Sen. Bob Hall

Maddy summarySB 129 prohibits the World Health Organization, United Nations, and World Economic Forum from exercising jurisdiction within Texas. It explicitly states that Texas state and local governments cannot enforce any rules, fees, taxes, policies, or mandates issued by these organizations. The bill directly affects Texas state agencies and political subdivisions (like cities or counties) by blocking their ability to implement international organization requirements. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025, and creates a new section in the Government Code to formalize this restriction.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a provision in Texas law that allowed schools to exclude students without certain required immunizations during public health emergencies or epidemics. It directly affects public school students who have not received mandated vaccines, removing the legal authority for schools to bar them from attending during such crises. The key change eliminates Section 38.001(f) of the Education Code, which previously permitted these exclusions. If passed, the law would prevent schools from barring unvaccinated students in emergency situations, shifting policy toward mandatory attendance regardless of immunization status during outbreaks.

Maddy summarySB 84 requires Texas government entities to define "male" and "female" biologically for official documents. It mandates that state forms, surveys, notices, and publications may only list "male" and "female" as the two options when collecting sex information. The bill applies to all government-produced materials, including digital forms and printed publications. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 113 requires school districts to obtain written parental consent before employees or contractors conduct psychological/psychiatric exams, tests, or treatments, or record a child's voice or video - unless exempted. It directly affects parents (who must provide consent) and school staff (who must seek consent). Key exceptions include safety recordings (e.g., school buses), academic lessons not probing mental health, general well-being questions, and activities like after-school programs. The bill defines "psychological exam" broadly to cover surveys or check-ins embedded in lessons but exempts routine classroom instruction. School districts must retain consent forms in student records, and the bill takes effect September 1, 2025, if not passed with a two-thirds vote.

Maddy summarySB 540 exempts individuals from certain legal restrictions when using, possessing, delivering, or manufacturing testing equipment designed to identify substances in Penalty Group 1-B (such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin). This directly affects laboratories, law enforcement, and healthcare providers who use such equipment for legitimate testing purposes. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code to explicitly state that these activities are not subject to the standard prohibitions. It applies only to offenses occurring on or after September 1, 2025, with prior offenses governed by existing law.

Maddy summarySJR 36 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas to preserve historical items like monuments, artifacts, digital media, and documents. It would explicitly permit the state legislature and agencies to accept gifts or funds from donors to purchase or maintain these items, and to use state appropriations for their preservation. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election, with the ballot wording specifying these two key changes. If approved, it would update the Texas Constitution to formalize existing practices for historical preservation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 14) honoring Deputy Jesus "Jesse" Vargas of the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, who died in the line of duty on January 15, 2025. The resolution extends condolences to his wife, three daughters, parents, siblings, and colleagues, and memorializes him as a 17-year veteran dedicated to community service. It has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal tribute with no legislative effect.