Sen. Roland Gutierrez

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 623), not a substantive bill. It formally congratulates Kelly Murphy on graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School in June 2025 and receiving a water polo scholarship to Wagner College. The resolution highlights his achievements as a three-time All-District water polo player, co-captain, and academic honors student (including National Honor Society and AP courses). It does not create new laws or affect any policies - its sole purpose is to express the Texas Senate's recognition of his accomplishments. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 695 returns Senate Bill 293 to the House of Representatives for further consideration. The resolution specifies that the Senate concurs in all House amendments except Section 23 (which the Senate ruled non-germane), and instead proposes substituting Section 20 of the Senate version - which modifies how judicial retirement annuities are calculated for judges retiring before September 1, 2025. The resolution requests the House adopt this change to finalize the bill. This procedural step resolves a disagreement over one section of the bill before it advances to final passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal description of Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College in the Texas Education Code by removing the term "upper-level" from its official designation. It directly affects the university's Rio Grande College campuses in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde, which are part of Sul Ross State University. The change takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not alter course offerings, funding, or academic programs. The bill is purely procedural, adjusting how the institution is formally referenced in state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas to create a property tax exemption for surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected conditions. Specifically, it would authorize the legislature to exempt all or part of the market value of a surviving spouse's primary home (homestead) from ad valorem taxes, provided the veteran died from a condition presumed service-connected under federal law and the spouse has not remarried. If a spouse moves to a new homestead, they could retain the same tax exemption amount as their previous home. The amendment requires voter approval in November 2025 and would take effect January 1, 2026, if approved.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 560) passed by the Texas Senate on May 23, 2025, honoring the 21 victims of the May 24, 2022, mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. It specifically commemorates the 19 students and 2 teachers who died in the tragedy, listing their names and ages. The resolution expresses the Senate's tribute to the victims' lives and extends sympathy to their families and the Uvalde community. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy impact but serves as a formal memorial statement.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) adopted by the Texas Senate on May 21, 2025. It formally recognizes the five students in the 13th class of the Senator Gregory Luna Legislative Scholars and Fellows Program - Ben Aguillon, Rachel Sepulveda, Leticia Sofia Torres, Christell Valdes, and Ezra Villarreal - for their service in Texas Senate offices during the 89th Legislative Session. The resolution commends their "remarkable service and excellent work" and provides them with a formal copy as a gesture of the Senate's "high regard." No new laws, funding, or policy changes are created by this resolution.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summarySB 2549 changes rules for allocating Texas housing tax credits to developments. It allows multiple developments in the same community to receive credits even if they are closer than two miles apart, but only in cities with 750,000+ residents or federally declared disaster areas - provided the city council specifically approves. This applies only to applications submitted for the 2026 or later qualified allocation plans, not older applications. The change does not affect rehabilitation projects of existing affordable housing.