Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Maddy summarySB 2500 requires inspectors of on-site sewage disposal systems to report abandoned or deteriorated water wells found during inspections to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This applies to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, its authorized agents, or designated inspectors during routine sewage system inspections. The bill mandates that the location of such wells be reported to TDLR, aiming to address potential contamination risks from neglected wells. The requirement takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2590 modifies Texas Election Code Section 212.0241 to eliminate the requirement for a specific "ground" (like suspected errors) to request a recount of paperless electronic voting system ballots. It directly affects candidates in elections using such systems who may now request a recount solely if election returns show they weren't elected, or under specific circumstances involving opposing candidates. Key provisions include removing the prior need for a stated reason for recounts, clarifying who can request them, and requiring the Secretary of State to establish procedures for this new process. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2498 allows counties without groundwater districts to participate in regional groundwater planning. Specifically, counties located in groundwater management areas but not covered by a district may appoint a representative to join joint planning meetings. This representative can present the county's interests, future needs, and groundwater resource data during planning. The state water commission and water board must provide technical assistance to these counties to support their participation in the process.

Maddy summarySB 2591 clarifies how the Texas Water Development Board can use funds from the economically distressed areas account. It specifically permits the board to provide financial assistance to local governments (political subdivisions) for water and sewer infrastructure projects in economically distressed communities, including funding for state participation in federal programs targeting these areas. The bill also allows account funds to cover platting or replatting costs for older developments that need to connect to public water/sewer systems. This change modifies existing funding rules but does not create new eligibility criteria or programs. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2725 allows Texas municipalities to set lower speed limits (minimum 25 mph) on non-state highways within residential districts without requiring an engineering study. It requires cities to post specific signage at district entrances rather than every block and mandates annual reports comparing traffic citations, warnings, and speed-related collisions for affected roads. The bill directly affects city governments and residents in neighborhoods where speed limits are adjusted. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and requires cities to publish these reports online annually.

Maddy summarySB 2499 requires Texas state regulators to consider whether water and sewer utilities complied with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) rules when approving their service rates. Specifically, it amends the Water Code to mandate that regulators factor in a utility’s TCEQ compliance - both in determining a reasonable return on investment and when reviewing historic rate data. This affects all water and sewer utilities seeking rate increases under Texas law. The bill applies only to rate cases filed on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing cases governed by prior rules.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 358) recognizing The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) for its 10th anniversary in August 2025. It formally honors UTRGV's achievements, including awarding over 56,000 degrees since 2015, expanding academic programs, opening medical schools, and ranking as Texas' top public university for value and social mobility. The resolution expresses the Texas Senate's recognition of UTRGV as a model institution for higher education and community engagement, with no new policy or funding changes. It directly affects UTRGV by providing formal acknowledgment from the state legislature.

Maddy summarySB 68 allows 17-year-olds who will turn 18 by the date of the general election to register and vote in the primary election for state and county offices, but only for that primary. It amends Texas Election Code sections to create a new registration category (Subsection 13.001(d)) and specifies that these voters can only participate in primary elections until they turn 18. Voter registrars must send written notices informing these individuals they are ineligible for general elections until age 18. The bill takes effect only if a related constitutional amendment is approved by voters in 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas licensing rules for marriage and family therapists, their associates, professional counselors, counselor associates, and social workers. It establishes new requirements for applicants, including passing state exams, holding approved degrees, and meeting criminal history standards (limiting eligibility for those convicted of felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude). The bill also updates continuing education rules and scope-of-practice standards for these professionals. These changes directly affect individuals seeking or renewing licenses in these mental health fields, including out-of-state applicants who must now meet Texas-specific criteria.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 341) recognizing Sherry Wilkie-Conway's retirement from her role as chief operating officer of the Texas Health Institute after nearly 30 years of service in public health administration. The resolution honors her leadership, dedication to advancing public health in Texas, and contributions to the Texas Health Institute's mission of improving healthcare access and health equity. It contains no policy changes or binding requirements - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Texas Senate. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 31, 2025, and a copy will be presented to Ms. Wilkie-Conway.