Maddy summarySB 26 establishes new requirements for Texas public school districts and charter schools regarding teacher evaluation, compensation, and support. It creates an "enhanced teacher incentive allotment" designation for schools implementing performance-based evaluation systems, requiring them to use appraisals to determine teacher designations, offer performance-linked pay (without automatic raises), and place effective teachers at high-need campuses. The bill also creates a grant program to help districts expand local teacher designation systems and provides free liability insurance and rights assistance for classroom teachers through a contracted third party. These provisions directly affect school districts, charter schools, principals, instructional staff, and all public school teachers in Texas.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 380 (SR 380) is a symbolic recognition of the Greater Dallas Section of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) for its 112 years of service. The resolution commends the organization for its work in advocacy, education, and community programs supporting women, children, families, and vulnerable populations - including initiatives on reproductive rights, domestic violence support, and immigrant assistance. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any legal rights or obligations. The Senate formally expressed its esteem through this resolution, which was adopted on April 9, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 1006 requires Texas insurers to provide written explanations for declining insurance applications, canceling policies, or refusing to renew coverage. This applies to applicants and policyholders for liability and commercial property insurance, as well as other policies covered under the Texas Insurance Code. Insurers must send a clear written notice stating the specific reason for the decision, following rules set by the insurance commissioner. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and only applies to policies delivered or renewed on or after that date.
Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a binding law) expressing Texas's support for strengthening economic ties with Israel. It urges the creation of a Texas Trade and Investment Office in Jerusalem to foster business connections, particularly with countries in the Abraham Accords or peace agreements with Israel. The resolution reaffirms Texas's existing trade relationship with Israel - where Texas ranks among top U.S. states for exports - and directs officials to share the resolution with state, federal, and Israeli leaders. It does not create new programs or allocate funding, serving only as a formal statement of support.
Maddy summarySB 214 creates a temporary tax exemption for sales and installation of qualifying residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in Texas. Homeowners purchasing new systems with a minimum 14 SEER rating that are Energy Star certified and installed by licensed contractors for their primary single-family residence can avoid sales and use taxes. The exemption applies to purchases made between March 1, 2026, and September 1, 2027, requiring purchasers to provide a certification form at the time of sale. The exemption expires December 31, 2027, and does not apply to rental properties, commercial use, or systems installed in structures less than one year old.
Maddy summarySB 583 requires cities with over 25,000 residents and counties with over 50,000 residents to create an annual list of publicly-owned properties suitable for affordable housing. The bill defines "affordable housing" as housing costing no more than 30% of a household's median income in their area. Each municipality or county must list property addresses, legal descriptions, and whether properties are vacant or improved, then publish the list online or at public notice locations. This procedural bill creates a transparent process for identifying potential housing sites but does not directly fund or build housing.
Maddy summarySB 472 amends Texas property tax law to clarify who can be sued in appeals of property valuation decisions. It prohibits the chief appraiser, appraisal district, or appraisal review board from filing counterclaims in these appeals and specifies that only the appraisal district (not the review board) can be named as a defendant. This directly affects property owners challenging valuations, appraisal districts, and review boards during tax appeals. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies only to appeals filed after that date.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 381) congratulating the Duncanville High School boys' basketball team for winning the University Interscholastic League Class 6A Division 1 state championship on March 9, 2025. It formally commends the team's sixth state title victory (a 54-52 win over Bellaire High School) and expresses the Texas Senate's recognition of their achievement, leadership, and sportsmanship, with a copy provided to the team as a symbolic gesture. The resolution has no binding legal effect or policy impact.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. It formally welcomes members of the Texas African American Lawyers Foundation to the State Capitol for their April 8, 2025, African American Lawyer Day event. The resolution expresses the Senate's recognition of the foundation's mission to advance African American legal professionals and provides a copy of the resolution to the foundation as a gesture of esteem. No policy changes or legal obligations are created.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 386) formally recognizes members of the Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute as they gather at the Texas State Capitol on April 8, 2025. It commends the institute for its nonpartisan work strengthening Black leadership through training, mentorship, and voter engagement initiatives across Dallas-Fort Worth, East Texas, and Greater Houston. The resolution specifically highlights the institute’s Fellowship Program, which involves college students and community members at partner institutions like Texas Southern University and Thurgood Marshall School of Law. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply honors the institute’s civic contributions.