Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how vacancies are filled on the boards of certain property owners' associations in Texas. It requires that when a vacancy occurs, the board must hold a special election to fill it instead of appointing a replacement. The person elected to fill the vacancy will serve until the next regular board election. This applies to property owners' associations covered under the amended Property Code section and takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 749 requires certain special purpose districts in Texas to publicly post specific information online, including their ad valorem tax rates, governing body contacts, meeting schedules, and financial audit results. The bill mandates that districts display this transparency data on an internet website, making it accessible to residents. It directly affects special districts that levy property taxes or other local taxes, ensuring residents can easily find key financial and operational details. The law focuses on improving public access to district information without changing tax rates or approval processes.

Maddy summarySB 497 allows vehicles to use normally restricted dyed motor fuel on public highways during declared disasters (such as floods or hurricanes) for 30 days after the declaration ends, provided the fuel was purchased with proper documentation. It creates a new permit system for oversized or overweight vehicles transporting agricultural commodities (including crops, livestock, woodchips, and processed farm products) during disasters. The bill modifies transportation codes to permit these vehicles to operate under special conditions on roads with weight restrictions, specifically for delivering agricultural goods to disaster-affected areas. This directly affects farmers, agricultural transporters, and emergency response operations during declared state disasters.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the Texas legislature to set a lower cap on property tax increases for primary residences (homesteads). Specifically, it would let lawmakers limit the maximum appraised value used for property taxes to 105% (or a higher percentage) of the previous year's value, preventing sudden large jumps in tax bills. It directly affects homeowners who qualify for homestead exemptions, particularly those in areas with rapidly rising property values. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2025 election to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 624 requires Texas groundwater conservation districts to evaluate specific criteria before approving or denying water permits or permit amendments. The bill mandates districts consider whether proposed water use unreasonably affects existing water resources, permit holders, or registered exempt wells; aligns with the district's management plan; avoids landscape water use in the Hill Country; and includes commitments for water conservation and groundwater quality protection. This directly affects permit applicants (like farmers, developers, and businesses) and existing water users in districts across Texas. The key change standardizes decision-making to balance new water needs with existing rights and environmental protection.

Maddy summarySB 550 requires all public universities in Texas to post online, by December 1, 2025, a report listing the names and compensation (over $100,000 annually) of certain employees and independent contractors. This applies directly to staff at institutions like the University of Texas or Texas A&M, including high-level administrators. The report must match the format of existing administrative compensation reports and be accessible via a prominent link on the university’s homepage. Universities may seek exemptions for confidentiality under state/federal law or if disclosure would create a serious competitive disadvantage. The bill does not change pay levels but mandates public transparency for specific high-earning roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the Texas legislature to set a lower limit on property taxes for non-homestead real estate (like rental homes or commercial properties), instead of the current 120% cap on appraised value increases. It would extend the expiration date of this tax limit authority from 2026 to 2031. The amendment requires voter approval in November 2025, with a ballot question asking if voters support this change. It directly affects owners of non-homestead property by potentially lowering their annual property tax burden. The change does not apply to primary residences (homesteads), which have separate tax protections.

Maddy summarySB 488 amends Texas Tax Code Section 11.261 to allow non-school taxing units (like counties, cities, or junior college districts) to establish limits on property taxes for disabled or elderly homeowners. It directly affects qualifying homeowners (disabled individuals or those 65+ and their surviving spouses) by capping annual tax increases on their primary residences. The key provision prevents taxing units from raising taxes above the amount imposed in the first year the homeowner qualified for the exemption, unless the homeowner qualified later and taxes were lower in the following year. This bill clarifies and standardizes existing tax relief mechanisms for vulnerable homeowners across Texas jurisdictions.

Maddy summarySB 525 requires U.S. citizenship for appointments to most state and local government positions, including public offices, governing boards, and advisory committees. It applies to roles in state branches (executive, legislative, judicial) and political subdivisions (like cities or counties), with exceptions for positions defined by constitution. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, requiring current non-citizen appointees to either become citizens by that date or vacate their positions. This policy change directly affects individuals appointed to these roles before the effective date. The bill does not impact elected offices or positions with constitutionally mandated qualifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment allowing Texas cities, counties, and other local governments (excluding school districts) to cap property taxes on homesteads for disabled or elderly residents (65+). It would let local governments either directly establish this tax limit or hold an election if 5% of voters petition for it. The cap would prevent tax increases while the home remains the primary residence of qualifying residents or their surviving spouses (if the spouse is 55+). Improvements beyond basic repairs could still increase taxes, but the cap would transfer to surviving spouses under specific conditions. The amendment would require local governments to follow state laws governing these tax limitations.