Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Maddy summarySJR 47 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Alzheimer's Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a special fund. The fund would receive $3 billion from state general revenue starting January 1, 2026, to support research, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. It authorizes grants to research institutions for studying causes, developing treatments, and creating prevention programs. The funding would be administered by the new institute and expires January 1, 2029.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 86 commends Starr County Memorial Hospital for 50 years of service to South Texas, highlighting its role in providing emergency care, preventative services, and community health programs since 1975. The resolution formally recognizes the hospital's anniversary and acknowledges its dedication during crises like natural disasters. It does not create new laws or affect policy; it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation by the Texas Senate. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 13, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 645 amends Texas education law to explicitly include antisemitism within the state's definition of bullying for school discipline policies. It defines antisemitism as conduct based on hatred toward Jews, including acts targeting Jewish individuals, property, or community institutions, and references the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 working definition. This policy change requires Texas public schools to address antisemitic bullying under existing discipline frameworks, applying to all students affected by such conduct. The bill takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year if passed.

Maddy summarySB 45 would require Texas to expand Medicaid eligibility under the federal Affordable Care Act, providing coverage to all Texans who apply and qualify for federal matching funds. It directly affects low-income adults who currently lack Medicaid access but meet federal ACA criteria. Key provisions include mandating the state to provide this coverage, requiring annual reports on coverage rates and cost impacts (including hospital charity care), and setting an effective date of January 1, 2026 - conditional on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment. The bill does not create new funding but implements existing federal Medicaid expansion rules.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 66) designates February 11, 2025, as "University of Houston Day" to recognize the institution's contributions. It acknowledges the university's role in education (46,600+ students, 281 programs), research ($230M annual expenditures), health care (450,000+ patient care hours), and athletics (Big 12 Conference sports). As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect but formally honors the university's impact on Texas. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill), passed by the Texas Senate on February 11, 2025. It formally recognizes Laredo, Texas, and its residents for celebrating Laredo Day at the State Capitol on February 4, 2025. The resolution highlights Laredo's historical significance as a founding Spanish outpost, its role in cross-border trade, its status as the top international trade port in 2023, and its cultural and educational institutions. It serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for Laredo's heritage and contributions to Texas, with no binding policy changes or direct impact on specific groups.

Maddy summarySB 821 requires Texas public schools (K-12) to adopt specific civic education standards focused on foundational American government and history. It mandates teaching key documents like the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Federalist Papers (Essays 10, 51, 78), and speeches by Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr., alongside understanding government structures and judicial processes. The bill also requires students to develop skills like analyzing information sources, engaging in civil discourse, and understanding how local, state, and federal government operate. These changes would take effect for the 2025-2026 school year. The law directly affects Texas public school curricula, teachers, and students across all grade levels.

Maddy summarySB 807 changes where credit card fraud cases can be prosecuted in Texas. It allows prosecutors to file such cases in either the county where the fraud occurred or the county where the victim resides. The bill specifically applies to offenses under Section 32.315 of the Penal Code (fraudulent use or possession of credit/debit card information). This procedural change takes effect September 1, 2025, and only applies to cases filed on or after that date. The bill does not create new crimes or penalties, only modifies jurisdiction rules for existing offenses.

Maddy summarySB 725 requires used automotive parts recyclers to immediately remove all license plates and registration insignia from vehicles they receive, and securely store them until destruction. This applies to businesses engaged in recycling auto parts as a primary activity, excluding casual sales as an incidental part of another business. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and aims to prevent the reuse of license plates on other vehicles by mandating proper handling and disposal.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 11) grants Texas legislators permission to adjourn for more than three days during the week of February 5-11, 2025, which would otherwise violate the Texas Constitution’s three-day adjournment limit without mutual consent. It directly affects both the Texas House and Senate by allowing them to extend their legislative recess during this specific period. The resolution is procedural and does not change laws or policies - it only authorizes a temporary adjustment to the standard adjournment rules for that week.