Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Maddy summarySB 1559 (Texas Family Code, Sections 85.064) clarifies when courts must transfer protective orders to the family court handling related divorce or custody cases. It requires courts to transfer protective orders issued before or during divorce/custody proceedings, or those affecting child custody after a custody order is finalized, to the court with ongoing jurisdiction over the family case. This directly affects individuals involved in family law cases who have existing protective orders, ensuring consistent oversight by the court managing their primary family matter. The bill repeals the previous subsection (c) and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 260 increases funding for school safety in Texas public schools under the Foundation School Program. It raises the per-student allotment from $10 to $20 per student in average daily attendance and doubles the campus safety allotment from $15,000 to $30,000 per school campus. These changes apply to all Texas public school districts and take effect September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects school funding formulas by increasing state support for safety resources at both the student and campus levels. The policy change provides additional state funds specifically designated for school safety measures.

Maddy summarySB 917 shortens the deadline for boiler inspection agencies to submit reports from 30 to 10 days after an inspection. It directly affects inspection agencies that perform boiler safety checks and the executive director who receives these reports. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code to require agencies to file reports within 10 days using the method specified by the executive director. This change streamlines reporting requirements without altering boiler safety standards or creating new obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 27 requires all Texas public high school students to complete at least one-half credit in personal financial literacy as part of their social studies graduation requirements under Education Code Section 28.025(b-1)(4). The bill directs the State Board of Education to develop a list of free, open-source curricula for these courses and allows Advanced Placement courses meeting specific standards to count toward the requirement. This policy change affects all public high school students in Texas, mandating practical financial education alongside traditional subjects like history and government. The law, signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025, is now effective immediately for all public school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 4466 (effective September 1, 2025) removes fees for certified birth records issued to counties or child welfare boards when requested for specific legal cases. The bill requires state and local registrars to provide these records without charge when the request relates to a "suit affecting the parent-child relationship" filed by a governmental entity under Texas Family Code Subtitle E, Title 5. This directly affects county governments and child welfare boards handling custody or parental rights cases. The provision applies only to these legally defined proceedings, not to general public requests for birth records.

Maddy summarySB 2075 standardizes the structure and governance of advisory bodies for programs under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (DLR). It establishes formal "advisory boards" (replacing previous "committees") to advise DLR on policy, legislation, and administration, with specific membership requirements for boards like the one governing driver education. Key provisions define membership terms (staggered six-year terms), require appointments by the commission's presiding officer, and specify member categories (e.g., three driver education providers, three driving safety providers, one instructor). The bill directly affects DLR advisory groups and their members, ensuring consistent governance across DLR-administered programs without creating new regulatory requirements.

Maddy summarySB 523 allows parole officers, peace officers, probation officers, and prosecutors in Texas to list their office address instead of their home address on their driver's licenses. The bill requires these professionals to notify the Texas Department of Public Safety within 30 days of changing their office address or name. For peace officers, acceptable alternative addresses include their residence municipality/county or their employment county. The law, effective September 1, 2025, applies only to these specific law enforcement and legal professionals, not the general public.

Maddy summaryHB 47 amends Texas law to strengthen protections for victims of sexual assault and related offenses. It updates the definition of "victim" to explicitly include minors under 17 and cases involving family violence. Key provisions require law enforcement to provide safety protections, mandate judges to consider victim safety when setting bail, and ensure victims receive timely information about court proceedings and forensic exam costs. For sexual assault victims, the bill specifically guarantees notification about payment for forensic medical exams and related medical care within 30 days of the assault. These changes directly affect victims, their families, and the criminal justice system handling such cases.

Maddy summarySB 968 amends Texas law to update the process for issuing temporary licenses to podiatry applicants. It allows the licensing commission to establish rules for these temporary licenses, including eligibility criteria and maximum validity periods, while repealing two existing sections (202.061 and 202.260) related to provisional licensing. The bill directly affects podiatry applicants seeking temporary practice authorization, particularly those who would have previously qualified under repealed Section 202.260. The changes take effect September 1, 2025, and do not impact licenses issued before that date. This is a procedural adjustment to licensing rules, not a broad policy change.

Maddy summarySB 7 requires the Texas Water Development Board to coordinate planning for water infrastructure projects to maximize use of existing utility corridors and minimize land acquisition through eminent domain. It mandates the Board to develop standardized specifications for water infrastructure, ensure different water systems can connect and operate together, and recommend building extra capacity during construction to accommodate future projects. The bill directly affects water project developers, utilities, and local governments working with the Board on infrastructure planning and financing. Key provisions include creating interconnectivity standards and facilitating collaboration between project sponsors and transportation/utility entities.