Sen. Brian Birdwell

Maddy summarySB 1195 establishes a formal process for individuals to request removal of their names from Texas's central registry of child abuse and neglect. To apply, a person must submit a written request after waiting two years from when their name was added to the registry. Requests are reviewed by a panel consisting of department officials and a qualified lawyer (board-certified in child welfare or family law with relevant experience), and if denied, the applicant must wait one year before reapplying. The bill also requires confidentiality for all review materials and grants immunity to panel members acting in good faith.

Maddy summarySB 26 establishes new requirements for Texas public school districts and charter schools regarding teacher evaluation, compensation, and support. It creates an "enhanced teacher incentive allotment" designation for schools implementing performance-based evaluation systems, requiring them to use appraisals to determine teacher designations, offer performance-linked pay (without automatic raises), and place effective teachers at high-need campuses. The bill also creates a grant program to help districts expand local teacher designation systems and provides free liability insurance and rights assistance for classroom teachers through a contracted third party. These provisions directly affect school districts, charter schools, principals, instructional staff, and all public school teachers in Texas.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a binding law) expressing Texas's support for strengthening economic ties with Israel. It urges the creation of a Texas Trade and Investment Office in Jerusalem to foster business connections, particularly with countries in the Abraham Accords or peace agreements with Israel. The resolution reaffirms Texas's existing trade relationship with Israel - where Texas ranks among top U.S. states for exports - and directs officials to share the resolution with state, federal, and Israeli leaders. It does not create new programs or allocate funding, serving only as a formal statement of support.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 374) commemorating Clyde Vance Dunnam of Waco, Texas, who passed away on May 3, 2024, at age 94. The resolution honors his life, career as a trial attorney at Dunnam & Dunnam, LLP for seven decades, family, community service (including roles in the Scottish Rite and Waco Jaycees), and dedication to his wife, children, and grandchildren. It does not create any new laws or policies; it is a symbolic tribute passed by the Texas Senate to express sympathy to his family and memorialize his contributions. The resolution formally extends the Senate's condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Maddy summarySB 2202 proposes a new criminal offense for intentionally transferring firearms to individuals who are members of or intend to provide firearms to a foreign terrorist organization. It specifically targets unlawful firearm transfers between Texas and Mexico, creating a second-degree felony for such actions (excluding licensed federal firearms dealers). The bill also establishes a state program to prevent and detect unlawful firearm transfers across the Texas-Mexico border, requiring collaboration with Mexican and federal law enforcement. Additionally, it mandates annual reporting on firearm transfers between Texas and Mexico, including seizure data and handgun license applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2783) prevents Texas property owners' associations (like HOAs) from banning or restricting the display of four specific flags: the U.S. flag, Texas state flag, military branch flags, and political flags during election periods (as defined by election law). HOAs may still set reasonable rules about flagpole size, location (requiring at least one front-yard pole ≤20 feet), maintenance, and prohibiting offensive displays or flags on association-owned property. It directly affects homeowners in Texas communities governed by HOAs with flag regulations. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2780 allows gas utilities in Texas to defer specific costs related to unrecovered infrastructure as a regulatory asset for future rate recovery. It permits deferring "post in-service carrying costs" (unrecovered plant costs multiplied by the utility's cost of capital), depreciation, property taxes, and certain operations expenses tied to infrastructure not yet reflected in current rates. These deferred costs become part of the utility's regulatory asset, which is recovered through future rate adjustments under the Railroad Commission's oversight. The bill directly affects gas utilities (like CenterPoint Energy) and ratepayers, as these costs will eventually be passed on through customer bills.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution (SR 352) recognizing April 2, 2025, as Texas Food Bank Day at the Texas State Capitol. It honors the Feeding Texas network, which operates 20 food banks serving all 254 Texas counties through partnerships with agencies like the Texas Department of Agriculture. The resolution specifically acknowledges their work distributing over 500 million pounds of surplus produce and providing nutrition assistance to low-income families. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally commends Feeding Texas for its hunger-relief efforts.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill), passed by the Texas Senate on March 27, 2025, to recognize March 27, 2025, as "CASA Day" at the State Capitol. It honors the Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) network, which relies on volunteer advocates to support children in foster care by making court recommendations and addressing their needs. The resolution commends CASA for its work serving nearly 18,000 youth annually across 74 programs in Texas. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or alter policies - it simply expresses the Senate’s appreciation for CASA’s advocacy efforts.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (SR 329) recognizes March 26, 2025, as "REALTOR Day" in Texas. It honors Texas REALTORS, a professional association with over 140,000 members, for their role in protecting property rights, contributing to the state's economy (accounting for 17.8% of Texas' GDP in 2024), and upholding ethical standards in real estate. The resolution extends a formal welcome to REALTORS visiting the State Capitol during legislative sessions and acknowledges their community involvement. It has no policy or financial impact - it is purely symbolic recognition.