Sen. Chuy Hinojosa

Maddy summarySB 615 removes the statute of limitations for prosecuting sexual assault (under Texas Penal Code §22.011) and aggravated sexual assault (§22.021). This means prosecutors can file charges for these crimes at any time, regardless of when the offense occurred. The bill directly affects victims of sexual assault by allowing them to pursue legal action years or decades after the crime. It amends Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 12.01 to explicitly state there is "no limitation" for these specific offenses, aligning with recent changes to other serious crimes. The bill is currently in committee referral after being filed in December 2024.

Maddy summarySB 439 requires Texas school districts under specific financial or operational investigations to obtain approval from the state commissioner of education before entering certain contracts. It applies during investigations into alleged financial improprieties or procurement violations by school board members or administrators. School districts must get commissioner approval for contracts lasting more than one year or for severance payments to employees (defined as payments exceeding earned amounts under the contract). Contracts entered without approval are void, and all such agreements must include a statement that they are voidable. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 448 requires private partners in new public-private partnership desalination projects to cover at least 50% of the facility's energy operating costs once it begins charging customers for water. This applies specifically to brackish water desalination facilities and only to contracts executed after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025. Existing agreements that started charging customers before this date remain governed by prior law. The bill directly affects private entities operating such facilities under new contracts, ensuring they bear a significant share of ongoing energy expenses. It does not change cost-sharing for facilities already operational under older agreements.

Maddy summarySB 613 requires all owners, partners, or shareholders of veterinary business entities (like clinics or practices) to hold a valid veterinary license. This directly affects veterinary clinic owners and business structures operating under corporate or partnership models. The bill clarifies that such business entities are treated as "unlicensed persons" under existing law if owners lack veterinary licenses, strengthening oversight of practice ownership. It increases civil penalties for violations (though specific penalty amounts aren't detailed in the provided text). The bill focuses on ensuring veterinary practice control remains with licensed professionals, not unlicensed business owners.

Maddy summarySB 446 imposes a two-term limit on Texas Senators serving on the Sunset Advisory Commission. It prohibits Senate members from being reappointed after serving two full terms on the commission, and also prevents immediate reappointment following a full term. The bill directly affects Senators appointed to the Sunset Commission, which reviews state agencies' effectiveness. The key provision amends the Government Code to limit consecutive service, taking effect September 1, 2025. This is a policy change restricting reappointment eligibility, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summarySB 444 requires certain special purpose districts in Texas to post specific information on an internet website. It applies only to districts that impose property taxes, had significant tax revenue or assets ($250,000+), and serve populations of 500+ people - excluding groundwater districts and river authorities. The required information includes the district’s name, governing body details, office contact information, tax rates (if applicable), and contractor contacts. This rule aims to increase public transparency about how these local entities operate and fund services. The bill is currently in the Local Government committee for review.

Maddy summarySB 428 sets new qualifications for Texas sheriffs, constables, and their candidates. It requires applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, plus either: (1) an active peace officer license, or (2) specific alternative experience (five years as a federal special investigator or ten years of military service). The bill amends Local Government Code sections to apply these standards to both current officeholders and candidates. It directly affects individuals seeking or holding sheriff or constable positions in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 426 requires the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) to publish an annual report on residential electric service disconnections for nonpayment. The report, first due June 1, 2026, must show the total number of disconnected residential customers as of the report date, with weekly updates until September 30 each year. This bill directly affects residential electricity customers by creating transparency around disconnection practices. The PUC may also require electric service providers to submit necessary data to compile the report. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 486 increases criminal penalties for specific crimes involving injury to children, elderly individuals, or disabled people when those crimes occur in disaster areas or evacuated zones. It amends Texas Penal Code Section 12.50(b) to apply enhanced penalties to existing offenses like assault (Section 22.01), neglect (Section 20.05), or abuse (Section 20.06) committed in these locations. The bill does not create new offenses but raises penalties for violations already covered under current law. The changes take effect September 1, 2025, and only apply to offenses committed on or after that date. This policy targets crimes against vulnerable populations during crisis situations where safety protections may be compromised.

Maddy summarySB 443 requires the state to annually collect and report data on corporate owners of single-family rental homes. It mandates compiling specific information including the number of homes owned, purchased, sold, or rented by corporations, their locations, property values, and corporate details. The report, due by June 1 each year, must analyze trends in corporate home purchases, corporate advantages in real estate, and impacts on housing costs. This data collection applies to all corporate owners of single-family homes used for rental purposes across Texas. The bill focuses on transparency and analysis rather than imposing immediate penalties, as the "civil penalty" provision referenced in the title is not detailed in the provided text.