Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts foreign entities from purchasing or acquiring title to specific types of real property in Texas if they pose a national security risk. It prohibits governmental entities of "designated countries" (identified by U.S. intelligence as threats) and organizations headquartered in such countries or under their control from buying agricultural land, mines, minerals, or standing timber. The prohibition applies if the purchase would risk public health, safety, or welfare - defined as potential criminal activity, corporate espionage, or endangerment. Exceptions cover U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and property intended for residential homesteads (with a 100-year leasehold limit).

Maddy summarySB 966 requires the Texas Department of State Health Services to study the public health impacts of digital learning in public schools, including effects on student mental health and academic performance, with a report due by September 2026. It also updates school policies on student devices, allowing districts to require students to turn off and store personal communication devices during school hours and confiscate non-compliant devices. The bill increases the administrative fee for returning confiscated devices from $15 to $30, to be charged to the student or their parent/guardian. These changes directly affect public school students, school districts, and parents through new device policies and fee requirements. The study component expires January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 837 establishes a pilot program in Texas to prevent children from entering foster care by providing family preservation services to at-risk families. It directly affects families of children facing imminent foster care placement due to abuse or neglect, as well as pregnant or parenting foster youth. The program allows the state’s child welfare agency to offer short-term expense services (such as rent, transportation, or job training assistance) for up to 90 days, with a written plan detailing specific services and family tasks to address safety risks. The pilot will be implemented in one urban and one rural child protective services region, using existing funds from Title IV-E and TANF programs. The bill also prohibits court-appointed guardians ad litem in certain cases and requires program orders to expire after one year.

Maddy summarySR 98 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing Senator Judith Zaffirini on her birthday. It honors her service as Dean of the Texas Senate - the longest-serving and highest-ranking member - and acknowledges her historic role as the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas Senate. The resolution celebrates her 38 years of legislative service, including over 72,000 consecutive votes since 1987, and her work on health care, education, and family support. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely a tribute with no legislative action required.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate Resolution (SR 88) honoring Sergeant Mark Allen Butler, a Texas law enforcement officer who died in the line of duty on January 15, 2025. The resolution expresses the Texas Senate's condolences to his family and commemorates his military service, law enforcement career with the Navasota Police Department, and dedication to community safety. It does not create any new laws or policies - it is purely ceremonial, extending sympathy to his wife, children, and colleagues. The resolution was adopted by the Texas Senate on February 13, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 880 requires political advertisers using mass text message campaigns to disclose who paid for the messages, similar to current rules for online ads. It specifically targets campaigns sending texts to multiple recipients for political purposes (supporting/opposing candidates, parties, or measures) where costs exceed basic texting fees. Violations carry a $4,000 civil penalty per text message sent without required disclosure. The law applies only to texts distributed on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect regular personal texting.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 83), not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes Sister Helen Harris for 25 years of service to the Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church and the Brenham community. The Texas Senate resolution commends her contributions as an educator, church leader, and community volunteer, including her role as a Bible study teacher and Sunday school superintendent. It does not create new laws or affect any legal rights or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 82), not a substantive bill. It formally recognizes Reverend Dr. John D. Harris for his decades of service to Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, and his broader contributions to education and the Washington County community. The resolution specifically highlights his 25-year tenure as senior pastor, his 35 years in education at Blinn College, and his community leadership. It has no policy impact or funding provisions - it serves only as a symbolic expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) designating February 11, 2025, as "Texas State Technical College Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It recognizes the college's role in providing technical education across 11 campuses and its contributions to student success and Texas' economic development. The resolution formally commends the college's students, faculty, and administrators for their work in higher education.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 66) designates February 11, 2025, as "University of Houston Day" to recognize the institution's contributions. It acknowledges the university's role in education (46,600+ students, 281 programs), research ($230M annual expenditures), health care (450,000+ patient care hours), and athletics (Big 12 Conference sports). As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect but formally honors the university's impact on Texas. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 11, 2025.