Sen. Brian Birdwell

Maddy summarySB 1755 allows public school prekindergarten programs partnering with private entities to operate in facilities without complying with most local city rules, such as zoning or business regulations. It specifically exempts these partnership locations from municipal ordinances for private prekindergarten programs (except occupancy restrictions) and from city rules governing school district-run programs. The bill directly affects school districts and charter schools that collaborate with private organizations to offer prekindergarten classes. This change simplifies facility requirements for these partnerships by reducing local regulatory barriers. The policy takes effect September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 258 is a commemorative measure honoring the late U.S. Congressman Sylvester Turner of Houston, who died on March 5, 2025. The resolution recognizes his career as a Texas state legislator, mayor of Houston, and U.S. Congressman, highlighting his dedication to public service in Houston's Acres Homes neighborhood and his work on health care, education, and community resilience. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups, as it is a symbolic tribute to his legacy.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 242) symbolically recognizes March 16-22, 2025, as National Surveyors Week in Texas. It honors surveyors for their role in infrastructure, property development, and historical contributions to land mapping. The resolution is adopted by the Texas Senate to publicly acknowledge the profession's work, with no new requirements or funding. It directly affects surveyors and the public through ceremonial recognition, not policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 1570 creates the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine as a new academic unit within Tarleton State University. The bill amends Texas Education Code to formally establish the college under the management of the Texas A&M University System's board of regents, authorizing it to offer osteopathic medicine degrees. It also updates definitions to include Tarleton's new college alongside existing medical institutions like UT Health Science Centers and Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. This bill directly affects Tarleton State University students seeking osteopathic medicine training and expands Texas's network of medical education programs. The legislation focuses solely on structural creation, not funding or program specifics.

Maddy summarySB 1572 creates a special permit for trucks transporting steel that allows higher weight limits than standard regulations. It requires trucks to have safety systems (roll stability and blind spot systems) and meet specific axle configuration rules to qualify. Steel transport companies must pay a $1,200 annual fee to obtain the permit, which applies only to steel moved from production to first marketing locations. The permit allows a maximum gross weight of 90,000 pounds while maintaining safety standards.

Maddy summarySB 1571 modifies Texas public information law to require the Secretary of State to disclose a notary public's home address, home phone number, or email address upon request. This bill directly affects notary publics in Texas, as it removes confidentiality protections previously applied to their contact information under Section 552.11765 of the Government Code. The key provision (added as Subsection (c-1)) explicitly states that the Secretary of State may disclose these specific details for notaries appointed under Chapter 406 of the Texas Government Code. The change would take effect September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote for immediate implementation. This is a procedural adjustment to public disclosure rules, not a new requirement for notaries.

Maddy summarySB 1397 creates the 504th Judicial District, designated to cover all of Ellis County, Texas. This new district would replace or establish a dedicated judicial system for the county, with the district taking effect immediately upon passage with a two-thirds vote in both chambers, or on September 1, 2025, if not. The bill defines the district's boundaries and administrative structure without altering existing county court functions or introducing new policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 180) recognizing March 4, 2025, as "Nurse Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It formally honors nurses across Texas - including certified nursing assistants, licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses, and advanced practice nurses - for their daily care of Texans, their service during the pandemic, and their high public trust ratings. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation by the Texas Senate. It was adopted and enrolled by the Senate on March 4, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 201) honors the late Reverend William A. Lawson, a Houston civil rights leader who died in May 2024 at age 95. It commemorates his lifelong work founding Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, connecting with Martin Luther King Jr., leading Houston's SCLC chapter for over 30 years, and advocating against racism and homelessness. The Texas Senate passed the resolution on March 4, 2025, to pay tribute to his legacy and extend condolences to his family. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would change Texas law to allow the legislature to designate specific topics for discussion during special sessions, rather than only considering topics the governor specifies in the session call. Currently, special sessions are limited to subjects named by the governor; this amendment would let either legislative house propose new topics with a two-thirds vote, which the other house could then consider. It does not alter the governor's power to call special sessions or the 30-day maximum duration for such sessions. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2025 election.