Sen. Royce West

Maddy summaryHB 331 creates a legal presumption that certain heart attacks or strokes suffered by firefighters, peace officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are work-related if they occur within eight hours after a shift involving strenuous physical activity like firefighting, rescue, or training. This means these first responders no longer need to prove their medical condition was caused by their job - instead, the law assumes it was work-related under specific conditions. The bill applies only to claims filed after its effective date (May 24, 2025), not to past claims. It excludes clerical or administrative work from the presumption, focusing solely on active emergency response duties.

Maddy summaryHB 1672 changes how motor carriers in Texas can appeal certain decisions by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) regarding registration, renewal, or reregistration. It removes the requirement for the TxDMV to provide notice and a hearing before denying these applications, allowing motor carriers to directly appeal denials within 26 days of receiving notice. If an appeal is successful, the registration is treated as if it was properly filed from the original application date. The bill directs the TxDMV to create rules implementing these changes, affecting trucking companies and commercial vehicle operators regulated under Texas Transportation Code.

Maddy summarySB 2550 requires sellers of coastal property in Texas to include specific legal notices in real estate contracts. It directly affects buyers and sellers of property adjacent to tidally influenced waters or seaward of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The bill mandates disclosures about shifting property boundaries due to coastal changes, restrictions on state-owned submerged lands, and the need for legal advice regarding coastal property risks. These notices replace standard property transfer disclosures for affected coastal properties. The law took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 719 would require hospitals providing inpatient mental health services to collect and report detailed data on available psychiatric beds, including breaking down bed counts by patient age and whether beds are currently available (online) or unavailable (offline). It also mandates the Health and Human Services Commission to study statewide bed availability at facilities offering acute psychiatric treatment. This data collection aims to improve transparency about mental health facility capacity for state officials. The bill focuses on concrete reporting requirements for hospitals and a specific study on bed availability.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment allowing Texas counties to authorize local governments (like cities or school districts) to exempt from property tax the portion of a home's assessed value tied to rainwater harvesting or graywater systems. It directly affects homeowners who install these water systems by potentially reducing their property tax burden. The exemption would apply only to the value added by the systems themselves, not the entire property. If approved by voters, local tax assessors would implement this change through existing property tax processes.

Maddy summarySB 1633 would allow Texas counties to exempt from property tax the portion of a home's value tied to rainwater harvesting or graywater systems. Property owners installing these water conservation systems would see reduced property taxes, as the exemption applies to the specific value added by the systems, not the entire property. The exemption must be adopted by a county commissioners court and applies to all taxing entities (like cities or school districts) that tax the property. This bill requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment before it can take effect in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3750 would require the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to reimburse current employees for certain legal costs related to their work. Specifically, it allows reimbursement of up to $10,000 in attorney fees for employees acquitted or cleared in criminal cases involving their job duties (protecting children, elderly, or disabled individuals), and up to $5,000 for employees seeking protective orders while on duty. The bill amends the Human Resources Code to establish these reimbursement limits and requires DFPS to create implementing rules. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 562) honors Builders of Hope, a Dallas-based nonprofit, for its work building affordable housing. It recognizes the organization's construction of over 500 homes since 1998, which added $60 million to Dallas' tax base, created 1,500+ construction jobs, and helped low-income families build $70,000 in equity per home. The resolution does not create new policy or allocate funds - it is a ceremonial expression of appreciation by the Texas Senate. It directly affects Builders of Hope by formally acknowledging their contributions to affordable housing in Dallas.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 561), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally congratulates the Boerne Little League All-Stars for advancing to the 2024 Little League Baseball World Series U.S. championship game. The resolution recognizes their achievement of winning 17 consecutive games, including regional tournaments and the World Series, and extends "sincere best wishes" to the players and coaches. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create legal obligations or affect any policies or individuals beyond expressing official recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.