Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summarySB 1611 sets new limits on groundwater fees charged by the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District to agricultural users. It prohibits agricultural production fees (like for crop irrigation) from exceeding 20% of the rate charged for municipal water use. Specifically, it caps irrigation fees at $1 per acre-foot and other agricultural water fees at 17 cents per thousand gallons. The bill directly affects farmers and ranchers using groundwater within the district for agricultural purposes.

Maddy summarySB 1360 requires that honey labeled as "Texas honey," "product of Texas," "Texas blend," or "local honey" must be produced entirely from Texas apiaries and contain at least 75% nectar from Texas plants. This law directly affects honey producers and sellers who currently use these labels without meeting the origin requirements. Violations will result in a 90-day suspension of the seller's food manufacturing license by the Department of State Health Services. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas for its 30th anniversary in 2025. It honors the organization's history since 1955, its role as San Antonio's largest healthcare provider serving 26 counties, and its community initiatives like the Healthy Corner Store program that improve access to care in underserved areas. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Texas Senate.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 187 designates March 4, 2025, as Montgomery County Day at the Texas Capitol. It formally welcomes members of the Montgomery County Coalition of Chambers (representing Conroe, Lake Conroe, Greater East Montgomery County, Magnolia Parkway, Hispanic, and The Woodlands Area chambers) to visit the Capitol, observe legislative proceedings, and meet with officials. The resolution expresses the Senate's appreciation for the coalition's work promoting economic growth and community quality of life in Montgomery County. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or legal effect.

Maddy summarySR 186 is a ceremonial Senate Resolution recognizing Montgomery Independent School District (MISD) for its 100th anniversary. It formally acknowledges MISD's history, from its founding in 1837 through its establishment as an independent district in 1925, and highlights its growth to 11 campuses serving nearly 10,000 students. The resolution, adopted by the Texas Senate on March 4, 2025, commends MISD's staff and extends "best wishes for continued success" without creating any new laws or obligations. It serves solely as symbolic recognition, with a copy provided to MISD as a token of esteem.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 180) recognizing March 4, 2025, as "Nurse Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It formally honors nurses across Texas - including certified nursing assistants, licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses, and advanced practice nurses - for their daily care of Texans, their service during the pandemic, and their high public trust ratings. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation by the Texas Senate. It was adopted and enrolled by the Senate on March 4, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that, by default, the owner of surface land in Texas owns the pore space (geologic voids and cavities beneath the surface) unless a deed, lease, or contract specifies otherwise. It directly affects surface landowners and entities involved in subsurface activities like oil and gas extraction, as it establishes surface ownership as the default for pore space. The law explicitly states it does not change existing common law governing mineral rights versus surface rights. This provision aims to reduce legal uncertainty about subsurface ownership in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 1192 requires the Texas Secretary of State to include an estimated cost to the state for any proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot. This applies specifically to elections for constitutional amendments, mandating that the cost estimate covers the state fiscal biennium when the amendment would take effect. The Secretary of State may seek assistance from the Legislative Budget Board to prepare this estimate. The law applies only to ballot measures ordered on or after September 1, 2025, affecting voters who see cost information and election officials who implement the requirement.

Maddy summarySB 1309 requires Texas electric utilities (retail providers, municipal utilities, and cooperatives) to include specific information about emergency power procedures in customer bills at least quarterly. The notice must explain how power might be cut off during emergencies (involuntary load shedding), which customers qualify as critical (e.g., healthcare facilities or essential services), and how to apply for critical status. It also provides guidance on reducing electricity use during potential outages. This applies to all retail electric customers in Texas and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1336 increases the maximum compensation for victims of catastrophic injuries (causing total permanent disability) under Texas' Crime Victims' Compensation Act from $75,000 to $100,000. It specifically covers costs like home modifications, job training, medical equipment, and long-term care related to the injury. The bill also establishes a new $9,000 minimum for funeral and burial expenses, including travel costs. These changes apply only to crimes occurring on or after September 1, 2025.