Sen. Roland Gutierrez

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would restrict when the Texas legislature can redraw election districts for both the Texas state legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. It would require redistricting to occur only during specific, defined timeframes: when the legislature is constitutionally required to act, or within a 120-day window after the federal census is released. Exceptions allow redistricting within one year if courts invalidate districts, but not during periods when the Legislative Redistricting Board has exclusive authority. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2026 election to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 34 creates a new exception to Texas abortion restrictions for pregnancies resulting from sexual assault, as defined in specific Penal Code sections (including aggravated sexual assault and offenses under Section 25.02). It specifies that patients do not need to file police reports, provide forensic evidence, or have the alleged assault prosecuted to access this exception. The bill also repeals Chapter 6-1/2, a law regulating abortion in Texas. These changes directly affect individuals seeking abortion care in cases of sexual assault and clarify that the exception does not alter other abortion laws or allow lawsuits against patients.

Maddy summarySB 33 adds specific exceptions to Texas abortion restrictions for certain medical conditions. It allows abortions when a physician determines they are necessary due to a lethal fetal anomaly or a life-limiting diagnosis where the fetus cannot survive outside the womb without extraordinary medical interventions. The bill also requires physicians performing abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy (or when the age is unknown but likely 20+ weeks) to use the method most likely to allow fetal survival, per medical judgment. These changes apply to physicians following the specified medical exceptions, not to general abortion access.

Maddy summarySB 973 prohibits Texas property tax offices (appraisal districts) from posting certain residential property information online, specifically interior photos, detailed floor plans, or records showing specific interior features. It allows posting of aerial photos showing multiple buildings, street-level exterior photos, and field records showing only building outlines, general landscape features, and basic property dimensions. The law directly affects residential property owners by restricting how detailed property data can be shared publicly online. This is a concrete policy change limiting public access to specific types of property assessment information.

Maddy summarySB 974 removes a restriction preventing school district teachers from serving on appraisal review boards, which are local bodies that handle property tax disputes. It amends Texas Tax Code Section 6.412(c) to explicitly state that teachers employed by school districts are eligible for these boards. The bill also creates a criminal offense related to violations of the new eligibility rules (though specific details are not provided in the text). As of June 22, 2025, the bill was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 260 increases funding for school safety in Texas public schools under the Foundation School Program. It raises the per-student allotment from $10 to $20 per student in average daily attendance and doubles the campus safety allotment from $15,000 to $30,000 per school campus. These changes apply to all Texas public school districts and take effect September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects school funding formulas by increasing state support for safety resources at both the student and campus levels. The policy change provides additional state funds specifically designated for school safety measures.

Maddy summarySB 7 requires the Texas Water Development Board to coordinate planning for water infrastructure projects to maximize use of existing utility corridors and minimize land acquisition through eminent domain. It mandates the Board to develop standardized specifications for water infrastructure, ensure different water systems can connect and operate together, and recommend building extra capacity during construction to accommodate future projects. The bill directly affects water project developers, utilities, and local governments working with the Board on infrastructure planning and financing. Key provisions include creating interconnectivity standards and facilitating collaboration between project sponsors and transportation/utility entities.

Maddy summarySB 15 limits zoning restrictions for small residential lots (4,000 sq ft or less) in certain large Texas municipalities (population over 90,000 in counties over 300,000). It prohibits municipalities from requiring lots larger than 1,400 sq ft, wider than 20 feet, or deeper than 60 feet, and mandates a minimum density of 31.1 units per acre. The bill also bans restrictions on covered parking, parking space limits, building height (requiring at least 3 stories), and excessive open space requirements for small lots. Municipalities may still charge permitting fees equivalent to single-family lot fees but cannot impose other zoning rules inconsistent with these provisions.

Maddy summaryHCR 153 designates Pearsall, Texas as the "Official Lineman Capital of Texas" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution recognizes Pearsall's historical role in supporting the power industry, including its connection to lineman training, family traditions in the profession, and the community's contributions to electrical infrastructure. The designation, established under Section 391.003(e) of the Texas Government Code, has no regulatory or financial impact and remains in effect until 2035. It does not create new policies or affect any individuals or entities beyond this ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 5084 allows counties to authorize fireworks sales during the five days leading up to and including Lunar New Year, provided the county commissioners court approves the sale. This directly affects counties that choose to adopt the policy and retailers operating within those approved counties. The bill adds this new sales window to existing permitted periods (July 4th, New Year's Eve, and a border-specific May period), requiring local approval for the Lunar New Year exception. The law took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.