Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Maddy summarySB 2444 establishes a registration system for sanitarians and sanitarians in training in Texas. It requires individuals using the title "sanitarian" to hold a certificate of registration, which mandates a bachelor's degree with 30 science hours, two years of sanitation experience, and passing an exam. The bill directly affects professionals working in environmental sanitation who wish to use the title or represent themselves as sanitarians. Key provisions define "sanitarian" as trained in sanitary science for environmental inspections and "sanitarian in training" as those gaining experience under supervision. The law exempts licensed professionals like physicians, dentists, engineers, or veterinarians already regulated by other state agencies.

Maddy summarySB 2218 amends Texas law to regulate charitable bingo operations and establish a nonprofit corporation to promote charitable bingo. It creates new rules allowing licensed distributors to accept returned equipment from authorized organizations under specific conditions (e.g., defective or excess items), and restricts who may advertise bingo - permitting only licensed organizations, commercial lessors, the state commission, or the new nonprofit. The bill authorizes a nonprofit corporation (formed under Section 2001.4151 of the Occupations Code) to spend funds on public advertising about charitable bingo, including details on its purposes, participating charities, locations, game types, and prize offerings. This nonprofit must operate under a board-approved spending plan and cannot use funds for political activities. The bill directly affects licensed charitable bingo organizations, distributors, and the new nonprofit corporation.

Maddy summarySB 2445 allows legal service providers funded by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation to access criminal history records from the Texas Department of Public Safety. These providers can use the records to help clients seek expunction (clearing) or nondisclosure (sealing) of criminal records. The bill permits providers to share this information directly with Texas courts to support these cases. It specifically applies to providers working on record-clearing matters and takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2442 updates Texas licensing requirements for audiologists by specifying degree qualifications and accreditation standards. It requires new applicants to hold either a master's degree in audiology earned before December 31, 2007, or a doctoral degree in audiology from an accredited program recognized under federal education law. The bill mandates that all degrees must come from programs approved by the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation and meeting U.S. Department of Education standards. These changes apply to all new license applicants starting September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2326 requires new construction or major renovations (costing $50,000+) in specific public places like schools, hospitals, malls, and public buildings to include gender-neutral "universal changing facilities" for people with disabilities and their caregivers. These facilities must feature height-adjustable changing tables with safety rails, sinks, toilets, and waste receptacles, meeting established accessibility standards. The law applies to facilities built or renovated on or after January 1, 2026, and mandates clear signage indicating their location. Exceptions for financial burden or space constraints may be granted through Texas Commission rules.

Maddy summarySB 2224 creates a process for homeowners who purchase residential solar panels or similar renewable energy systems through a payment plan. If a building inspection fails due to installation issues within one year of completing the project, buyers can delay payments for up to 90 days while the seller fixes the problem. If the seller doesn’t correct the issue within 90 days, the contract is void and buyers get full refunds for all payments. This applies only to new contracts signed on or after September 1, 2025, and affects both buyers and sellers of home renewable energy systems.

Maddy summarySB 2213 requires Texas law enforcement agencies to divert individuals experiencing mental health crises or substance abuse issues to treatment programs instead of jail, provided the offense is a non-violent misdemeanor and mental health is suspected to be the cause. It also establishes a court process to dismiss criminal cases when defendants lack capacity due to mental illness or intellectual/developmental disability, allowing judges to dismiss charges after determining probable cause. Agencies must adopt diversion plans and submit annual reports to local governing bodies and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. The bill excludes cases involving violent offenses or specific drug-related misdemeanors under Texas Penal Code sections 49.04-49.08.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public drinking water systems in Texas to issue a boil water notice within 12 hours if they discover a violation that could seriously harm health or a situation posing significant health risks from their water. If the issue isn't resolved within 72 hours, the water system must reissue the notice with details on how they're addressing the problem. The law specifies that notices can be delivered through any communication method meeting federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. It directly affects water system operators (who must issue notices) and residents (who receive the notices).

Maddy summarySB 2071 amends Texas law governing child-care facilities and registered family homes to strengthen protections for children with disabilities or special needs. The bill adds specific rules requiring facilities to promote inclusive practices and integrate these children into general activities, while also establishing strict conditions under which they may deny services (only if accommodations would pose an undue burden, direct threat, or fundamentally alter operations under federal ADA guidelines). It directly affects licensed child-care centers, group homes, and registered family homes by mandating new standards for health, safety, and accessibility. The law aims to ensure these facilities comply with federal disability protections while maintaining operational feasibility.

Maddy summarySB 1548 clarifies the signature requirement for petitions seeking to amend a home-rule municipality's charter in Texas. It specifies that such petitions must be signed by at least five percent of the municipality's qualified voters, or 20,000 voters - whichever number is smaller. This change directly affects residents and local governments in Texas cities with home-rule charters, as it sets the threshold for when a charter amendment petition qualifies for voter approval. The bill does not alter the existing requirement but makes the language clearer in the Local Government Code. It applies only to petitions submitted on or after September 1, 2025.