Sen. Bob Hall

Maddy summarySB 1999 prohibits school districts, charter schools, colleges, and government employers from disciplining, retaliating against, or discriminating against employees or students who use terms consistent with a person's biological sex when addressing them. It applies to K-12 staff and students (Section 22.905), higher education staff and students (Section 51.9316), and public employees addressing colleagues or the public (Section 3001.001). The law specifically protects using terms matching a person’s sex assigned at birth, without requiring anyone to use such terms. The bill takes effect immediately if passed by two-thirds vote, or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summarySB 1524 prohibits child-placing agencies and state departments from requiring foster homes to disclose specific types of firearms present in their homes or to report changes in firearm types. It also restricts agencies from using any existing firearm information for purposes beyond verifying weapon presence, and mandates that such information remains confidential under Texas law. Violations by agencies could result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per incident, enforceable by the attorney general. The bill directly affects foster care agencies, state departments, and foster parents by limiting how firearm information is handled and shared. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

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 summarySB 383 prohibits Texas' Public Utility Commission from approving interconnection of offshore wind power facilities to the ERCOT grid under specific conditions. The bill requires the Commission to deny approvals if a facility might negatively impact shipping routes, tourism, fishing, wildlife, migratory patterns, or public safety in disaster-prone areas, or if existing services are sufficient. It directly affects offshore wind developers and the Commission's approval process for grid connections. The law takes effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote, or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

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 summarySB 1065 requires contractors working with Texas governmental entities (like schools, hospitals, or local governments) to include a specific clause in their contracts. This clause prohibits contractors from banning handgun license holders from property unless state law (Section 46.03 of the Penal Code) already prohibits carrying handguns there. Contractors violating this rule face civil penalties: $1,000-$1,500 for a first offense and $10,000-$10,500 for repeat violations. Residents or license holders can file complaints with the attorney general, and collected penalties fund the victims of crime compensation fund.

Maddy summarySJR 34 proposes adding Section 37 to the Texas Constitution to affirm parents' inherent right to make decisions about their children's upbringing, including care, custody, and control. It states the state cannot interfere with these parental rights unless the interference is essential for a compelling government interest and narrowly tailored to achieve that interest. If passed, this constitutional amendment would require voter approval in the November 2025 election, with the ballot phrased as supporting "parents as the primary decision-makers for their children." The bill directly affects parents' legal authority over child-rearing decisions and sets new constitutional limits on state intervention.

Maddy summarySB 108 amends Texas election code sections to clarify how election clerks are appointed. It requires both the lead election judge and alternate judge in each precinct to appoint at least one clerk each for every election, with flexibility to appoint more within limits set by county authorities. The bill also updates procedures for political parties to submit clerk candidate lists (within 25 days before general elections) that judges must consider when making appointments. These changes directly affect county election officials and political parties involved in the clerk appointment process. The bill does not alter voting procedures or outcomes but standardizes administrative responsibilities for election clerks.

Maddy summarySB 463 amends Texas law to define "facility" for workplace violence prevention rules, specifically including home health agencies (with ≥2 RNs), hospitals, nursing facilities, surgical centers, emergency care facilities, mental hospitals, intellectual disability care centers, and state supported living centers. This definition requires these facilities to comply with workplace violence prevention requirements by September 1, 2026. The bill directly affects healthcare providers operating under these specific facility types, mandating safety protocols to protect staff. It became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor in May 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2312 creates the Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict to prepare for potential international crises that could disrupt Texas' supply chains or critical infrastructure. The committee, composed of nine members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house, will develop pre-conflict security strategies and gather information to support state response during emergencies. It defines "critical infrastructure" to include systems like oil/gas, water, power, and emergency services, and "geopolitical conflict" as events threatening these systems through war, diplomatic breakdowns, or supply chain disruptions. The bill aims to enhance Texas' defensive posture and protect citizens by making proactive preparations, without altering existing laws or funding.