Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Maddy summarySB 59 amends Texas law to clarify how funds from the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program can be used. It specifies that grants may cover start-up costs for new career and technical education programs at public junior colleges, technical institutes, state colleges, and school districts, as well as ongoing technology maintenance for these programs. The bill requires that programs must prepare students for high-demand jobs identified by local businesses and lead to licenses, certificates, or college degrees. This change applies only to grants awarded on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 73 creates an interagency work group to track unfunded mandates affecting local governments in Texas. The group, composed of state auditors, budget officials, and legislative appointees, must publish an annual advisory list by September 1 identifying mandates requiring local spending without state reimbursement. This list removes mandates later reimbursed and adds those previously funded but not reimbursed in recent sessions. The bill directly affects cities, counties, and other local entities bearing costs from state-mandated programs. It does not change existing mandates or provide funding, only establishing a tracking mechanism.

Maddy summarySJR 8 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Texas' current Legislative Redistricting Board with a new Texas Redistricting Commission. The Commission would be responsible for redrawing congressional, state House, and state Senate districts after each census, starting in 2030. This change would abolish the existing board and require voter approval of the amendment in the November 2025 election. If approved, the Commission would first convene in 2031, directly affecting how Texas' electoral districts are redrawn for federal and state elections.

Maddy summarySB 574 requires the Texas comptroller to annually adjust the monthly longevity pay for state employees based on inflation, starting in 2025. The adjustment uses a Texas-specific inflation index reflecting consumer purchasing power, increasing the base amount of $20 (paid per two years of service) by the inflation percentage each July 1, effective September 1. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the adjustment is calculated as $20 plus 20 multiplied by the inflation rate, but this method expires after that year. The bill directly affects Texas state employees who receive longevity pay tied to their years of service.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow certain 17-year-olds to vote in Texas primary elections. Specifically, it would authorize voting by individuals who will turn 18 by the date of the next general election for state and county offices, while still requiring them to meet all other standard voting eligibility requirements. The amendment would be submitted to voters in the November 2025 election. This change directly affects 17-year-olds who qualify under the age provision, without altering voting eligibility for those 18 or older.

Maddy summarySB 41 prohibits individuals under 21 from purchasing or possessing firearms classified as "assault weapons" under specific definitions. The bill defines assault weapons to include semiautomatic rifles with features like detachable magazines, certain stocks, or short barrels, as well as specific pistols and shotguns. Violating this law would be a Class A misdemeanor, with limited defenses for peace officers or military personnel acting in official duties. This bill directly affects Texans under 21 who own or seek to acquire these defined firearms. The legislation creates new criminal penalties for underage possession or purchase, not a general ban on assault weapons.

Maddy summarySJR 6 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas to expand Medicaid eligibility to all individuals who apply and qualify for federal matching funds under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). If approved by voters, the amendment would take effect January 1, 2026, mandating the state to cover eligible Texans for whom federal funds are available. The bill directly affects low-income Texans who currently fall into the Medicaid coverage gap under Texas law. A temporary provision ensures the amendment's implementation window (2026-2027) and requires voter approval on the November 2025 ballot.

Maddy summarySB 323 creates a new "amicus attorney" role in Texas family court cases involving parent-child relationships (like custody disputes). This court-appointed attorney, distinct from the child's own legal representative, focuses solely on advocating for the child's best interests by interviewing the child (age 4+), investigating case facts, and making recommendations to the court. The bill requires these attorneys to have child advocacy training, grants them rights to attend proceedings and receive case documents, and provides legal immunity for actions taken in good faith while representing the child. It amends the Family Code to define this role, outline specific duties, and clarify protections for attorneys acting in this capacity.

Maddy summaryThis resolution grants the Texas legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days during the period January 29-February 4, 2025, as required by the Texas Constitution (Article III, Section 17). It is a routine procedural step allowing both legislative chambers to coordinate a longer break without violating constitutional limits on adjournments. The resolution was passed by both the House and Senate and filed with the Secretary of State on January 29, 2025. It does not change laws or affect the public; it simply authorizes an internal legislative schedule adjustment.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 14) honoring Deputy Jesus "Jesse" Vargas of the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, who died in the line of duty on January 15, 2025. The resolution extends condolences to his wife, three daughters, parents, siblings, and colleagues, and memorializes him as a 17-year veteran dedicated to community service. It has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal tribute with no legislative effect.