Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 2124 requires the Texas Groundwater Protection Committee and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to jointly publish an annual groundwater monitoring and contamination report by June 1 each year. The report must detail current groundwater monitoring programs, document all contamination cases from the previous year (including unresolved cases), and track enforcement actions for each case. This law, effective September 1, 2025, directly affects the committee and commission by mandating transparency about groundwater protection efforts. It applies to all agencies conducting groundwater monitoring at regulated facilities or activities.

Maddy summaryHB 2596 expands protective order eligibility in Texas to include victims of specific burglary offenses (those punishable under Penal Code Section 30.02(c)(2) or (d)). It requires prosecutors to automatically file protective order applications for these victims after a defendant’s conviction or deferred adjudication. The bill also allows courts to issue temporary protective orders without a hearing if there’s a clear danger of harm. This change applies directly to burglary victims and modifies Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 7B.001, 7B.002, and 7B.003. The law became effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2141 allows Texas to issue specialty license plates for current or visiting state and federal judges. The plates must display "State Judge" or "U.S. Judge" unless the judge chooses to have plates without that designation. The bill defines "state judge" to include justices of the supreme court, court of criminal appeals, court of appeals, district court judges, presiding judges of administrative judicial districts, and statutory county court judges. This law takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies directly to eligible judges seeking these specialty plates.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 746 amends the Estates Code to clarify and strengthen guardianship procedures, primarily affecting incapacitated persons and their court-appointed guardians. Key provisions include requiring guardians of the estate to preserve a ward’s existing estate plan (like wills or beneficiary designations) when consistent with the ward’s best interests, and restricting individuals with adverse interests (e.g., potential financial beneficiaries) from filing guardianship applications or contesting appointments. The bill also establishes liability protection for guardians ad litem (court-appointed advocates for incapacitated persons) who make recommendations in proceedings, and updates reporting requirements for guardians to file annual accounts with court approval. These changes aim to streamline guardianship processes while prioritizing the ward’s autonomy and financial planning.

Maddy summaryHB 1188, the Caytlin Handley Act, requires Texas school districts to provide parents or guardians of students with intellectual disabilities or developmental delays with information about local disability authority services during their first individualized education program (IEP) meeting. The bill mandates that schools share details about public benefits and waiver programs (like Section 1915(c) services under federal law) offered by the county disability authority. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission must develop and distribute clear informational materials to schools for this purpose. This law took effect immediately on May 29, 2025, applying to the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summarySB 1018 changes how Texas distributes revenue from state traffic fines collected by the comptroller. It shifts the allocation from 70% to the general revenue fund and 30% to trauma/emergency medical services (previously 70/30) to a 50/50 split. The bill also sets a $250 million annual cap for the general fund portion; any excess revenue must go to the Texas mobility fund. This applies only to fines collected on or after September 1, 2025, and directly affects state budget allocations for emergency services and transportation infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 1041 amends Texas insurance law to clarify that caregivers at specific disability care facilities (such as state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, intermediate care facilities, and group homes) do not have an insurable interest in their clients' lives unless they are relatives. The bill explicitly states that non-relative staff at these facilities cannot be beneficiaries or owners of life insurance policies on their clients. This change applies to policies delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The law took effect immediately upon the Governor's signature on May 29, 2025, after passing both chambers unanimously.

Maddy summarySB 3037 creates La Cima Municipal Management District No. 1 in San Marcos, Texas, to promote economic development and public welfare within its boundaries. The district will have authority to issue bonds for infrastructure, impose property assessments and fees, and use limited eminent domain to acquire land for public projects. It directly affects property owners in the designated district area by subjecting them to these financial obligations. The bill specifies the district will supplement, not replace, existing city services like public safety and transportation.

Maddy summarySB 2717 would create the Texas Energy Efficiency Council within the state's regulatory framework. The council, composed of 11 ex-officio members from key state agencies (including the Public Utility Commission, Environmental Quality Commission, and Texas A&M Energy Systems Lab), would evaluate and recommend strategies for statewide energy efficiency. Its key duties include measuring energy efficiency performance, monitoring programs, coordinating federal funding opportunities (like from the U.S. Department of Energy), and establishing a central information hub for energy efficiency programs and resources. The bill directly affects state agencies, electric utilities, and programs focused on reducing energy consumption through efficiency measures.

Maddy summaryHB 2703 designates the month of July as "American Patriotism Month" in Texas, with no direct impact on individuals or specific policies. The bill requires state agencies and citizens to observe July through ceremonies and activities celebrating U.S. values, honoring historical figures (including Revolutionary War patriots, founding fathers, astronauts, civil rights leaders, and post-9/11 unity), and fostering national pride. It became law immediately upon the governor's signature on May 28, 2025, with no funding or regulatory changes. This is a symbolic designation, not a substantive policy change.