Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Maddy summarySB 1666 shortens the time for unclaimed restitution payments from five to three years. If a victim entitled to restitution doesn’t claim payment within three years of the clerk receiving the first payment, or if the clerk can’t locate the victim for three years after the last payment, unclaimed funds will be transferred to the compensation fund for crime victims. The bill requires the state department to provide clerks with the victim’s last known address and a detailed payment history (including dates, amounts, and addresses sent to), which must remain confidential. These changes streamline handling of unclaimed funds while protecting victim privacy and ensuring timely transfers to the compensation fund.

Maddy summaryHB 3793 modifies procedures for Texas county commissioners courts to close, abandon, or vacate certain county roads. It specifically applies to roads in border counties (population under 300,000) adjacent to municipalities with 200,000+ residents, where the road abuts residential subdivisions within city limits. The bill allows courts to bypass standard property transfer rules if they determine transferring title would create a public safety hazard, instead permitting them to either petition the municipality to annex the road or repurpose it for non-vehicle uses like hiking trails. This changes how counties handle road removals in these specific border areas while maintaining existing rights for utilities.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 559) honoring Maria Teresa Flores Cavazos, a Laredo educator and community member who died May 9, 2025, at age 83. It commemorates her life, including her 1962 math degree, 30+ years teaching at Laredo schools, 60-year marriage, four children, and service to her church and community. The resolution expresses the Texas Senate's condolences to her family and directs that it be presented to them as a gesture of sympathy. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or groups beyond this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 630 exempts certain older, smaller outboard motors from requiring a certificate of title under Texas law. Specifically, it removes the title requirement for outboard motors that are at least 40 years old and have a maximum capacity of 25 horsepower. The bill amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to clarify this exception, meaning owners of qualifying vintage motors no longer need to register them as titled vessels. This change directly affects owners of these specific older, low-powered outboard motors in Texas, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 614) formally recognizes the 40 University of Texas System students serving as the inaugural cohort of the Texas Legislative Fellowship Program during the 89th Texas Legislature. The resolution acknowledges their roles supporting legislators and state offices through full-time internships focused on legislative processes, policymaking, and constituent services. It specifically lists each fellow's placement in Senate or House offices and state agency roles. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or funding provisions. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2568 exempts certain local flood control reservoirs from requiring a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). It applies specifically to dams or reservoirs built under federal Public Law 83-566 and operated by "Qualified Local Sponsors" (like soil and water conservation districts) for erosion, floodwater, and sediment control. These sponsors can construct or maintain reservoirs with up to 200 acre-feet of storage and divert water for maintenance without a TCEQ permit. The exemption covers existing projects under federal agreements and remains valid even if the federal partnership ends, as long as the reservoir continues to serve its intended purpose.

Maddy summarySB 2050 prohibits disposing of common household batteries (like lithium-ion, alkaline, nickel-cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride batteries) in regular trash. It requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to establish collection sites for recycling or proper disposal of these "consumer energy storage modules" by rule. The law affects all Texas residents who use such batteries, banning landfill disposal starting September 1, 2025. The bill defines these modules as devices storing energy for consumer products, including standard batteries found in electronics and devices.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas guardianship application requirements to mandate more detailed submissions. Applicants must now specify whether alternatives to guardianship were considered, detail the proposed ward's property (including assets and debts), and outline any limitations on rights like voting, driving licenses, or residence decisions. It directly affects individuals seeking guardianship appointments and Texas courts reviewing these applications. The policy change aims to ensure thorough evaluations before court orders are issued.

Maddy summarySB 2497 requires small public drinking water systems (serving fewer than 100 connections) that get water from underground sources to install filtration systems under specific conditions. It applies when a system repeatedly exceeds health-related contaminant limits, has multiple verified water quality complaints in a year, or needs to manage non-health-related water quality standards. The requirement only applies if the filtration system can be installed at a reasonable cost. This bill targets small rural or community water systems, not large municipal providers. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 583) formally recognizes the LOVB Austin Volleyball women's team for winning the inaugural LOVB Pro Finals championship in April 2025. The resolution acknowledges their "impressive reverse-sweep" victory at the league's first championship event, where they entered as the fifth seed. It specifically commends the team's achievements, noting their representation of Texas and their role in advancing volleyball through the LOVB Pro league. The resolution, adopted by the Texas Senate, will be presented to the team as a formal expression of commendation.