Sen. Bob Hall

Maddy summarySB 2427 clarifies how Texas local governments (like cities and counties) can use impact fees on new development projects. The bill defines impact fees as charges to cover actual costs of labor and materials for capital improvements (such as roads, water, or sewer systems) directly caused by new construction, while excluding fees for land dedications or certain utility connections. It requires that fees collected in areas without current services must align with a capital improvements plan and include a commitment to build within two years. The bill also allows local governments to reduce impact fees by spending funds on infrastructure projects, ensuring fees only cover necessary costs tied to new development.

Maddy summarySB 654 creates a franchise tax credit for licensed child-care centers in Texas that expand their capacity to serve more children. To qualify, centers must be certified in the Texas Rising Star Program and increase their capacity by 25% or more. The credit covers 50% to 100% of additional salaries paid for the expansion, depending on the capacity increase (50% for 25-50% growth, 75% for 50-75%, and 100% for 75%+ growth). This policy directly affects licensed child-care centers seeking to grow their operations while reducing their tax burden for hiring staff needed to accommodate more children.

Maddy summarySB 1488 prohibits Texas institutions of higher education from conducting or funding "gain of function research" on pathogens that meet specific criteria for high transmissibility, virulence, or public health threat. The bill defines this research as any work that may enhance a pathogen's ability to spread or cause severe illness. Violating institutions would become ineligible for state funding, creating a civil penalty. This directly affects Texas universities and research facilities conducting such studies, requiring them to halt this specific research type.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas tax law to expand property tax exemptions for charitable organizations that provide financial support for medical care at certain universities. Specifically, it adds a new category of qualifying organizations under Section 11.18(d)(1), exempting their property (like buildings and land) from ad valorem taxes if they provide medical care without regard to patients' ability to pay at designated higher education institutions. The exemption applies to property used exclusively by these organizations for their charitable medical care functions. This change directly affects charitable groups partnering with universities to fund medical services, altering their tax treatment under existing property tax rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2147) defines ownership rules for breeder deer raised in captivity in Texas. It states that breeder deer are the personal property of the breeder if they are born and raised in captivity, held under a valid permit, and permanently tattooed with a unique ID number. The bill also specifies that these ownership rules do not apply if a breeder deer is intentionally released into the wild from the breeder's facility. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2182 creates a $5,000 franchise tax credit for Texas businesses that employ qualifying apprentices in broadband infrastructure jobs (defined as roles in NAICS code 237130). To qualify, businesses must employ apprentices for at least three months in certified or registered apprenticeship programs, provide specific training (e.g., pole climbing, fiber splicing), and obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Texas Workforce Commission. The credit is limited to $10 million annually across all businesses, with unused credits potentially carried forward for up to five years. This policy directly affects taxable entities in broadband utility engineering and construction, incentivizing them to hire and train apprentices in these roles.

Maddy summarySB 507 requires county election authorities to provide each precinct with ballots equal to 125% of the previous election's turnout in that precinct (capped at registered voters unless using countywide polling). It creates a Class A misdemeanor offense for intentionally failing to provide the required ballots or to supplement ballots upon polling place requests. The bill applies to election supply procurement and directly affects county election officials and polling places. Penalties increase for certain election code violations, with new misdemeanor charges for supply failures. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 305) honors Jill Diane Warrington Glover, a Republican Party member, mental health professional, and civic leader who died in January 2024. It pays tribute to her work supporting conservative legislation (including the Texas Heartbeat Act), her service on the State Republican Executive Committee, and her family. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely to recognize her contributions. The Texas Senate adopted it to extend sympathy to her husband, son, brothers, and other family members.

Maddy summarySB 76 eliminates Texas' countywide polling place program, which allowed voters to cast ballots at any polling location within their county. The bill repeals Section 43.007 of the Election Code and related provisions, removing the legal framework for this system. As a result, voters will no longer be able to vote at any location in their county and must return to their assigned polling place for early voting and election day. The bill also adjusts student clerk limits at polling places by removing an exception for countywide locations, which is now obsolete under the repealed program.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill) passed by the Texas Senate. It formally recognizes March 19, 2025, as "Ellis County Day" at the Texas Capitol to celebrate the county's history and contributions. The resolution includes historical background about Ellis County's founding, cultural heritage, and landmarks but contains no policy changes or legal requirements. It serves only as a symbolic expression of appreciation from the Senate to Ellis County residents.