Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Maddy summarySB 571 updates Texas education law to restrict employment of contract employees who work in public schools and have direct student contact. It prohibits school districts and contractors from hiring individuals with certain criminal convictions (like felonies or misdemeanors listed under Section 22.085) or those identified in a misconduct registry for specific offenses. The bill also expands access to this registry - used to track ineligible employees - to include private schools, non-profit teacher organizations, and school contractors. These changes apply only to new contracts entered on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1629 changes when retail businesses with fireworks permits can sell fireworks to the public in Texas. It restricts sales to three specific periods: June 24-July 4, December 20-January 1, and May 1-5 only in counties near the Texas-Mexico border (within 100 miles) if the county commissioners court approves. The bill directly affects retail fireworks permit holders, particularly those operating in border counties during the May holiday window. It does not alter the standard summer or holiday sales periods but adds a conditional border exception requiring local approval. The law took effect immediately after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 790 creates a simplified complaint process for tenants disputing water or wastewater bills from property owners in Texas. It allows the Public Utility Commission of Texas to establish a streamlined procedure to resolve these complaints, exempting it from standard administrative rules in the Government Code. The bill directly affects tenants filing complaints and property owners receiving them. It takes effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025. This is a procedural change to improve efficiency in handling specific utility billing disputes.

Maddy summaryHB 2286 requires certain interior designers who obtained certification without taking the registration exam to pass the exam by September 1, 2027, to renew their license after that date. It directly affects interior designers holding certificates issued under Chapter 1053 without examination. The bill amends the Occupations Code to mandate this exam requirement for renewal eligibility, with the provision set to expire on January 1, 2029. This creates a clear deadline for affected professionals to meet the new standard before their licenses can be renewed.

Maddy summarySB 568 amends Texas Education Code sections 8.051 and 29.001 to strengthen special education support in public schools. It requires regional education service centers to provide specific core services, including teacher training on state-mandated subjects and financial literacy, assistance for districts with special education compliance issues, and support for students needing specialized services. The bill also mandates the state education agency to develop a comprehensive system ensuring statewide compliance with federal and state special education laws, focusing on student outcomes and coordinated services. These changes directly affect Texas school districts, regional centers, and students with disabilities by standardizing support and accountability. The bill does not create new funding but reorganizes how existing Foundation School Program funds are administered for special education.

Maddy summaryHB 3254 adds members of the Texas State Board of Education and their dependents to the state employees' group benefits program. It requires Board members to apply directly and pay all premium costs themselves, with no state contribution toward coverage. This change applies to current and future Board members starting September 1, 2025, and does not alter benefits for other state employees. The bill creates a specific eligibility pathway for Board members who previously lacked access to this program.

Maddy summaryHB 20 establishes Texas' Applied Sciences Pathway program, allowing high school students to earn both diplomas and industry certificates through school-college partnerships. It requires courses in 20 specific high-wage, high-growth fields like plumbing, welding, IT, and oil/gas exploration, with a focus on successful job placement rates. Partnerships must offer non-duplicative, progressive coursework leading to both diplomas and certificates in these sectors. The program begins for the 2027-2028 school year, with industries reviewed every five years to match labor market needs.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 5) directs the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) to name its middle school gymnasium the "Robert Rives Gymnasium" as a commemorative tribute. It honors Robert Rives, a TSD alumnus who served as the school's first football coach (1894-1898), taught for over 40 years, and was inducted into the TSD Alumni Hall of Fame in 1999. The resolution affects the TSD community by permanently recognizing Rives' legacy through the gymnasium's name. It is a non-binding ceremonial action with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summarySB 60 allows public junior college libraries in Texas to donate certain library materials without needing additional approval. The bill permits donations of duplicate items already in the library's collection or materials no longer suitable due to age, condition, or outdated content, provided they have little or no monetary value. This applies to periodicals, books, e-books, tapes, and other media. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects Texas public junior college libraries managing their collections.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Texas law to allow peace officers to temporarily detain individuals with mental illness without a warrant if they pose an immediate risk of serious harm to themselves or others. Officers must document specific reasons for the detention, including evidence of severe distress, inability to recognize treatment risks, or imminent danger. The law requires officers to immediately notify a facility after transport and provide detailed risk documentation. It directly affects people experiencing acute mental health crises who meet these specific criteria.