Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Maddy summarySB 2438 requires judges to impose a condition of community supervision for defendants convicted of specific animal-related offenses (under Penal Code Sections 42.09, 42.091, 42.092, or 42.10). Defendants must complete either an approved online responsible pet owner course (at least two hours) or a course sponsored by a municipal animal shelter in their county. The courses must cover federal/state animal protection laws (including cruelty and dogfighting laws), responsible animal care practices, bite prevention, and breeder regulations. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation oversees course approval, certification, and content standards.

Maddy summarySB 2338 allows parolees and individuals under mandatory supervision in Texas to earn time credits toward completing their supervision periods. It provides 30 days of credit for every 140 hours worked (approximately 10 hours per week) or 10 days for each 30-day period of participation in approved education, vocational, or rehabilitation programs. However, credits are denied for work or program participation during parole violations (except payment conditions), the 90 days following violations, or the final 60 days before supervision ends. The bill excludes individuals serving sentences for specific violent offenses listed in Texas law.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 307) formally recognizes March 24-30, 2025, as National Area Health Education Center Week, specifically honoring the Mid Rio Grande Border Area Health Education Center in Laredo. It commends the center for its 30+ years of service, including training health professionals and supporting underserved communities in eight South Texas counties. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the center’s work in recruiting health workers and improving community health access. It directs the Texas Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the center as a gesture of support.

Maddy summarySB 2228 establishes a Financial Crimes Intelligence Center in Texas to combat two specific crimes: card fraud using skimmers (devices that steal credit card data) and motor fuel theft (using devices that manipulate fuel meters). The bill defines key terms like "skimmer" and "motor fuel theft" to clarify these offenses for law enforcement. The center will coordinate law enforcement, financial institutions, and merchants to share information, provide training, and develop prevention strategies for these crimes. It also allows the center to assist agencies upon request and share non-sensitive data with affected businesses.

Maddy summarySB 2364 creates a grant program to provide salary assistance for judicial and court personnel in rural Texas counties with populations of 300,000 or less. Counties can apply annually for funds to support salaries and retention incentives, with applications due before January 1, 2026. The comptroller and Office of Court Administration will administer the program, setting application rules, deadlines, and monitoring requirements. The program begins on January 1, 2026, after the bill takes effect in September 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2214 amends Texas law to regulate permitting for solid waste facilities by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). It creates civil and administrative penalties for applicants who knowingly submit false or misleading information in permit applications, and requires the TCEQ to annually adjust application fees for inflation using the Consumer Price Index. The bill also mandates that permits be denied for applicants who provide false statements in applications. These changes directly affect solid waste facility applicants and permit holders, requiring them to provide accurate information and pay updated fees.

Maddy summarySB 2388 establishes Chapter 527 of the Texas Government Code, creating a "Managed Care Client Choice Program" for Medicaid and child health plan programs. It defines key terms like "managed care contract," "contracted managed care organization," and "health care service region" to standardize procurement processes. The bill applies specifically to Texas Medicaid programs (including STAR Medicaid, STAR+PLUS, and STAR Kids) and the child health plan program, outlining requirements for how the Health and Human Services Commission procures and manages these contracts. This legislation focuses on administrative clarity for existing managed care programs without altering service delivery or funding.

Maddy summarySB 2440 establishes new registration requirements for code enforcement officers and officers in training working for Texas state or local governments. It defines "code enforcement officer" as someone working for a government entity and engaging in code enforcement, and "code enforcement officer in training" as someone supervised by a registered officer. The bill requires officers to register with the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, meet experience and exam requirements, and pay fees, while allowing exemptions for those already licensed under other state laws. Political subdivisions may still use exempt personnel without requiring registration. The bill directly affects local government code enforcement staff and their training programs.

Maddy summarySB 2220 amends Texas education law to require public school districts to include specific prohibitions against e-cigarette possession, use, or delivery in student conduct codes. It directly affects students in Texas public schools by making these actions grounds for removal from class, campus, or school events - specifically on school property or within 300 feet of it, or at school-sponsored activities. The bill adds e-cigarettes (defined under Health and Safety Code) to the list of prohibited items that trigger disciplinary removal under Section 37.006, alongside other serious offenses like assault or drug possession. School districts must update their codes to address this, ensuring consistent enforcement of e-cigarette policies.

Maddy summarySB 2341 creates a state grant program administered by Texas' comptroller to help counties cover transportation costs for indigent litigants - people in legal cases who cannot afford court-related travel. Counties can apply annually for funds to pay for transportation to and from court for individuals in civil, criminal, or juvenile cases, including those with custody of such people. The program requires counties to use grant money exclusively for this purpose, with the comptroller establishing application rules, deadlines, and monitoring procedures. The program begins accepting applications on January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025.