Sen. Bob Hall

Maddy summarySB 620 requires Texas courts to apply an "active efforts" standard before removing children from parents under certain circumstances when the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has managing conservatorship. Specifically, it mandates that DFPS must make meaningful, individualized efforts to keep families together - including addressing parental substance use or other issues - before seeking termination of parental rights, particularly for children "born addicted" (defined as infants exposed to illegal substances or alcohol prenatally). This change directly affects parents in DFPS cases involving substance use during pregnancy and modifies the grounds for parental termination under Texas Family Code §161.001(b). The bill does not alter existing termination grounds but adds a procedural requirement for DFPS to demonstrate active efforts before seeking removal.

Maddy summarySB 883, known as the "Right to Treat Act," allows Texas physicians to prescribe FDA-approved prescription drugs for off-label use (meaning a purpose not approved by the FDA) in treating patients diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19, without state interference. The bill prohibits state officials from restricting such prescriptions and prevents the Texas Medical Board from taking disciplinary action against a physician’s license based solely on off-label prescribing for COVID-19, provided the treatment meets the medical standard of care. It also clarifies that the law does not create legal liability for drug manufacturers or physicians if harm occurs from off-label use in treating COVID-19. The bill directly affects physicians, patients with COVID-19, and state licensing authorities.

Maddy summarySB 707 would allow the Texas legislature to declare certain federal directives (like laws, executive orders, or agency rules) unconstitutional if they infringe on state powers under the Tenth Amendment or block Texas from protecting public health, safety, or welfare. If declared unconstitutional, the bill would prohibit state government officers and employees (including local officials and school staff) from enforcing or assisting in enforcing those directives. The process requires a concurrent resolution approved by legislative leadership (speaker or lieutenant governor) before a declaration can be made. This bill does not apply to federal directives activating Texas state military forces.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (SR 416), not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes 19 interns who worked for Senator Judith Zaffirini's office during Texas' 89th Legislative Session (2025). The resolution commends them for their contributions to legislative research, constituent outreach, and administrative tasks, and expresses the Senate's appreciation for their dedication. It was adopted by the Texas Senate on April 22, 2025, and includes a copy of the resolution as a token of recognition. This is purely a ceremonial gesture with no legal effect or policy impact.

Maddy summarySB 2365 would require Texas public school districts and charter schools to adopt policies banning students from using personal wireless devices (like smartphones, tablets, or laptops not issued by the school) during class time. The bill allows exceptions for devices needed for individualized education programs (IEPs), documented medical needs, or health/safety requirements. School boards must implement these policies starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill directly affects all public school students in Texas during instructional periods, with limited exceptions for specific educational or safety needs.

Maddy summarySB 406 requires Texas birth certificates to list a person's "biological sex" as male or female based on sex organs, chromosomes, or endogenous profile at birth, as mandated in Health and Safety Code Sections 192.002(c-1) and 192.003(f). It prohibits changing the sex marker on birth certificates except in three specific cases: correcting clerical errors, completing information when biological sex wasn’t initially listed, or for intersex individuals (those with atypical sex characteristics at birth) after medical determination. The bill directly affects parents reporting births, local registrars issuing certificates, and individuals seeking to amend birth records. It does not allow changes to reflect gender identity but permits limited updates for medical clarity or correction of errors.

Maddy summarySJR 12 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a parent's right to direct their child's education in Texas. It would add Section 37 to the Texas Constitution, defining "parent" broadly to include natural parents, stepparents, adoptive parents, guardians, and legal custodians. The amendment guarantees specific rights: choosing public school options, selecting alternatives like private or homeschool, accessing school materials and records (including health records), and attending school meetings - without restriction based on disability. This is a procedural bill requiring voter approval in the November 2025 election.

Maddy summarySJR 63 is a procedural bill proposing a constitutional amendment to replace "Gulf of Mexico" with "Gulf of America" in multiple sections of the Texas Constitution. It specifically amends Articles I, VIII, IX, and XI to update terminology related to coastal beaches, tax relief for offshore equipment, county beach regulations, and coastal county tax authority. This change affects only constitutional language - no new policies or rights are created. The bill was reported adversely by the Senate Committee on State Affairs with a 8-0 vote on April 14, 2025, meaning it did not advance.

Maddy summarySB 2653 prohibits adding fluoride to public water supplies for fluoridation purposes in Texas. It defines "public water supply" as systems serving at least 15 connections or 25 people annually and bans all fluoride compounds (like sodium fluoride) used for water fluoridation, while exempting naturally occurring fluoride or industrial uses unrelated to water treatment. Violators face a $500 fine for first offenses and $1,000 for subsequent violations, enforced by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting municipal water systems that currently fluoridate tap water.

Maddy summarySB 935 amends Texas Tax Code to create a new exemption from motor fuel taxes for gasoline sold directly to counties in Texas for the county's own exclusive use. This specifically adds subsection (2-a) to Section 162.104(a), allowing counties to avoid paying the tax on gasoline purchased for county operations. The exemption applies only when the gasoline is used exclusively by the county itself, not for services like public transportation or emergency response. This policy change directly affects all Texas counties purchasing gasoline for their own governmental activities, such as road maintenance or administrative vehicles. The bill does not alter existing exemptions for schools, fire departments, or other entities covered under the current tax code.