Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summarySB 700 limits property owners' associations (POAs) from restricting residents' rights to peacefully assemble, meet with neighbors, or invite guest speakers - including public officials or candidates - without prior approval. It prohibits POAs from regulating the content of residents' speech in their governing documents. Exceptions are allowed for speech threatening public health/safety, violating laws, or containing patently offensive displays. The law directly affects homeowners and residents in communities governed by POAs, taking effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 473 amends Texas law to give consumers a private right to sue businesses that violate telephone solicitation rules. It allows people harmed by unwanted calls to seek injunctive relief, actual damages, or statutory damages of $500-$10,000 per violation, plus attorney fees. The bill also requires state agencies to make compliance with these rules a condition for business licenses, permits, or other state authorizations. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies only to violations occurring after that date.

Maddy summarySB 534 extends Texas' adverse possession statutes from 3- to 10-year time limits to 97- to 99-year periods for claiming ownership of property held openly by another. The bill specifies that property claims must be filed within 97 years for standard cases, 98 years if the occupant pays property taxes, or 99 years if they actively cultivate the land. It directly affects property owners and occupants involved in long-term possession disputes over real estate. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, replacing existing shorter timeframes in the Civil Practice and Remedies Code.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 321) limits how much a primary residence homestead's taxable value can increase each year for property tax purposes in Texas. It restricts annual increases to the lesser of: (1) the most recent appraised market value, or (2) 5% of the previous year's value plus the previous year's value plus the value of new home improvements. It directly affects Texas homeowners with homestead properties who pay property taxes. The bill only takes effect on January 1, 2026, if voters approve a related constitutional amendment in 2025; otherwise, it has no effect.

Maddy summarySB 514 requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to create and publish an annual school district profile report by December 31 each year. The report must include easy-to-use data tables showing school district performance grouped by characteristics, a tool to compare districts with similar features, and clear definitions for all data used. This directly affects the TEA (which must produce the report) and Texas public school districts (whose data is reported). The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and focuses solely on improving public access to transparent, organized education data.

Maddy summarySB 690 allows sheriffs and constables in Texas counties with 1 million or more residents (like Harris or Dallas) to directly contract with property owners' associations or subdivision landowners for law enforcement services in specific areas. The bill requires counties to credit money from these contracts directly to the sheriff's or constable's office - not the general county fund - and prohibits counties from reducing their budgets based on this income. Commissioners courts cannot block these contracts or dictate their terms, giving sheriffs and constables sole authority to negotiate and set contract conditions. This applies only to the largest Texas counties, affecting how local law enforcement services are funded and delivered in private communities.

Maddy summarySB 521 requires Texas public universities classified as "general academic teaching institutions" (like the University of Texas and Texas A&M systems) to consider standardized test scores as a required factor in admissions decisions for first-year students not automatically admitted. The bill mandates that institutions weigh test scores alongside specific socioeconomic factors, including family income, first-generation college status, school district funding, and other demographic considerations. It applies directly to undergraduate admissions at these public universities, altering their evaluation criteria for applicants. The law does not make test scores the sole factor but requires them to be formally considered alongside other listed criteria.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes January 28, 2025, as Sexual Assault Survivors Day at the Texas State Capitol. It commemorates an annual observance established in 2019 to honor sexual assault survivors, raise awareness about sexual violence, and acknowledge the work of advocates and law enforcement. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic statement supporting survivors and prevention efforts.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 14) honoring Deputy Jesus "Jesse" Vargas of the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, who died in the line of duty on January 15, 2025. The resolution extends condolences to his wife, three daughters, parents, siblings, and colleagues, and memorializes him as a 17-year veteran dedicated to community service. It has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal tribute with no legislative effect.