Sen. Roland Gutierrez

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 116) passed by the Texas Senate to honor the late Eddie Bernice Johnson, a pioneering public servant who died in 2023. The resolution recognizes her legacy as the first Black woman elected to the Texas House (1972), the first Black person to serve in the Texas Senate since Reconstruction (1986), and a 15-term U.S. Congresswoman representing Texas. It highlights her career as a nurse, her advocacy for women and children, and her authorship of over 175 enacted bills during her congressional service. The resolution serves as a formal tribute to her life and impact on Texas and national policy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 94) formally designates February 13, 2025, as "Uvalde County Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It recognizes the county's historical significance, including its establishment in 1856, agricultural economy, natural attractions like Garner State Park, and cultural heritage. The resolution extends a welcome to Uvalde County residents gathering at the Capitol on that date to celebrate their community. It is a ceremonial recognition with no new laws, funding, or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution designates February 18, 2025, as Texas Music Advocacy Day to honor the Texas Chapter of the Recording Academy. It recognizes the state's musical heritage, including Texas-born artists and industry contributions that support over 210,000 jobs and generate billions in economic activity. The resolution specifically celebrates the Recording Academy's Texas Chapter and its role in advancing music education and the state's music industry. (SR 61)

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 summarySR 29 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing February 5, 2025, as Maverick County Day at the Texas State Capitol. It formally welcomes representatives from Maverick County to Austin for a celebration of the county’s history and community contributions. The resolution highlights Maverick County’s heritage, economic development efforts, border commerce significance, and cultural sites like Eagle Pass and Fort Duncan Park. As a symbolic gesture with no policy or legal effect, it directly affects Maverick County officials and residents participating in the Capitol event.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) passed by the Texas Senate. It formally recognizes February 4, 2025, as "UTSA and UT Health San Antonio Day" at the State Capitol. The resolution commemorates the planned visit of representatives from The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) to the Capitol. It acknowledges their upcoming merger, which will create Texas' third-largest public research university with over 40,000 students and significant economic impact. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition.

Maddy summarySB 161 requires lobbyists in Texas to submit proof of completing two specific trainings when registering: sexual harassment prevention training and ethics training, both completed within the previous two years. This applies directly to individuals registering as lobbyists under Texas law. The bill adds new requirements to the registration form (Section 305.005(f)) and creates new sections mandating these trainings every two years (Sections 305.0052 and 305.0053). The Texas Ethics Commission must adopt implementing rules by December 1, 2025, and the new requirements take effect for registrations filed on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 190 repeals Texas statutes that previously criminalized homosexual conduct and labeled it as "unacceptable" or "a criminal offense." It directly affects LGBTQ+ individuals by removing these discriminatory legal provisions and eliminating false, harmful statements from school health education materials. The bill amends health education codes to remove language claiming homosexuality is "not an acceptable lifestyle" or a criminal act under Penal Code Section 21.06. These changes ensure educational content aligns with current public health standards and removes outdated, stigmatizing language. The bill takes effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote, or September 1, 2025, if not.

Maddy summarySB 145 would allow any qualified Texas voter to request a ballot by mail without restrictions. It removes a prior requirement that voters in the address confidentiality program (for safety reasons) must submit mail-in voting applications in person. The bill also repeals criminal penalties for soliciting or distributing mail-in voting application forms. These changes make mail-in voting more accessible and simplify the process for voters. The bill is currently in committee referral after being filed in early 2025.

Maddy summarySB 353 requires private firearm transfers between non-family members to undergo a national criminal background check through a licensed firearms dealer. It directly affects private sellers (not licensed dealers) who transfer firearms to people they are not related to within the first degree of family. The bill mandates that sellers must request a background check via a licensed dealer before completing the transfer, with dealers required to conduct the check and share results. Violating this requirement is a Class A misdemeanor. The law creates a new regulatory framework for private sales, effective September 1, 2025.