utility companies and excavators. Key provisions require large utility operators to provide annual safety information to residential customers, establish a statewide toll-free number (811-style) for excavation notifications, and pay an annual $50 fee. Operators must also submit facility maps and contact details to notification centers, while the state corporation sets technical standards and oversees the toll-free system. These changes aim to prevent accidental damage during digging by improving coordination and public awareness.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 1696 requires that birth certificates issued in Texas include a person's biological sex - determined by sex organs, chromosomes, or endogenous profile - listed as either male or female. It directly affects all newborns in Texas and parents/guardians who file birth certificates, mandating that biological sex be recorded unless a physician determines a child has atypical or ambiguous sex characteristics at birth. The bill allows for later amendments to birth certificates once a child's sex is determined, but prohibits changing the recorded sex except for correcting clerical errors or completing initial omissions. This legislation specifically targets birth certificate documentation under Texas Health and Safety Code sections 192.002, 192.003, and 192.011.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from storing or processing patient data for Texas residents outside the United States. It directly affects PBMs operating in Texas by requiring all such data to remain within U.S. borders, as specified in new Section 4151.1531 of the Insurance Code. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, aiming to keep patient health information under U.S. jurisdiction. This is a security-focused requirement with no exemptions or additional provisions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates March 11, 2025, as "University of Houston--Victoria Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It formally recognizes the university's educational contributions, including its 52-year history, 24,000+ alumni, and role as a Hispanic-Serving Institution serving the Golden Crescent region. The resolution has no binding effect and serves only as ceremonial acknowledgment, with no policy changes or financial implications.

Maddy summarySJR 66 proposes a constitutional amendment to dedicate specific tax revenues to Texas' water fund. It would require the state comptroller to deposit excess sales tax revenue (above $46.5 billion annually, capped at $500 million) and the first $500 million of insurance premium tax revenue into the Texas Water Fund each year. The amendment mandates that 25% of initial fund allocations and 80% of pre-2043 deposits go exclusively to the "New Water Supply for Texas Fund," which supports water infrastructure projects. This proposal expires August 31, 2043, and requires voter approval in the November 2025 election. It directly affects how Texas allocates tax revenue for water infrastructure planning and development.