Maddy summarySB 513 establishes a pilot program to expand community-based child welfare services in rural Texas counties meeting specific population criteria (at least two-thirds of counties in a region having 50,000 or fewer residents). The bill requires the state child welfare department to partner with a locally selected lead entity - either a community nonprofit with resident-led governance or a local government - to implement the program. Key provisions include prioritizing community engagement, improving child welfare outcomes through innovative service delivery, and developing a sustainable model for rural areas. The program became effective September 1, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers and receiving the Governor’s signature.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 275 is not currently available in the provided context. While the title indicates it aims to reduce school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes using surplus state revenue, specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties cannot be detailed without the full bill content. Recent actions show it was filed in 2024 and referred to the Appropriations committee, but no substantive details are provided. A complete summary requires the actual bill text, which is noted as "coming soon" in the system.
Maddy summarySB 1544 requires Texas municipalities with departments in the state retirement system to set a uniform employee contribution rate between 5% and 8% of salary for all participating departments. It directly affects cities and towns operating municipal retirement plans, mandating equal contribution rates across all their departments unless they had pre-existing different rates before September 1, 1991 (which they may maintain until choosing to standardize). The bill amends existing law to eliminate current flexibility for municipalities to have varying contribution rates per department, except for grandfathered cases. The change takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 249 creates a new provision allowing Texas transportation authorities to install memorial markers on highways, bridges, or streets for officers killed in the line of duty. It specifically applies to state/local law enforcement officers (under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2A.001) or federal officers performing duties in Texas (Article 2A.002). The bill changes funding rules by permitting the state to use general revenue funds or accept gifts/grants - instead of requiring private donations - to design, construct, and erect these markers. This policy change directly affects law enforcement families and communities seeking formal recognition on public infrastructure.
Maddy summarySB 1727 restricts probation options for certain juvenile offenders in Texas. It prohibits community supervision (probation) for teens aged 17+ who commit a felony while under the Texas Juvenile Justice Department's (TJJD) custody, in a TJJD halfway house, or in a secure juvenile facility. The bill also redefines "habitual felony conduct" to require prior felony adjudications and expands when prosecutors may refer serious juvenile cases (like murder, sexual assault, or aggravated robbery) to grand jury instead of juvenile court. These changes primarily affect teens facing felony charges during active juvenile detention or supervision. The law aims to limit probation for repeat or serious offenses committed while under state juvenile justice supervision.
Maddy summarySB 1551 requires Texas public school districts to provide at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) at every campus by the first instructional day of the 2026-2027 school year. The law mandates AEDs be placed in clearly marked, accessible locations - especially near primary athletic activity areas - and not locked when students or staff are present. It specifically requires AEDs to be available during University Interscholastic League (UIL) athletic events held on campus. This bill directly affects all Texas public school districts, imposing a concrete safety requirement with a specific implementation deadline.
Maddy summarySB 28 prohibits purchasing or facilitating the purchase of state lottery tickets via telephone, internet, or mobile applications. It specifically bans individuals from buying tickets online or through apps (a Class C misdemeanor) and bans selling or arranging such purchases for compensation (a Class A misdemeanor). The bill directly affects residents attempting to access lottery games digitally and businesses or individuals offering such services. It creates new criminal penalties under Section 466.318 of the Government Code, effective September 1, 2025. The law aims to enforce existing age and location restrictions for lottery play by closing digital loopholes.
Maddy summaryThis ceremonial Senate resolution formally recognizes Corpus Christi Ballet's 50th anniversary and its contributions to arts education and cultural enrichment in South Texas. It commends the company's history of promoting ballet through performances and youth programs since 1974, including its work training over 200 students annually. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Texas Senate.
Maddy summaryHB 318 creates a grant program to provide financial assistance to sheriff's departments in rural Texas counties with staffing shortages. Counties qualify if they have a population of 300,000 or less and a deputy-to-resident ratio of less than 15 deputies per 10,000 residents as of January 1, 2025. The program awards $50,000 per qualified deputy position for the first year of funding and $50,000 per position annually thereafter, administered by the comptroller using state funds. Counties must apply within 30 days of their fiscal year start to receive grants for new deputy positions that meet specific criteria, such as deputies making routine traffic stops.
Maddy summarySB 229 prohibits auto dealers from increasing a vehicle's price or blocking payment methods when buyers use their own money or a loan from a third-party lender (not the dealer or its affiliate). It directly affects car buyers and dealers by banning price hikes for cash or independent financing, and preventing dealers from restricting these payment options. The law requires dealers to accept personal funds or third-party loans without added costs or false claims about payment restrictions. These rules apply only to new purchase agreements entered into on or after September 1, 2025.