Sen. Brian Birdwell

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 446) recognizing the Eleventh Court of Appeals for its 100th anniversary. It honors the court's history since 1925, its role serving 28 counties, and its current justices without creating any new laws or affecting policy. The resolution formally commends the court's century of service to Texas' judicial system. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect or direct impact on citizens or legislation.

Maddy summarySB 2051 establishes detailed procedures for impeaching and removing Texas state officers, including the governor, lieutenant governor, and other state officials. It requires all testimony in impeachment proceedings to be given under oath in open sessions, mandates 48-hour notice of committee materials to all legislative members before votes, and prohibits legislators from voting if they are closely related (within third degree) to the officer being impeached. The bill also requires the House and Senate to track and report all costs of impeachment proceedings - including investigative and trial expenses - to specified state officials within 60 days of conclusion. Additionally, it clarifies that state officers can only be removed for acts committed while holding office, not for actions taken before assuming the position.

Maddy summarySJR 68 proposes a constitutional amendment to clarify Texas impeachment procedures. It specifies that suspended state officers retain regular pay during impeachment, allows the Governor to make temporary appointments for vacancies caused by suspension (except for the Governor's own position), and requires the Legislature to create laws governing impeachment trials and removal processes. The amendment also clarifies that Article IV's vacancy rules apply to suspended or removed Governors. If approved by voters in the November 2025 election, these changes would become part of the Texas Constitution.

Maddy summaryTexas House Joint Resolution 54 (SJR 54) is a procedural resolution from the Texas Legislature requesting Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It seeks to propose amendments that would impose spending limits on the federal government, reduce federal power over states, and restrict terms for federal officials and members of Congress. This resolution does not create new laws but formally applies to Congress to initiate the convention process, requiring support from two-thirds of state legislatures (34 states) to proceed. It is a state-level action aimed at influencing future constitutional amendments, not an immediate policy change.

Maddy summarySB 878 prohibits Texas municipalities from granting ad valorem tax exemptions (like property tax breaks) under economic development programs. Instead, it requires cities to provide loans or grants with specific safeguards: holding public hearings, posting details online, and including measurable performance goals in agreements. The bill directly affects local governments that use economic development incentives, mandating transparency and accountability for how public funds are used. It also clarifies that tax abatement agreements under Chapter 312 of the Tax Code remain unaffected. The law aims to prevent misuse of public money while ensuring community input in economic development decisions.

Maddy summarySJR 39 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Texas lawmakers can override a governor's veto. Currently, veto overrides require a two-thirds vote during a legislative session. This bill would allow the legislature to override a veto after the regular session ends, by requiring a two-thirds vote in both chambers following adjournment. It directly affects the legislative process between Texas lawmakers and the governor, altering the timeline for veto challenges. The amendment would modify Article IV, Section 14 of the Texas Constitution to establish this new procedure.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 819 establishes a new permit requirement for renewable energy facilities (wind or solar) with a capacity of 10 megawatts or more that connect to the power grid. It directly affects developers and operators of large-scale wind and solar projects, requiring them to apply for a commission permit before construction or significant expansion. Key provisions include submitting facility details, conducting environmental reviews with the Parks and Wildlife Department, holding public meetings within 25 miles of the site, and publishing meeting notices online. The bill does not apply to solar facilities within home-rule municipalities, and permits must be obtained before September 1, 2025, for existing facilities that expand or relocate significantly.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (SR 416), not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes 19 interns who worked for Senator Judith Zaffirini's office during Texas' 89th Legislative Session (2025). The resolution commends them for their contributions to legislative research, constituent outreach, and administrative tasks, and expresses the Senate's appreciation for their dedication. It was adopted by the Texas Senate on April 22, 2025, and includes a copy of the resolution as a token of recognition. This is purely a ceremonial gesture with no legal effect or policy impact.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 421) formally recognizes Blue Branch Historic Ranch and Anxiety Solutions of America for their mental health support services provided to veterans and first responders. The resolution highlights their work offering nature-based recovery programs, equine therapy, peer support, and assistance with housing, medical claims, and transportation. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic commendation from the Texas Senate. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 22, 2025, and includes a copy to be presented to the recognized organizations.

Maddy summarySB 1196 requires a court order finding child abuse or neglect before adding someone to Texas' central child abuse registry, except in five specific cases. These exceptions include abandonment without identification, a child being a victim of severe injury or sexual abuse (with consent), certain serious criminal offenses (like murder or sexual assault under the Penal Code), leaving a child alone for six months without support, or a conviction for child murder. The bill affects the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services' procedures for adding names to the registry. It aims to ensure registry entries are based on formal legal findings rather than administrative decisions alone.