Sen. Roland Gutierrez

Maddy summarySJR 20 proposes a constitutional amendment in Texas that would establish a fundamental right for all residents to make personal reproductive decisions without state interference. The amendment states that individuals have the right to reproductive autonomy as central to liberty and dignity, and it would limit state restrictions to only those justified by a "compelling state interest" using the "least restrictive means available." This amendment would be submitted to Texas voters in the November 2025 election, with the ballot asking whether to adopt the right to reproductive autonomy. It directly affects all Texas residents by enshrining this right in the state constitution, though it does not change current laws until approved by voters.

Maddy summarySB 355 amends Texas Penal Code sections to standardize how property owners can legally prohibit firearms on their premises. It requires property owners to post bilingual (English/Spanish) signs with specific, detailed wording or a standardized pictogram (red circle with diagonal line over a handgun) to prohibit firearms. The signs must be at least one inch in height, use contrasting colors, and be clearly visible at all entrances. This directly affects property owners (like businesses or residences) and individuals carrying firearms, including licensed concealed handgun holders, by clarifying the required notice method under state law. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet become law.

Maddy summarySB 142 allows volunteer deputy registrars in Texas to serve statewide - across all counties - rather than being limited to the county that appointed them. The bill updates election code to require standardized appointment certificates, clarifies that volunteers cannot receive county compensation without commissioners court approval, and expands their authority to distribute and accept voter registration forms anywhere in Texas. It also specifies that appointments terminate upon conviction for failing to deliver applications or other misconduct. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 358 amends Texas law to create a new defense for defendants charged with indecency with a child under Section 21.11 of the Penal Code. It allows a defense if the defendant was no more than three years older than the victim, did not use force or duress, and was not required to register as a sex offender under Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This provision applies to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and affects pending cases for offenses committed before that date. The bill does not change the core criminal offense but modifies the circumstances under which a defendant may avoid prosecution.

Maddy summarySB 359 requires Texas Medicaid and certain health insurance plans to cover abortion services, FDA-approved contraception (including device insertion/removal), and voluntary sterilization (like vasectomies) without cost-sharing or prior authorization. It mandates reimbursement for these services regardless of federal funding availability, overriding existing rules that tied coverage to federal matching funds. The bill also prohibits deductibles, coinsurance, utilization reviews, or delays in coverage for these reproductive health services. This applies directly to Medicaid recipients and individuals enrolled in health benefit plans subject to the Insurance Code provisions.

Maddy summarySB 255 requires Texas to expand Medicaid eligibility to all low-income adults who apply and meet federal income guidelines under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), specifically those with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. It directly affects approximately 1 million Texans who currently lack Medicaid coverage due to Texas’s prior refusal to expand eligibility. The bill mandates that the Health and Human Services Commission provide medical assistance using available federal matching funds, overriding any existing state restrictions. This policy change takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies to all new applications or eligibility reviews after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits licensed mental health providers from attempting to change a child's sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. It applies to professionals like counselors, psychologists, social workers, and therapists treating minors under 18. The law defines "unprofessional conduct" as any effort to alter a child's sexual orientation, behavior, gender identity, or same-sex attractions. Violations would be addressed through professional licensing disciplinary actions under Texas law. The bill does not ban therapy for LGBTQ+ youth but specifically targets practices aimed at changing their core identity.

Maddy summarySB 256 amends Texas abortion laws by creating specific medical exceptions to existing prohibitions. It allows abortions when a licensed physician determines it is medically necessary to preserve a patient's life, physical/mental health (including fertility), or due to a lethal fetal anomaly or life-limiting diagnosis. The bill explicitly states that accidental injury to an embryo/fetus during medical treatment does not violate the law, and it prohibits holding patients liable for abortions performed under these exceptions. It also repeals two specific sections of current law and Chapter 6-1/2 (which previously regulated abortion). The bill directly affects pregnant patients seeking abortions and healthcare providers performing them under these defined medical circumstances.

Maddy summarySB 271 updates Texas law to define "critical care residential customers" for electricity services. It adds two specific conditions: a household must permanently house someone dependent on an electric medical device to sustain life or an elevator for home access. This directly affects Texas residential electricity customers with these medical or mobility needs. The bill amends the Utilities Code and takes effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote, or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summarySB 360 amends Texas Health and Safety Code §166.033 to add an optional pregnancy-specific section to advance directive forms. It allows pregnant individuals of child-bearing age to specify preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment during pregnancy, separate from standard end-of-life directives. The section is optional, does not affect the validity of the overall directive if left blank, and must be completed only by those who choose to address pregnancy-related treatment decisions. This change provides a formal mechanism for pregnant people to communicate their medical preferences in advance.