Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Maddy summarySJR 66 proposes a constitutional amendment to dedicate specific tax revenues to Texas' water fund. It would require the state comptroller to deposit excess sales tax revenue (above $46.5 billion annually, capped at $500 million) and the first $500 million of insurance premium tax revenue into the Texas Water Fund each year. The amendment mandates that 25% of initial fund allocations and 80% of pre-2043 deposits go exclusively to the "New Water Supply for Texas Fund," which supports water infrastructure projects. This proposal expires August 31, 2043, and requires voter approval in the November 2025 election. It directly affects how Texas allocates tax revenue for water infrastructure planning and development.

Maddy summarySB 1622 prohibits the use or creation of bots to buy excessive tickets for concerts and other public events online. It bans automated software (bots) from purchasing tickets beyond posted limits or using multiple accounts, IP addresses, or email addresses to bypass these limits. The bill directly affects online ticket sellers, venues (like stadiums and theaters), and consumers who might face inflated prices due to bot-driven scalping. It applies to any event requiring an admission fee, including concerts, sports games, and theatrical performances, and amends Texas Business & Commerce Code to enforce these requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1462 allows courts to place defendants who are primary caretakers of children under 18 on deferred adjudication community supervision instead of immediate conviction for eligible offenses. It defines "primary caretaker" as someone responsible for a child's needs (housing, healthcare, education, etc.), including those temporarily separated due to pretrial detention. Courts must consider this status after reviewing written evidence, and may impose conditions like parenting support, substance abuse counseling, or housing assistance to maintain family unity. The bill directly affects low-level criminal defendants with child custody responsibilities, modifying how courts handle their cases to prioritize family stability.

Maddy summarySB 1491 transfers the legal framework for Texas' Financial Crimes Intelligence Center from the Occupations Code to Government Code Chapter 426 and clarifies key terms like "card fraud," "motor fuel theft," and "payment fraud" through defined provisions. It establishes the Center under the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation (the "Commission") and requires the Commission to adopt implementing rules. The bill primarily reorganizes administrative structure and definitions without creating new penalties or funding, focusing on standardizing terminology for fraud-related investigations. As a procedural reorganization, it directly affects the Commission and the Center's operational framework.

Maddy summarySB 1549 amends Texas law to change meeting requirements for county bail bond boards in specific counties. It requires boards in counties with under 1.3 million residents but containing a city of 750,000+ people to meet at least six times annually during January, March, May, July, September, and November (instead of monthly). This ensures boards address license renewal applications in a timely manner, preventing automatic license expiration if a board fails to act before its next scheduled meeting. The law applies only to renewal applications filed on or after its effective date (July 1, 2025, if passed with two-thirds vote).

Maddy summarySB 1575 requires municipal courts in Texas to establish security committees composed of the presiding judge, law enforcement representatives, municipal officials, and other necessary members. These committees must develop security plans and recommend funding priorities for courthouse safety, though they cannot control how funds are spent. The bill also provides for increased penalties for crimes committed against court employees. This legislation directly affects municipal courts, their staff, and local law enforcement by restructuring security planning and funding processes.

Maddy summarySB 1387 amends the Texas Water Code to update the membership of the Texas Groundwater Protection Committee. The bill specifies that the committee must now include 10 members: directors of key state agencies (like the Railroad Commission, Parks and Wildlife Department, and Soil Conservation Board), a representative selected by the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, and a representative from the Water Well Drillers Program. These changes take effect September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects how groundwater protection oversight is structured by defining committee composition, without altering groundwater management policies themselves.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas for its 30th anniversary in 2025. It honors the organization's history since 1955, its role as San Antonio's largest healthcare provider serving 26 counties, and its community initiatives like the Healthy Corner Store program that improve access to care in underserved areas. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Texas Senate.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 184), not a legislative bill. It formally recognizes Court Appointed Special Advocates of Central Texas (CASA) for its 40th anniversary of serving children in foster care. The resolution commends CASA's volunteers and staff for their advocacy work in Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, and Hays Counties over four decades, noting their role in helping courts make informed decisions about children's welfare. As a symbolic gesture, it includes a copy of the resolution for CASA but contains no policy changes or funding provisions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 198) formally recognizes March 2025 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Texas. It expresses the Texas Senate's support for efforts to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., and commends the Texas Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy for their advocacy work. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition and appreciation for the society's contributions to cancer prevention and patient care.