Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Maddy summarySB 2125 requires the Texas Department of State Health Services (in collaboration with the Texas Humane Legislation Network) to study the process for awarding grants from the "animal friendly account" (a fund under Health and Safety Code Section 828.014). The study must analyze how these grants impact public animal sterilization, evaluate application and reporting processes, increase awareness of available grants, and gather feedback from past grant recipients. The department must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by September 1, 2026. This bill directly affects the state agency managing the grants and organizations seeking funding, but does not change existing funding or programs.

Maddy summarySB 2074 requires the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) and the independent organization managing the ERCOT power grid to study the current "four coincident peak program" used to calculate electricity demand charges for retail customers. The study must analyze how this method affects cost shifting among customers, examine solutions for avoiding charges, assess impacts on peak demand, and compare it to other potential charging methods. This procedural bill does not change existing rules but mandates a report to the legislature by December 1, 2026, to evaluate the program's fairness and effectiveness. It directly involves the PUC, the ERCOT operator, and indirectly affects electricity customers subject to demand charges.

Maddy summarySB 2123 expands the Texas Water Development Board's authority to provide financial assistance for brackish water desalination projects to specific large border counties. It directly affects counties with populations over 250,000 located on an international border and wholly or partly within a groundwater management area that lacks an existing groundwater conservation district inside the county. The bill adds this funding mechanism to the Water Code, requiring counties to meet both population and groundwater management area criteria. This policy change takes effect September 1, 2025, aiming to support water infrastructure in eligible border regions.

Maddy summarySB 2072 would create a state-administered paid parental leave program in Texas, funded through employer contributions. It provides eligible employees (who worked 540+ hours in the past six months or full-time for three months) with up to 12 weeks of paid leave for childbirth, adoption, or surrogacy. Benefits are calculated based on income: 100% of weekly wages for earners below $15/hour or $31,200 annual salary, 95% for mid-range earners, and 80% capped at $1,000 weekly for higher earners. The program, managed by the Texas Workforce Commission, does not replace federal Family and Medical Leave Act protections. The bill is currently pending in the Economic Development committee.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 2070 updates court administration rules for Texas judges. It requires local administrative judges to be elected by district judges without using rotation or seniority (Section 74.091(b-1)), and creates an annual Court Leadership Conference to share budget and operational information (Subchapter D-1). The bill also adjusts compensation for judges serving in these roles: they receive additional pay equal to 3% (3-4 courts), 5% (5-9 courts), or 7% (10+ courts) of their base salary, based on county size. This directly affects district judges elected as local administrative judges and court administrators in counties with multiple district courts.

Maddy summarySB 2091 requires the Texas Office of Court Administration to study effective case management practices for courts handling guardianship proceedings. The study must evaluate the costs, benefits, and implementation challenges of adopting electronic case management systems, including whether such systems should be mandatory or optional for different court types (probate, county, and district courts). The Office must submit a report by September 1, 2027, with recommendations for standardized practices and system design. This bill directly affects Texas courts managing guardianship cases and expires January 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 281), not a policy bill. It formally recognizes Bishop James Anthony Tamayo for his 25 years of leadership as bishop of the Diocese of Laredo, coinciding with the diocese's 25th anniversary. The resolution expresses the Texas Senate's appreciation for his service, including his work building the diocese, promoting community outreach, and supporting Catholic communities in South Texas. It has no legal effect and serves only as a symbolic gesture of respect, with a copy to be given to the Diocese of Laredo.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 296 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Texas Senate to commend St. Edward's University for establishing its School of Health Sciences and nursing program. It recognizes the university's completion of new facilities, including simulation labs, and the program's role in addressing Austin's nursing shortage through partnerships and future academic expansions. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funds, or directly affect any individuals or policies - it solely serves as a formal expression of appreciation from the Senate. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Senate on March 19, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 291) recognizing Rosina Urteaga Martinez for her 85th birthday. It does not create any policy, affect any laws, or impact any individuals beyond this symbolic honor. The resolution simply extends birthday wishes from the Texas Senate to Rosina Martinez, highlighting her life as a Laredo resident, volunteer, church member, and family matriarch. No legislative action or concrete policy change is involved.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 265) symbolically recognizes March 21, 2025, as World Down Syndrome Day in Texas. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or groups, as it is a ceremonial gesture acknowledging the United Nations-designated day. The resolution encourages Texans to support inclusion for people with Down syndrome, referencing medical advances and societal progress. It formally declares the Senate’s recognition of this day at the State Capitol, aligning Texas with global observances.