Sen. Royce West

Maddy summarySB 2365 would require Texas public school districts and charter schools to adopt policies banning students from using personal wireless devices (like smartphones, tablets, or laptops not issued by the school) during class time. The bill allows exceptions for devices needed for individualized education programs (IEPs), documented medical needs, or health/safety requirements. School boards must implement these policies starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill directly affects all public school students in Texas during instructional periods, with limited exceptions for specific educational or safety needs.

Maddy summarySB 532 amends Texas law to increase the minimum and maximum grant amounts for the Young Farmer Grant Program. It raises the minimum grant from $5,000 to $10,000 and the maximum from $20,000 to $35,000. This bill directly affects young farmers in Texas who apply for these grants under the program. The changes apply to grants issued on or after September 1, 2025, while existing grants remain governed by prior law.

Maddy summarySB 696 limits the information consumer reporting agencies (like credit bureaus) can include in credit reports. It prohibits reporting most bankruptcy history older than 10 years, civil judgments or lawsuits older than 7 years, tax liens paid over 7 years ago, criminal records (arrests, convictions, or charges without conviction) older than 7 years, and certain medical debt related to out-of-network care. The bill directly affects consumers by removing older negative information from their credit reports, potentially improving their credit scores. It takes effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote or on September 1, 2025, if not.

Maddy summarySB 695 requires credit bureaus (consumer reporting agencies) to notify consumers via email when inaccurate information in their credit file is corrected, if the consumer provides an email address. This directly affects consumers who dispute errors on their credit reports. The bill mandates that bureaus send a secure link to a free corrected credit report within 30 business days of the correction. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to corrections made on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 585 limits how long certain criminal history can appear in background checks used for employment, housing, or other consumer purposes. It prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including arrest, conviction, or disposition records older than seven years (except for serious crimes), with similar time limits for bankruptcy, civil judgments, and tax liens. This directly affects job applicants, renters, and others whose background checks might previously have included outdated records. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to reports furnished after that date.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 694 requires the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to publicly post specific details when sharing criminal history records with consumer reporting agencies. The bill mandates that DPS publish the agency name, contact information (phone, address, email), and date of each record-sharing event on its website. This applies to agencies defined under Texas Business & Commerce Code §20.01, such as background check companies. The law aims to increase transparency for individuals whose records are shared, without changing how DPS collects or uses criminal history data. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1526 would allow the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to reimburse certain employees for legal costs related to their work. It covers two situations: (1) employees who were criminally prosecuted for work-related conduct (like child or disability protection duties) and found not guilty, up to $10,000 for attorney fees; and (2) current employees needing legal protection (like a restraining order) while working on similar duties, up to $5,000. The bill requires DFPS to adopt implementing rules and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects DFPS staff involved in child welfare, elder care, or disability services.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 414) formally recognizes April 16, 2025, as "St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Day" in Texas. It honors the Houston church's history and community impact by designating a day for the church to be celebrated at the State Capitol, with an official copy of the resolution provided to the church. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals beyond this ceremonial recognition. It is a commemorative measure, not a substantive legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 408) formally recognizes April 14, 2025, as "Red and White Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors members of the Blazing Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (specifically 25,000 members across 142 chapters) for their planned visit to discuss issues like health equity, voting rights, and civic engagement. The resolution serves only as ceremonial recognition, with no new laws, funding, or policy changes. It does not directly affect any legislation or constituents beyond acknowledging the sorority's community service and planned Capitol activities.

Maddy summarySB 661 would create the Office of Youth Health and Safety within the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement's Office of Forensic Coordination. The office aims to provide trauma-informed services for youth aged 10-18 under juvenile court supervision, supporting their transition to adulthood and community engagement. It establishes a 21-member governing board including commission officials, juvenile justice advocates, mental health experts, youth representatives, and others with relevant experience. The bill, if passed, would formalize this office and its structure but does not change existing laws or impose new requirements on the public.