Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Maddy summaryTexas SB 7, the "Texas Women’s Privacy Act," requires public schools, government buildings, and other facilities operated by political subdivisions or state agencies to designate multiple-occupancy private spaces (like restrooms, locker rooms, and showers) for use solely by individuals based on biological sex. Biological sex is defined by physical characteristics at birth, including chromosomes, sex organs, and an unaltered birth certificate. The law allows limited exceptions for accommodations related to disabilities, children, or elderly individuals, but prohibits facilities from designating spaces for use by individuals of the opposite biological sex. Violations authorize civil penalties and a private right to sue. The bill directly affects public facilities and their access policies for all users.

Maddy summarySB 9 amends Texas Tax Code sections to update how local taxing units (like cities, counties, and school districts) calculate voter-approval tax rates when implementing or adjusting sales taxes. It introduces specific formulas that account for new sales tax revenue by adding a "sales tax gain rate" to the calculation, ensuring the voter-approval rate reflects the impact of the new revenue source. The bill differentiates rules based on the taxing unit type, applying multipliers of 1.08 for special districts, 1.035 for small municipalities/counties (<30,000 population), and 1.025 for others. These changes directly affect how local governments determine tax rates that require voter approval when they add or modify sales taxes.

Maddy summarySB 69 would allow Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a prescription from a healthcare provider, under a statewide order issued by the commissioner of state health services. The order would require pharmacists to follow standardized procedures, provide patients with usage instructions, and submit annual reports on the number of doses dispensed. Pharmacists acting in good faith under this order would be shielded from criminal, civil, or professional liability. This bill specifically applies to ivermectin and does not change prescription requirements for other medications.

Maddy summarySB 60 requires youth camp operators in Texas to meet new emergency preparedness standards to obtain or renew their licenses. It mandates camps to maintain operable radios for real-time weather alerts, install emergency warning systems with public address capabilities (not reliant on internet), and monitor local weather and emergency alerts. Camps must also adopt a written emergency plan detailing evacuation routes, muster zones, and the location of emergency equipment like fire extinguishers and flotation devices. These requirements directly affect all licensed youth camps operating overnight accommodations in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 11 requires Texas law enforcement agencies to report election-related crimes to the attorney general and gives the attorney general exclusive authority to prosecute these offenses. Local prosecutors and law enforcement must share relevant information with the attorney general to assist in these cases, and the attorney general can direct local offices to handle or support prosecutions. The law applies only to election crimes committed after its effective date (91 days after the legislative session). This shifts prosecution responsibility for election law violations from local to state-level authorities.

Maddy summarySB 12 prohibits Texas cities, counties, and other local governments (political subdivisions) from using public funds to hire registered lobbyists or pay organizations that primarily represent local governments and employ lobbyists. The bill specifically bans spending on activities like lobbying state legislators, but allows local government employees to provide information to lawmakers or testify without triggering the restriction. Exceptions include associations representing sheriffs or law enforcement officers, and direct advocacy by employees that doesn’t require lobbyist registration. Taxpayers can seek court orders to stop prohibited spending and recover related costs.

Maddy summaryHB 762 limits severance pay for employees and independent contractors working with local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) in Texas. It requires that severance pay from tax funds cannot exceed 20 weeks of the person's regular pay (excluding vacation or PTO) and prohibits payments if termination results from misconduct (including criminal conduct). Local governments must also post all severance agreements on their websites. The law applies to contracts entered into or lawsuits filed on or after September 1, 2025, and excludes public teaching hospitals.

Maddy summarySB 2078 prohibits depositing food waste subject to a commercial food waste composting ordinance (which requires businesses and multifamily properties to divert food waste from landfills) at composting facilities in counties without a municipality that has such an ordinance. It directly affects businesses with food permits and multifamily residential properties in counties with the ordinance, preventing them from sending that waste to composting facilities in counties without the ordinance. Violations carry a $1,000 civil penalty per incident, enforceable by the attorney general. The law excludes agricultural operations from its requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1032 expands eligibility for Texas universities to join the Governor's University Research Initiative by including private and independent colleges alongside public institutions. It specifically prohibits participating schools from using state research funds to recruit distinguished researchers from other eligible institutions or private colleges. The bill modifies two sections of the Education Code to define "eligible institution" broadly and restrict grant usage for recruitment. These changes apply only to new agreements entered after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025).

Maddy summarySB 25 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to provide daily moderate or vigorous physical activity for students in prekindergarten through grade 8. Specifically, it mandates at least 30 minutes daily for grades K-5 and 30 minutes daily for at least four semesters in grades 6-8, with alternatives for scheduling challenges (e.g., 135 minutes weekly). The bill prohibits schools from restricting student participation in physical activity as punishment for academic or behavioral issues. It directly affects K-8 students and school employees responsible for implementing physical education curricula, effective September 1, 2025.