Sen. Brian Birdwell

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 695 returns Senate Bill 293 to the House of Representatives for further consideration. The resolution specifies that the Senate concurs in all House amendments except Section 23 (which the Senate ruled non-germane), and instead proposes substituting Section 20 of the Senate version - which modifies how judicial retirement annuities are calculated for judges retiring before September 1, 2025. The resolution requests the House adopt this change to finalize the bill. This procedural step resolves a disagreement over one section of the bill before it advances to final passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2663 requires oil and gas operators applying to the Railroad Commission of Texas for an extension on plugging inactive wells to submit a written affirmation confirming specific actions. For wells inactive 5-10 years, operators must confirm they've emptied production fluids; for wells inactive 10+ years, they must remove all surface equipment and related materials (except utility-owned electric equipment). The Railroad Commission can impose a $25,000 administrative penalty per violation for false affirmations regarding electric service termination or equipment removal. This bill directly affects oil and gas operators managing inactive wells and takes immediate effect.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 625), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes the McLennan Community College Dance Team for winning two 2025 National Dance Alliance championships (Team Performance and Jazz Junior College titles). The resolution expresses the Texas Senate's congratulations to the team, coaches, and college leadership, acknowledging their 14 total national titles since 1976. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create any legal obligations or affect any individuals or policies.

Maddy summarySB 1146 allows mineral estate owners, surface owners, or operators in good standing to contract with Railroad Commission-approved well pluggers to plug or replug inactive oil and gas wells without current operators (so-called "orphaned wells"). The bill requires contractors to send 30-day notice to the well's operator or surface owner before work begins and mandates compliance with Commission rules. Crucially, it clarifies that paying for plugging does not create liability for future plugging obligations, and evidence of such payments cannot be used against the payer in legal disputes about well responsibility. This law, effective September 1, 2025, provides a clear legal pathway for voluntary well plugging while protecting parties from unintended legal exposure.

Maddy summarySB 2052 amends Texas Family Code sections 153.002 and 156.101 to establish a legal presumption in custody disputes between a parent and a nonparent (such as a grandparent or caregiver). It creates a rebuttable presumption that a parent acts in the child's best interest and that the child's best interest lies with the parent. Nonparents can challenge this presumption only by proving with "clear and convincing evidence" that denying them access would significantly harm the child's physical health or emotional development. This law applies to all pending or new cases filed on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 587) celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Association of Water Board Directors-Texas (AWBD-TX), which represents water district professionals across Texas. It recognizes the association's founding in 1975 and its role in supporting water district operations, education, and advocacy for over 1,000 members including utility directors, consultants, and vendors. The resolution has no legislative effect - it simply expresses the Texas Senate’s appreciation through formal congratulations and a copy for the association. This is a standard recognition resolution, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment (SJR 87) would require Texas judges to deny bail to people accused of specific serious felonies if they have prior convictions for similar offenses or were on bail for such offenses at the time of the new crime. It applies to charges like murder, aggravated assault with weapons or serious injury, sexual assault, human trafficking, and related offenses. Judges would need to hold a hearing to confirm probable cause for the new crime and the prior conviction/bail status before denying bail. The amendment requires voter approval (scheduled for November 2025) but failed adoption in the Texas Senate in May 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas judges to deny bail to individuals classified as "illegal aliens" charged with felony offenses, if a judge determines probable cause exists. It defines "illegal alien" as someone who entered the U.S. without inspection or violated nonimmigrant visa terms. The amendment would automatically deny bail pending trial for such individuals, without requiring additional proof of flight risk or danger. If approved by voters in 2025, it would become part of the Texas Constitution. (Note: This is a procedural proposal requiring voter approval, not an immediate law.)

Maddy summarySB 18 prohibits Texas municipal libraries from receiving state or public funds if they host events where a person presenting as the opposite gender (e.g., a man presenting as a woman or woman presenting as a man) reads to minors for entertainment, with the gender presentation being a primary component of the event. Libraries hosting such events would lose funding for the fiscal year following the event. The law applies only to events occurring on or after September 1, 2025, and affects municipal libraries receiving state or public funds. It directly targets funding for specific library programming involving gender presentation in children's events. The bill does not restrict library access or content generally, only funding tied to these defined events.

Maddy summarySB 2050 prohibits disposing of common household batteries (like lithium-ion, alkaline, nickel-cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride batteries) in regular trash. It requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to establish collection sites for recycling or proper disposal of these "consumer energy storage modules" by rule. The law affects all Texas residents who use such batteries, banning landfill disposal starting September 1, 2025. The bill defines these modules as devices storing energy for consumer products, including standard batteries found in electronics and devices.