Sen. Chuy Hinojosa

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 990 amends Texas law to impose enhanced penalties for specific murder cases. It targets offenders who commit murder under nine defined aggravating circumstances, including killing police/firefighters on duty, murdering during other serious crimes (like burglary or robbery), hiring hitmen, killing children under 15, or killing someone in retaliation for their judicial role. The bill does not change general murder penalties but increases punishment severity for these specific scenarios. It directly affects individuals convicted of murder meeting any of these listed conditions. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summarySB 1316 prohibits e-cigarette advertising on signs located within 1,000 feet of schools or churches in Texas. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code to require this distance, measured from the nearest property line of the institution to the sign. It includes an exception for signs already advertising e-cigarettes within 500-1,000 feet of such institutions before September 1, 1997. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting businesses that advertise e-cigarettes near schools or churches.

Maddy summaryHB 2455 proposes new weight limits for commercial vehicles operating at Texas ports of entry or on nearby roads. It sets specific maximums: 20,000 pounds per single axle, 34,000 pounds for tandem axles, and a formula-based calculation for multi-axle groups. The bill also requires tires to match their marked weight capacity, with exceptions for special permits. It does not apply to vehicles operating solely on private roads near ports or those lawfully operating before 1974. The bill is pending in committee and would take effect September 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) adopted by the Texas Senate on May 21, 2025. It formally recognizes the five students in the 13th class of the Senator Gregory Luna Legislative Scholars and Fellows Program - Ben Aguillon, Rachel Sepulveda, Leticia Sofia Torres, Christell Valdes, and Ezra Villarreal - for their service in Texas Senate offices during the 89th Legislative Session. The resolution commends their "remarkable service and excellent work" and provides them with a formal copy as a gesture of the Senate's "high regard." No new laws, funding, or policy changes are created by this resolution.

Maddy summarySB 2530 amends Texas Insurance Code provisions affecting the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), which provides windstorm insurance in coastal areas. Key changes include: removing TWIA's obligation to pay insurance premium taxes (Section 1), banning TWIA from using funds to lobby for legislation with $10,000 fines for violations (Section 2), requiring headquarters to be located in specific coastal counties (Section 3), and establishing new funding mechanisms for disaster claim payments through public securities and member assessments (Sections 4-9). These provisions directly affect TWIA's financial operations, governance, and how it funds claims after hurricanes or other catastrophic events. The bill does not alter coverage for policyholders but changes TWIA's internal financial management and regulatory compliance.

Maddy summarySB 1967 expands eligibility for Texas Water Development Board flood infrastructure funding to include nature-based flood mitigation projects and multi-purpose systems that capture stormwater or treated wastewater for water supply. It redefines "flood project" in the Water Code to explicitly cover planning, regulatory approval, structural construction, and nonstructural projects using natural features. This change directly affects communities, municipalities, and water districts seeking financial assistance for qualifying flood control and water management infrastructure. The bill amends the Water Code to include these expanded project types under the existing flood infrastructure fund, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program to help counties cover burial or cremation costs for deceased individuals who were indigent (paupers) and had no means to pay for final disposition. The Health and Human Services Commission will administer the program, using funds from a dedicated account (supported by state appropriations, donations, and interest) to provide grants to counties. These grants specifically cover costs for handling unclaimed bodies and managing related county burial activities. The program takes effect September 1, 2025, directly supporting local governments and ensuring basic dignity for unclaimed deceased.

Maddy summarySB 610 requires the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to establish an anti-trafficking unit, identify businesses in licensed industries affected by human trafficking, and coordinate with law enforcement, the Attorney General’s office, and anti-trafficking organizations. It directly affects licensed businesses (e.g., spas, massage parlors, or other regulated industries) by enabling TDLR to conduct inspections and investigations for trafficking indicators. The bill mandates TDLR to adopt rules for these inspections and protects victim identities by making information identifying trafficking victims confidential, exempting it from public disclosure under state law. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 536) honors Mark Garcia for his 25 years of service as Texas Senate auditor. It formally recognizes his professional contributions, dedication, and personal involvement with Senate colleagues and community activities like the Senate Christmas band and the Texas MS 150 fundraiser. The resolution directs the Senate to present Garcia with an official copy as a gesture of appreciation for his service. No new laws or policy changes are created by this resolution.