Sen. Royce West

Maddy summarySB 2360 provides additional compensation to individuals wrongfully imprisoned in Texas who received payments under Chapter 103 before September 1, 2009. It calculates an "equalizing compensation" amount based on what they would have received as of that date, minus what they already received, using present value. Applicants must file by September 1, 2028, with payments made within 30 days of eligibility confirmation. The law expires September 1, 2029, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2359 creates a new criminal offense for notaries public who perform notarizations when the person for whom the notarization is performed did not personally appear before them. The bill amends Texas law to make this a Class A misdemeanor, escalating to a state jail felony if the document involves real property transfer. It defines "personally appears" as physically being present during in-person notarizations or using approved video technology for online notarizations. A defense is provided if the notary reasonably relied on a valid ID presented by the person appearing. The law directly affects Texas notaries public by establishing specific criminal penalties for violating appearance requirements.

Maddy summarySB 2241 requires Texas public school districts to include specific prohibitions against dating violence in their student codes of conduct. The bill amends the Education Code to mandate that school policies explicitly address dating violence, along with bullying and harassment, and require school staff to enforce these prohibitions. It also adds new factors school officials must consider during disciplinary decisions involving such incidents, including self-defense, disability, homelessness, or status in foster care. This policy change directly affects all public school students and staff in Texas by updating school safety protocols and disciplinary procedures.

Maddy summarySB 2248 requires certain Texas counties that choose to implement it to automatically enroll new county employees in the county's deferred compensation (retirement savings) plan, unless the employee actively opts out. Employees would contribute 3% of their salary by default through automatic payroll deductions, with the option to adjust contributions, change investment choices, or opt out at any time. The bill applies only to new employees hired on or after January 1, 2026, and mandates counties to inform new hires about their enrollment and opt-out rights during onboarding. Counties electing this option must follow federal guidelines for default investment choices and maintain records of employee opt-out acknowledgments.

Maddy summarySR 308 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing the dedication of an official Texas Historical Marker for Oakland Cemetery in Dallas County. It honors the cemetery's history as a burial site for Dallas's notable citizens and commends volunteers who restored the site after its 2019 closure and secured historical designation. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally expresses the Texas Senate's appreciation for efforts preserving this historic landmark.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 19, 2025, as "Texas Small Business Development Center Day" to honor the Texas SBDC Network. It recognizes the network's 40+ years of providing free business consulting, helping businesses access over $421 million in financing in 2024, and contributing to 33,000+ jobs and $703 million in new sales. The resolution has no binding policy impact - it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of the network's economic contributions to Texas.

Maddy summarySB 2247 modifies Texas law for owners seeking titles for rebuilt salvage vehicles. It requires applicants to detail all major repair parts used, name where those parts were sourced, and provide federal part identification numbers. The bill also prohibits issuing titles based on certain nonrepairable vehicle titles (issued on or after Sept. 1, 2003) or specific receipts. These changes apply to owners repairing salvage vehicles after September 1, 2025, and aim to improve transparency in the title process.

Maddy summarySB 654 creates a franchise tax credit for licensed child-care centers in Texas that expand their capacity to serve more children. To qualify, centers must be certified in the Texas Rising Star Program and increase their capacity by 25% or more. The credit covers 50% to 100% of additional salaries paid for the expansion, depending on the capacity increase (50% for 25-50% growth, 75% for 50-75%, and 100% for 75%+ growth). This policy directly affects licensed child-care centers seeking to grow their operations while reducing their tax burden for hiring staff needed to accommodate more children.

Maddy summarySB 211 creates a franchise tax credit for Texas businesses that operate on-site childcare centers exclusively for their employees' children. Businesses qualify if the center is licensed, located at or near their workplace, and provides care for employees' dependents. The credit covers 30% of the center's operating costs (35% if certified in Texas Rising Star), with a one-time 20% credit for construction costs when first opening. Annual credit limits range from $100,000 to $500,000 based on the business's franchise tax liability. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 666 raises the legal age to purchase or possess nitrous oxide from 18 to 21 years old in Texas. It makes selling nitrous oxide to anyone under 21 a state jail felony (with limited exceptions), while keeping existing rules for other volatile chemicals at age 18. Businesses must display bilingual signs stating the age restriction, and new defenses include parental supervision for minors or proof of age via Texas ID. This directly affects nitrous oxide sellers (like retail stores) and buyers aged 18-20, who will no longer legally purchase it after the law takes effect September 1, 2025.