Sen. Bob Hall

Maddy summarySJR 38 proposes a constitutional amendment to prevent the Texas governor from vetoing bills passed by both legislative chambers with at least a two-thirds vote of members present in each house. If approved by the required supermajority, such bills would automatically become law without gubernatorial approval, bypassing the traditional veto process. This directly affects the governor's veto authority and requires legislators to secure stronger consensus for certain bills. The amendment does not change the governor's power to object to specific budget items within appropriations bills. This is a constitutional change, not a regular law, and would require voter approval if passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) designating February 11, 2025, as "Texas State Technical College Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It recognizes the college's role in providing technical education across 11 campuses and its contributions to student success and Texas' economic development. The resolution formally commends the college's students, faculty, and administrators for their work in higher education.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution designates February 11, 2025, as Rockwall County Day at the Texas State Capitol, welcoming the county's delegation for a celebration. It recognizes Rockwall County's history, growth, and community contributions as described in the resolution's preamble. The resolution has no policy impact, funding provisions, or direct effects on residents, as it is purely an acknowledgment of the county's significance.

Maddy summarySB 721 prohibits state funding and tax incentives for organizations that assist, refer, or encourage women to obtain abortions. The bill amends multiple state codes to block eligibility for: event grants (Section 480.0051), small business financing (Section 489.212), skills development funds (Section 303.003), and tax incentives (Section 301.005) if an entity provides abortion-related services or referrals. It directly affects healthcare providers, clinics, and nonprofits offering abortion support services by denying them access to state economic assistance programs. The law does not ban abortion but restricts state financial support for entities involved in abortion care. This policy change applies to all state-funded programs and tax incentives covered by the amended statutes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. It formally recognizes February 4, 2025, as "Dallas Day" at the Texas State Capitol. The resolution honors Dallas residents gathering in Austin for a delegation event, highlighting the city's history, economic significance, cultural institutions (like the Dallas Arts District and museums), sports teams, and community features. It has no binding policy effects - it simply extends a welcome to Dallas representatives. The resolution was adopted by the Texas Senate on February 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 26), not a law. It honors Dr. Richard C. Benson for his service as president of the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), recognizing his leadership over eight years. The resolution highlights his achievements, including raising over $415 million through the New Dimensions campaign, overseeing major campus projects like the Biomedical Engineering building, and advancing UTD's research profile. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses the Texas Senate's appreciation for his contributions to UTD and higher education.

Maddy summarySB 93 modifies complaint procedures for the Texas Medical Board, affecting patients, healthcare providers, and the public. It restricts who can file complaints: only patients, individuals directly involved in a patient's care, or those with direct knowledge of the incident. The bill requires written complaints for certain filers and mandates the board to provide clear notification methods (via registration forms, business signs, or service bills) about how to file complaints. It also requires public hearings for new rules (except emergency rules) and allows the board to file complaints independently.

Maddy summarySB 136 establishes requirements for Texas to join or create an interstate compact focused on border security with Mexico. It mandates that any such compact must include provisions for sharing law enforcement intelligence on border activity, building physical or technological barriers, and jointly using state resources like personnel and equipment. The bill defines "illegal alien" according to federal immigration law (8 U.S.C. § 1101) and requires compacts to prioritize border control through detection and apprehension of individuals crossing illegally. This bill applies only to new compacts entered into after its effective date, leaving existing agreements unaffected.

Maddy summarySB 117 requires all Texas public and private primary and secondary school students to be fully immunized against six specific diseases: diphtheria, mumps, poliomyelitis, rubella, rubeola, and tetanus. It mandates that school districts post a bilingual (English/Spanish) list of these required immunizations on their websites, along with a link to information about exemption procedures. The bill also directs the Department of State Health Services to develop and maintain the list of required vaccines and ensure it is accessible online. This directly affects students, school districts, and parents seeking exemption information.

Maddy summarySB 98 shifts the financial responsibility for specific deer management costs from the state to permit holders. It requires hunters or landowners with permits (the "applicable permit holder") to cover all costs for epidemiological assessments and the destruction/disposal of deer under certain wildlife regulations. The bill repeals previous language that had the department pay these costs, effective only for assessments or destruction starting after the law's enactment (either immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025). This directly affects permit holders involved in deer management activities requiring state intervention.