Sen. Brian Birdwell

Maddy summarySB 874 prohibits individuals convicted of specific misdemeanors involving moral turpitude from serving in certain roles at charter schools or open-enrollment charter schools. The bill defines these offenses as 9 specific Penal Code violations, including enticing a child (Section 25.04), public lewdness (Section 21.07), prostitution (Section 43.02), and distributing harmful material (Section 43.24). It directly affects charter school staff, such as teachers or administrators, who have been convicted of these offenses. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year, barring eligible individuals from these positions beginning then.

Maddy summarySR 98 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing Senator Judith Zaffirini on her birthday. It honors her service as Dean of the Texas Senate - the longest-serving and highest-ranking member - and acknowledges her historic role as the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas Senate. The resolution celebrates her 38 years of legislative service, including over 72,000 consecutive votes since 1987, and her work on health care, education, and family support. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely a tribute with no legislative action required.

Maddy summarySB 873 clarifies that Texas criminal trial courts do not need to wait for civil remedies (including administrative processes) to be exhausted before handling certain criminal cases. The bill amends the Government Code to explicitly state that courts retain jurisdiction over these criminal actions under existing law. This change affects criminal trial courts and defendants in cases involving specific criminal matters, ensuring courts can proceed without requiring prior civil resolution. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying to all criminal cases filed on or after that date.

Maddy summarySJR 38 proposes a constitutional amendment to prevent the Texas governor from vetoing bills passed by both legislative chambers with at least a two-thirds vote of members present in each house. If approved by the required supermajority, such bills would automatically become law without gubernatorial approval, bypassing the traditional veto process. This directly affects the governor's veto authority and requires legislators to secure stronger consensus for certain bills. The amendment does not change the governor's power to object to specific budget items within appropriations bills. This is a constitutional change, not a regular law, and would require voter approval if passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) designating February 11, 2025, as "Texas State Technical College Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It recognizes the college's role in providing technical education across 11 campuses and its contributions to student success and Texas' economic development. The resolution formally commends the college's students, faculty, and administrators for their work in higher education.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 45) designates February 10-11, 2025, as "Tarrant County Days" at the Texas State Capitol. It ceremonially recognizes Tarrant County’s history, cultural attractions (like the Stockyards and museums), economic contributions (e.g., American Airlines, Lockheed Martin), and educational institutions (e.g., UT Arlington, Tarrant County College). The resolution extends an invitation to Tarrant County’s delegation to visit the Capitol during these dates, expressing the Senate’s appreciation for the county’s achievements. It has no policy impact or funding provisions - solely serving as a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 66) designates February 11, 2025, as "University of Houston Day" to recognize the institution's contributions. It acknowledges the university's role in education (46,600+ students, 281 programs), research ($230M annual expenditures), health care (450,000+ patient care hours), and athletics (Big 12 Conference sports). As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect but formally honors the university's impact on Texas. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 28) formally recognizes February 6, 2025, as "Hood County Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors Hood County's history, community contributions, and landmarks like Lake Granbury and the Granbury Opera House. The resolution was adopted by the Texas Senate on February 5, 2025, and directs a copy be prepared for the occasion. It does not create new laws or affect any policy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 20) designates February 4, 2025, as "Texas Energy Day" to honor the state's oil and natural gas industry. It recognizes the industry's role in Texas' economic strength, noting its leadership in production, job creation (over 1 million jobs), and contributions to state funds like the Permanent School Fund and highway funding. The resolution formally commends industry members and partners for their contributions to Texas' energy security and economic prosperity. It is a ceremonial recognition with no new policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (SR 25) recognizing the Impact Center of Arlington for its grand reopening. It honors the center's work since 2021, which includes providing entrepreneurship training, adult literacy programs, health services, and community initiatives. The resolution expresses the Texas Senate's support through a formal acknowledgment and a copy of the resolution for the center, with no new policies, funding, or requirements for the center or others.