Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Maddy summarySB 814 automatically orders the nondisclosure of criminal history record information for eligible misdemeanor defendants who successfully complete deferred adjudication community supervision. It applies to misdemeanor cases not involving specific excluded offenses (such as assault, weapons violations, or certain other serious crimes) and for which no judge made an affirmative finding of guilt. Once a defendant completes supervision and at least 180 days have passed from the start of their supervision, the court automatically issues a nondisclosure order without requiring the defendant to file a separate petition. This change simplifies access to record sealing for qualifying individuals who have successfully finished their supervision period.

Maddy summarySB 2902 protects victims of identity theft from being held responsible for debts incurred by thieves using their personal information. If a consumer provides an FTC identity theft report (with proof they're a victim and specific debt details) or a court order, creditors and debt collectors must immediately stop trying to collect that debt. The bill also prohibits selling the debt to third parties (except to pursue the actual thief) and allows enforcement against secured property (like a car loan) but not against the victim personally. It does not cover home loans or debts already subject to a court judgment. The bill is currently pending in the Business & Commerce committee.

Maddy summarySB 1772 designates a specific segment of Farm-to-Market Road 2360 in Starr County (between Texas Street and U.S. Highway 83) as the "Jose Maria Longoria Sr. Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the highway and at appropriate intermediate locations. This is a commemorative designation with no funding, regulatory changes, or direct impact on residents or businesses beyond the official naming of the road segment. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 392), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes La India Packing Company of Laredo for its 101st anniversary and the unveiling of its Texas Historical Marker. The resolution commends the company's founders, descendants, and continued operation since 1924, highlighting its role in South Texas cuisine and community. As a symbolic gesture, it has no binding requirements or direct impact on laws or policies.

Maddy summarySB 26 establishes new requirements for Texas public school districts and charter schools regarding teacher evaluation, compensation, and support. It creates an "enhanced teacher incentive allotment" designation for schools implementing performance-based evaluation systems, requiring them to use appraisals to determine teacher designations, offer performance-linked pay (without automatic raises), and place effective teachers at high-need campuses. The bill also creates a grant program to help districts expand local teacher designation systems and provides free liability insurance and rights assistance for classroom teachers through a contracted third party. These provisions directly affect school districts, charter schools, principals, instructional staff, and all public school teachers in Texas.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a binding law) expressing Texas's support for strengthening economic ties with Israel. It urges the creation of a Texas Trade and Investment Office in Jerusalem to foster business connections, particularly with countries in the Abraham Accords or peace agreements with Israel. The resolution reaffirms Texas's existing trade relationship with Israel - where Texas ranks among top U.S. states for exports - and directs officials to share the resolution with state, federal, and Israeli leaders. It does not create new programs or allocate funding, serving only as a formal statement of support.

Maddy summarySB 2886 requires child life specialists to obtain a state license to provide services, directly affecting professionals working with pediatric patients and families in hospitals or clinics. The bill establishes a $120 license fee and mandates applicants be at least 18 years old, with the Department of State Health Services overseeing licensing rules. It defines "child life services" as psychosocial support to help children cope with illness, manage pain, and improve overall care experiences. The legislation also relates to coverage of these services under Medicaid and health benefit plans, though it does not specify new coverage requirements.

Maddy summarySB 2838 requires used automotive parts recyclers to obtain a valid vehicle title or acceptable proof of ownership from the previous owner when acquiring a vehicle for dismantling, scrapping, or destruction. Recyclers must submit this document to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles within 31 days of acquisition and keep a copy of the issued receipt for three years. The bill repeals two existing sections of the Occupations Code related to these requirements. This law, effective September 1, 2025, directly affects businesses that dismantle vehicles for parts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas law to adjust bailiff appointments and salaries for specific courts in Webb County. It requires judges of certain Webb County district courts (including the 341st and 406th District Courts) to appoint bailiffs, while removing mandatory appointments for other courts listed in the original law. The key provision sets the salary for the 341st District Court bailiff at a level comparable to bailiffs in courts with similar duties, paid from the county’s general fund. Existing bailiffs in the 341st and 406th District Courts retain their current salaries and any future cost-of-living or longevity increases until they leave their positions. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1432 clarifies the legal definition of sexual assault in Texas by adding specific scenarios where consent is absent, such as when a victim is unconscious, impaired by substances, or exploited due to a dependent relationship (e.g., with healthcare providers, clergy, or caregivers). It also establishes a seven-year statute of limitations for complaints about sexual assault violations involving healthcare providers during assisted reproduction procedures, extending to two years from when the complainant knew of the incident, whichever is later. The bill applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect cases occurring before that date.