Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summarySB 1276 regulates risk pools formed primarily by local governments (such as cities, counties, or school districts) that provide insurance-like coverage. It requires these pools to provide members with annual disclosures including: (1) a clear statement that the pool is not regulated like an insurance company, (2) coverage details and claims process, (3) the previous year’s budget, (4) financial status, and (5) explanations for denied claims. The Texas Department of Insurance will enforce these rules, applying existing insurance laws to these risk pools. The law applies only to contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 175) formally recognizes February 2025 as Black History Month in Texas. It does not create new laws or policies, but serves as a symbolic gesture by the Texas Senate to honor African American contributions to Texas history and culture. The resolution encourages all Texans to learn about the achievements and heritage of Black communities in the state, as detailed in the preamble. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct legal effect on citizens or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 132) recognizing February 26, 2025, as "Washington County Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors Washington County residents visiting the Capitol to celebrate the county's history, including its role in the Texas Revolution and establishment as a county seat. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply extends greetings to the visiting delegation and provides them a copy of the resolution as a symbolic gesture. It does not create new laws, change funding, or affect any specific group beyond the recognized delegation.

Maddy summarySB 1047 amends Texas law to improve transparency in bail decisions for defendants charged with Class B misdemeanors or more serious offenses. It requires a new public safety report system to include specific defendant information - like criminal history, previous bond failures, protective orders, and pending charges - when magistrates set bail. The bill also mandates that magistrates consider these factors and establishes clearer procedures for notifying victims of family violence, stalking, harassment, or terroristic threats. This affects defendants facing bail decisions, magistrates, and victims in these cases, aiming to standardize information used in pretrial release determinations. The bill is currently pending in committee after recent testimony.

Maddy summarySB 1022 allows Texas electric utilities to recover vegetation management costs (like tree trimming near power lines) more efficiently. It requires utilities to collect eligible costs as soon as possible and adjust them among customers based on their actual electricity usage. The bill mandates that any under- or over-collected costs must be resolved within 90 days (or a longer period if the commission approves for extraordinary costs), with customers notified and given a chance to protest. It also specifies that protests cannot challenge whether the costs were reasonable - only whether the recovery process followed the rules. This directly affects electricity customers and utilities managing power line vegetation.

Maddy summarySB 970 requires the Public Utility Commission of Texas to prioritize granting or loaning funds from the Texas Energy Fund to electric generating facilities with a capacity of at least 750 megawatts. This policy directly affects large-scale power plants seeking financial support through the state's energy fund. The bill mandates that applications for these grants or loans submitted on or after September 1, 2025, must be evaluated with preference for facilities meeting the 750-megawatt threshold. The provision applies only to new applications after the effective date and does not alter existing commitments.

Maddy summarySB 403 requires Texas to deposit federal reimbursements for border security costs into a dedicated account within the general revenue fund. The comptroller must calculate this amount annually and deposit it by the 90th day of each fiscal year. This money can only be used by the legislature to provide property tax relief (ad valorem tax relief) for homeowners and businesses. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, but applies to fiscal years beginning September 1, 2027. It directly affects Texas taxpayers through potential property tax reductions, using existing federal border security reimbursements rather than new state funds.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate resolution (SR 107) commemorating Charles "Chuck" Scianna Jr., honoring his life and contributions after his death on January 14, 2025. The resolution recognizes his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, his founding of the oil industry company Sim-Tex, his support for education (including named campus buildings at two universities), and his dedication to family. It formally extends the Texas Senate's condolences to his family and commemorates his legacy. As a procedural commemorative resolution with no policy changes, it does not affect any laws or regulations.

Maddy summarySR 97 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating February 18, 2025, as "Prairie View A&M University Day" at the Texas Capitol. It recognizes the university's historical significance as Texas' first state-supported college for African Americans (founded in 1876), its current role as a top public institution in fields like engineering and nursing, and its 46,000+ degrees awarded. The resolution formally commends the university's educators and staff through the Texas Senate. As a non-binding recognition measure, it does not create new laws or policies but honors the institution's legacy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 96) formally recognizes certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in Texas during "Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Week" (January 19-25, 2025). It commends CRNAs for their role in providing anesthesia care, especially in rural, underserved areas and for military personnel. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but honors their contributions to healthcare safety and access across Texas. It is a symbolic gesture acknowledging CRNAs' work, not a legislative change affecting patients or providers.