Sen. Chuy Hinojosa

Maddy summarySB 1619 creates new rules for schools and colleges regarding emergency medical treatments. It defines "epinephrine delivery devices" (including auto-injectors and nasal spray) and "medication for respiratory distress" (like albuterol), requiring schools to establish procedures for their storage, administration, and staff training. The bill mandates an advisory committee to review how schools handle these medications on campus. It directly affects all Texas public school districts, charter schools, private schools, and colleges. The law became effective immediately after being signed by the governor on May 19, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2133 amends Texas tax code to allow specific municipalities (with defined population sizes, geographic locations, or county characteristics) to use certain existing tax revenue for hotel and convention center projects. It expands eligibility beyond current rules by listing 16 distinct municipal categories, such as cities with populations over 95,000 bordering Lake Lewisville or containing specific landmarks like the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. The bill directly affects only qualifying cities meeting these precise criteria, not all Texas municipalities. It does not create new taxes or funding streams but adjusts how existing tax revenue may be allocated for tourism infrastructure. The policy change is limited to the specified municipal types and their ability to fund convention facilities.

Maddy summarySB 1250 amends Texas Tax Code Section 351.1015(a)(4) to define a "project financing zone" for municipalities using tax revenue to fund convention centers, arenas, venues, or related infrastructure. The bill specifies that such zones must be within a three-mile radius of a qualified project's center (or a smaller continuous area for pre-2024 designations), require precise geographic coordinates or boundaries in the designation, and expire 30 years after creation. It directly affects Texas municipalities seeking to finance major facilities through designated tax revenue streams. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Texas pet stores from selling dogs or cats, with limited exceptions for showcasing animals for adoption through qualified animal control agencies or nonprofit rescue organizations. Pet stores may only host these organizations if they meet strict criteria, such as not breeding animals, not receiving payment for animals, and having no ties to breeders or animal brokers. Violations carry a civil penalty of up to $500 per day for each animal sold in violation. The law applies only to animals obtained by pet stores on or after the effective date.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 525), not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It formally recognizes Jose Noe Mendez, a Corpus Christi resident and WWII veteran, on his 100th birthday (April 27, 2025). The resolution celebrates his military service - including participation in key WWII battles like the Battle of the Bulge - and his community contributions, such as co-founding the Westside Business Association. It includes no policy changes or funding; it merely offers the Senate's congratulations and a commemorative copy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 13) urges the U.S. Department of State and the International Boundary and Water Commission to ensure Mexico complies with the 1944 Treaty on shared water resources. It specifically addresses Mexico's failure to deliver the required 350,000 acre-feet of water annually (averaged over five years), with a current deficit of 984,814 acre-feet. The resolution highlights how this shortfall harms Texas water users, including municipal, agricultural, and industrial sectors in the Rio Grande Valley, impacting reservoir levels and causing economic losses like the closure of Texas' only sugar mill. As a non-binding resolution, it formally requests U.S. federal agencies to take action but does not change legal obligations.

Maddy summarySB 1930 directs all revenue from Texas saltwater fishing stamp sales (collected on or after September 1, 2025) to fund specific coastal fisheries programs. The bill requires these funds to be used exclusively for: repairing fish hatcheries and related facilities, restoring saltwater fish habitats, developing shoreline angler access projects, and purchasing licenses through designated buyback programs. It does not affect current stamp revenue collected before the effective date. The law ensures these funds directly support conservation, habitat management, and recreational access for saltwater fishing in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 2310 requires Texas public colleges and universities to clearly display certificate and degree program requirements online. It mandates institutions to make all program details - including course prerequisites, non-course requirements, and transfer criteria - uniformly accessible on their student websites, general websites, and department websites. The bill affects all public higher education institutions in Texas, directly benefiting students by providing transparent, consistent information about program demands. Institutions must comply by the 2026-2027 academic year, following rules adopted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board by January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 481 requires nursing and assisted living facilities in Texas to create and maintain emergency preparedness plans focused on resident safety during crises. The bill mandates facilities to install emergency generators with 96 hours of fuel, carbon monoxide detectors, and procedures to maintain indoor temperatures between 71°F and 81°F during power outages. It also requires facilities to develop protocols for safely relocating residents if temperatures become unsafe and to communicate with families during emergencies. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission must review and approve each facility’s plan, with license revocation possible for noncompliance. This directly affects all nursing and assisted living facilities operating in Texas.