Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Maddy summaryThis bill (SCR 1) is a procedural resolution granting the Texas legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days during a specific six-day period (July 30-August 4, 2025). It directly affects the Texas legislature by allowing both chambers to take a longer break without violating the Texas Constitution’s requirement for mutual consent on extended adjournments. The resolution simply seeks formal approval for this scheduling change and does not create new laws or impact citizens. As a procedural measure, it has no substantive policy effects beyond facilitating the legislature’s calendar.

Maddy summarySB 61 allows indigent parents facing government lawsuits seeking termination of parental rights or custody appointments to select their own court-appointed lawyer instead of relying solely on court selection. The bill requires the chosen attorney to be licensed in Texas, in good standing with the State Bar, and meet continuing education requirements. Parents can select an attorney without court interference, and the court must accept the selection as long as the attorney meets these basic qualifications. This applies specifically to cases where the government sues to end parental rights or appoint a guardian, directly affecting indigent parents opposing such actions.

Maddy summarySB 56 amends Texas Family Code sections 107.013 and 107.015 to clarify court appointments and compensation for attorneys representing parents in child custody cases filed by government entities. It requires courts to appoint court-appointed lawyers for specific groups, including indigent parents opposing termination, parents served by publication, and fathers with unknown identities or unverified paternity registry addresses. The bill changes payment rules, directing counties to cover fees for these lawyers from general funds (not parents) using a standardized fee schedule, instead of relying on parent payments. This ensures consistent representation for vulnerable parents in cases initiated by government agencies like child welfare offices.

Maddy summarySB 41 requires youth camps located near flood-risk water bodies to install and maintain floodlights for emergency guidance and post clear evacuation instructions at every cabin entrance. It directly affects camp operators at such facilities by mandating specific safety measures during flood events. The bill adds Section 141.0093 to the Health and Safety Code, setting these concrete requirements without creating new funding or enforcement mechanisms. The law takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Texas Redistricting Commission to create electoral maps for the U.S. House, Texas House, and Texas Senate. The commission will consist of nine members, including eight appointed by the legislature in a bipartisan manner and one independent member selected by the other eight. Eligible applicants must be voters over 25 who are not currently holding public office, running for office, or working for a political campaign or lobbyist. The legislation also sets strict rules preventing members from running for office or engaging in political work while serving on the commission.

Maddy summarySB 49 requires youth camp operators in Texas to create and maintain written emergency operations plans covering responses to disasters, accidents, or health emergencies. Camps must train all staff and volunteers on these plans before each session, including location of emergency equipment and practice exercises, and conduct age-appropriate safety drills within 48 hours of each session starting. The plan must be posted visibly in all camp buildings, and camps must keep records of completed training and drills. This bill directly affects all youth camps operating in Texas, mandating specific safety protocols for staff, volunteers, and campers during emergencies.

Maddy summarySB 48 requires Texas barber and cosmetology students to receive training on identifying and assisting domestic violence victims as part of their initial education. It also mandates that currently licensed professionals complete continuing education on the same topic. The bill directs the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation to adopt rules implementing these training requirements. These changes directly affect all barber and cosmetology students and licensed practitioners in Texas. The policy focuses on equipping these professionals with tools to recognize and support domestic violence victims during service.

Maddy summarySB 40 requires the Texas Office of Court Administration to study digital court reporting, which uses technology to record court proceedings verbatim. The study must evaluate current usage in Texas courts (including cost, access, accuracy), analyze how other states use similar technology, and propose legislative changes. The office must submit a report to state leaders by October 1, 2026, and the bill expires September 1, 2027. This bill does not change laws but directs a review of court technology practices.

Maddy summarySB 39 creates two new criminal offenses for businesses selling consumable hemp products (products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids). It prohibits marketing or packaging these products in ways that appeal to minors, such as using cartoon shapes, animal designs, candy-like imagery, or misleading medical claims (e.g., green crosses). Violations are classified as Class A misdemeanors, punishable by fines or jail time. The law will take effect on December 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would restrict when the Texas legislature can redraw election districts for both the Texas state legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. It would require redistricting to occur only during specific, defined timeframes: when the legislature is constitutionally required to act, or within a 120-day window after the federal census is released. Exceptions allow redistricting within one year if courts invalidate districts, but not during periods when the Legislative Redistricting Board has exclusive authority. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2026 election to take effect.