Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Maddy summarySR 106 is a Texas Senate resolution honoring the late U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston, who died in July 2024. The resolution commemorates her 30-year congressional career, her advocacy for social justice, and her key role in establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. It recognizes her leadership in passing landmark legislation like the Sentencing Reform Act and her dedication to Houston constituents. As a memorial resolution, it has no legislative effect and serves solely to honor her legacy.

Maddy summarySB 1054 creates a new criminal offense for stealing oil and gas equipment, such as drilling machinery, pipelines, or vehicles used in oil and gas operations. It defines this equipment broadly and sets penalties based on the stolen items' value: a state jail felony for equipment worth $2,500-$10,000, up to a first-degree felony for items valued at $300,000 or more. This law directly applies to individuals who unlawfully take such equipment with intent to deprive the owner, covering actions like removing, selling, or concealing it. The bill also allows prosecution under this law or other applicable statutes if the same conduct violates multiple laws.

Maddy summarySB 1094 amends Texas jury instructions for capital sentencing cases, affecting juries deciding death penalty outcomes. It requires jurors to consider all evidence from both guilt and punishment phases, including background or circumstances that might reduce the severity of punishment. The bill mandates unanimous agreement for "yes" votes on death penalty issues and clarifies that jurors need not agree on which specific evidence supports a "no" vote. These changes apply only to cases beginning on or after September 1, 2025, leaving prior cases governed by existing law.

Maddy summarySB 1074 amends an existing agreement for State Highway 130 (Segments 5 and 6) to extend its term by up to 20 years, directly affecting the Texas Department of Transportation and the private entity involved in the original agreement. The bill requires that any extension must outline public benefits and secure private consideration, with funds from this agreement designated for nontolled transportation projects between Interstate 35 and State Highway 130 in relevant counties. County approval is mandatory before funds can be spent on these projects. The department must report on the agreement's implementation to legislative committees by December 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1077 allows Texas courts to issue protective orders against family violence that last for the lifetime of the protected person and the abuser, under specific conditions. This applies only if the abuser: (1) committed a felony family violence act (even without charges/conviction), (2) caused serious bodily injury, or (3) has two or more prior protective orders for family violence. The bill removes a previous requirement for lifetime orders and applies only to new orders issued on or after September 1, 2025. It directly affects victims of severe family violence and abusers meeting these criteria, without changing existing orders issued before that date.

Maddy summarySB 1103 prohibits the distribution, sale, or possession with intent to distribute or sell consumable hemp products that are marketed to look like candy or beverages (e.g., with candy-like packaging, flavoring, or coloring). It directly affects businesses selling these products and consumers purchasing them. Violating this law is classified as a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1123 amends Texas Penal Code Section 31.19 to increase penalties for theft of petroleum products (like gasoline or oil) under specific circumstances. It raises the offense category if the perpetrator organized others, had a prior conviction for this crime, conspired with others, or possessed a firearm during the theft. The bill also clarifies that if the theft violates other laws, prosecution can occur under both this section and the other law. These changes apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of petroleum theft meeting the listed aggravating factors.

Maddy summarySB 1092 requires Texas school districts to refer students with diagnosed or suspected intellectual or developmental disabilities to local disability authorities for services or public benefits. This applies to students qualifying for special education under specific disability criteria. The referral aims to connect students to resources like Medicaid support, ensuring they access available community services. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summarySB 1027 requires Texas state agencies with annual budgets exceeding $10 million and 100+ employees to live-stream public meetings via video and audio on their websites in real-time. Agencies must archive these recordings for two years, making them available within seven days of the meeting. Smaller agencies must provide audio or video recordings within seven days instead of live streaming. The law applies to meetings held on or after September 1, 2027, with exemptions for emergencies or technical failures.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SCR 16) is a procedural resolution granting the Texas House and Senate permission to adjourn for more than three days during the specific period of February 20-25, 2025. It directly affects both chambers of the Texas legislature by temporarily overriding a constitutional rule (Article III, Section 17) that normally requires mutual consent for adjournments exceeding three days. The resolution permits the legislature to take a longer recess during this window without needing separate approval from the other chamber. As a procedural measure, it does not change laws or impact constituents but facilitates scheduling flexibility for lawmakers.