Sen. Brian Birdwell

Maddy summarySB 128 requires Texas hospitals to submit monthly reports to the state health commission about suspected child abuse, exploitation, or neglect cases. Specifically, hospitals must report the number of cases referred to child protective services, whether parents were informed they could seek alternative medical opinions for their child, and the medical codes used (like ICD or CPT codes) for diagnosis. Hospitals must also attach physician affidavits confirming how those codes were assigned, with this information kept confidential. The bill authorizes administrative penalties for noncompliance, directly affecting hospitals and their medical staff who handle pediatric cases.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 536) honors Mark Garcia for his 25 years of service as Texas Senate auditor. It formally recognizes his professional contributions, dedication, and personal involvement with Senate colleagues and community activities like the Senate Christmas band and the Texas MS 150 fundraiser. The resolution directs the Senate to present Garcia with an official copy as a gesture of appreciation for his service. No new laws or policy changes are created by this resolution.

Maddy summarySB 879 exempts drillers and operators of closed-loop geothermal injection wells from specific requirements under the Natural Resources Code when they hold a valid permit from the Railroad Commission of Texas. It specifically removes applicability of Sections 85.2021 and 91.142 of the Natural Resources Code for these operators. The exemption applies only to permits issued under the Railroad Commission’s rules, streamlining regulatory oversight for this type of geothermal activity. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects geothermal energy operators seeking permits for closed-loop systems.

Maddy summarySB 1197 amends Texas Penal Code Section 42.15 to criminalize unauthorized operation of unmanned aircraft (drones) over licensed spaceports. It prohibits intentionally or knowingly operating drones that interfere with spaceport operations, cause contact with facilities, or disturb activities there. The law includes specific defenses for government entities, contractors, law enforcement, spaceport owners, or individuals with prior written authorization from spaceport operators or the Federal Aviation Administration. This directly affects drone operators near spaceports like SpaceX’s Starbase, requiring compliance with new safety restrictions to avoid criminal penalties.

Maddy summarySB 2201 requires Texas law enforcement officers to complete a mandatory training course before accessing the state's intelligence database on criminal street gangs and foreign terrorist organizations. The bill specifies that only certain types of evidence - such as court judgments, verified self-admissions during legal proceedings, or two forms of corroborated information - may be entered into the database. It directs the Texas Department of Public Safety to develop rules for the training program and database management procedures. This legislation aims to standardize how law enforcement collects and accesses sensitive intelligence data.

Maddy summarySB 870 allows uniformed school marshals in Texas public schools, charter schools, private schools, and public junior colleges to openly carry handguns on school premises when wearing a uniform identifying them as marshals. The bill amends existing law to replace previous restrictions on "concealed" carry with this open-carry option, while maintaining requirements that marshals must follow written school board regulations and use only frangible duty ammunition approved by Texas law enforcement. It applies to all school marshals appointed by governing bodies and takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year. The bill does not change who can serve as a school marshal or alter the requirement for firearms to be stored securely when not in use.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 546) formally recognizes Baylor College of Medicine's 125th anniversary. It highlights the institution's founding in 1900, its evolution into an independent research leader, its top rankings in NIH funding and medical education, and its community health contributions across Texas. The resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of Baylor's historical significance and ongoing impact, with no policy changes or direct effects on individuals or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes simplified permitting rules for small rock crushing facilities that process up to 1,500 tons of rock per hour and are registered under Texas Water Code. It creates a "de minimis" threshold for air emissions below which certain permits (like standard or federal operating permits) aren't required. Facilities covered must install monitoring equipment to track water quality in sedimentation ponds and seismic activity from blasting during their first 12 months of operation. The bill directly affects qualifying aggregate production operations by reducing regulatory burdens while maintaining environmental safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summarySJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that non-U.S. citizens cannot vote in Texas. It amends Article VI, Section 1(a) of the Texas Constitution by adding "persons who are not citizens of the United States" as a prohibited voting class. This would clarify existing voting eligibility rules by making citizenship a constitutional requirement, directly affecting non-citizen residents. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 4, 2025, election to take effect.