Maddy summarySJR 40 proposes a constitutional amendment that would require the Texas governor to call a special legislative session if a disaster or emergency affects significant portions of the state (e.g., 40% of counties, half the population, or two-thirds of counties in three trauma areas). It would give the legislature the power to renew or extend emergency declarations beyond 30 days (90 days for nuclear/radiological events) and to pass related laws. The amendment also specifies that legislative votes on modifying or ending emergency declarations would not be subject to certain constitutional restrictions. This would directly affect how Texas manages prolonged emergencies by shifting authority to require legislative approval for extended emergency powers.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2784 establishes new election rules for the Somervell County Hospital District board of directors. It requires seven elected directors serving staggered four-year terms, with a specific mechanism for the 2026 election: directors elected that year will draw lots to determine whether two serve two-year terms and three serve three-year terms. The 2027 election will establish all four-year terms for the board. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects the district's governance structure and election process.
Maddy summaryHB 214 amends Texas law to strengthen prosecution of firearm smuggling and terrorism-related offenses. It clarifies that transporting or transferring illegally acquired firearms or ammunition - whether multiple times or for profit - constitutes a crime under Section 46.14 of the Penal Code. The bill also expands terrorism charges by linking specific violent offenses (like murder or assault) to terrorism prosecutions when committed to intimidate the public. This directly affects individuals involved in illegal firearm trafficking and those committing violent acts with terrorism intent. The changes refine existing legal standards without creating new offenses.
Maddy summarySB 871 amends Texas Government Code to clarify the authority of the governor, state agencies, and local governments during disasters and emergencies. It updates the definition of "disaster" to exclude civil unrest, riots, or insurrection, while explicitly including natural events like floods, earthquakes, and energy emergencies. The bill outlines specific purposes, such as improving coordination between state and local entities, reducing community vulnerability, and aligning with federal emergency management goals. This legislation directly affects state and local officials responsible for emergency response, recovery, and disaster preparedness planning.
Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.
Maddy summarySB 27 modifies Texas education law to protect public school educators' rights and provide financial support. It requires salary reductions for unpaid leave to be calculated using annual salary divided by expected workdays (affecting teachers, counselors, and librarians), waives certification exam fees for first-time applicants in special education and bilingual programs, and prevents sanctions against educators who leave probationary contracts after the 45th day before school starts due to serious illness or spouse relocation. The bill directly impacts educators seeking certification and those on probationary contracts, while also directing the Texas Education Agency to cover exam fees for qualifying applicants. These changes aim to reduce financial barriers and provide clearer protections for educators during employment transitions.
Maddy summaryHB 2070 amends Texas Family Code Section 261.002 to require a court finding of abuse or neglect before adding someone to the central child abuse registry. Currently, the Department of Family and Protective Services can add names based on their own findings, but this bill mandates a final court order in a civil, criminal, or juvenile case first. The change applies only to findings made on or after September 1, 2025, with prior cases governed by previous law. This directly affects individuals potentially added to the registry and the Department’s process for doing so.
Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts specific Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) programs from statewide grant and contract management rules under Government Code Chapter 783. It amends Water Code Section 15.008 to exclude contracts related to certain water programs (subchapters B, C, F, H, I, K, P, or R) from Chapter 783 requirements. The change applies only to contracts entered into on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing contracts governed by prior law. This clarifies regulatory scope for TWDB programs without altering their core operations.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 541) is a symbolic gesture by the Texas Senate to commemorate Caterpillar Inc.'s 100th anniversary in 2025. It recognizes the company's history, contributions to major infrastructure projects (like highways and dams), and its Texas operations since the 1960s. The resolution formally extends "sincere best wishes" to Caterpillar and includes a plan to provide the company with an official copy of the resolution as a token of appreciation. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact or direct effect on any laws or regulations.