Sen. Chuy Hinojosa

Maddy summarySR 98 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing Senator Judith Zaffirini on her birthday. It honors her service as Dean of the Texas Senate - the longest-serving and highest-ranking member - and acknowledges her historic role as the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas Senate. The resolution celebrates her 38 years of legislative service, including over 72,000 consecutive votes since 1987, and her work on health care, education, and family support. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely a tribute with no legislative action required.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 42 designates February 12, 2025, as "Coastal Bend Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It recognizes the Coastal Bend region (centered on Corpus Christi) for its economic impact - supporting over $1 billion annually in tourism and thousands of jobs - and highlights its historical significance as a WWII naval training site. The resolution also acknowledges local attractions, educational institutions, and community efforts. This is a symbolic gesture with no binding legal effect or policy changes; it solely honors the region through formal recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 66) designates February 11, 2025, as "University of Houston Day" to recognize the institution's contributions. It acknowledges the university's role in education (46,600+ students, 281 programs), research ($230M annual expenditures), health care (450,000+ patient care hours), and athletics (Big 12 Conference sports). As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect but formally honors the university's impact on Texas. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 11, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 772 designates a specific segment of U.S. Highway 281 in Brooks County (between County Road 304 and Huppergate Road) as the "Ernesto Soliz Cantu Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of this highway segment and at appropriate intermediate locations. This is a commemorative designation with no substantive policy changes, taking effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 27 recognizes February 4, 2025, as McAllen Day at the Texas State Capitol. The resolution extends a welcome to McAllen residents gathering at the Capitol on that date to celebrate the city's history, growth, and cultural achievements, as highlighted in the resolution's historical and community-focused "WHEREAS" clauses.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 21) is a symbolic recognition, not a policy bill. It designates February 3, 2025, as "Del Mar College Day" at the Texas State Capitol to honor Del Mar College in Texas for its educational contributions. The resolution highlights the college's role serving over 20,000 students annually, high graduate employment outcomes, and its impact on the Coastal Bend region's growth. It includes no new laws or funding, solely offering ceremonial recognition to the college's administration, faculty, and board.

Maddy summarySB 435 adjusts state funding for Texas public school districts that use the state-determined value (instead of local property value) when calculating their taxable property value for school finance purposes. It requires the state education agency to calculate whether a district would receive more state aid using local property value, and if so, provides a phased refund: 75% of the difference in the first year, 50% in the second, and 25% in the third consecutive year. This adjustment applies only to districts already using the state value method under existing law and lasts no more than three consecutive school years. After three years, districts must use local value again to requalify for future adjustments.

Maddy summarySB 445 eliminates a fee for electronic access to certain information held by the Texas Secretary of State. It amends the Government Code to remove language allowing the Secretary to charge users for accessing this information online. The bill directly affects anyone seeking electronic access to Secretary of State records, such as business filings or election data, by making this access free. The change takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 484 requires manufacturers and retailers of portable generators sold in Texas to place clear warning labels on generators without carbon-monoxide kill switches. These labels must inform consumers about the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and provide safe operation instructions. Manufacturers or retailers who fail to comply face civil lawsuits for injuries or deaths caused by the lack of warnings, including compensation for damages and legal fees. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to incidents occurring after that date.

Maddy summarySB 485 requires landlords of multiunit housing complexes (where at least one resident is elderly, disabled, or a child) to take specific steps during disasters. Landlords must implement reasonable safety precautions, train staff to assist vulnerable residents, provide clear evacuation instructions and danger alerts, and not abandon the complex unless a mandatory evacuation order is issued. Residents who suffer harm due to a landlord’s failure to meet these duties can sue for damages. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not override existing landlord responsibilities under other laws.