Sen. Royce West

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 242) symbolically recognizes March 16-22, 2025, as National Surveyors Week in Texas. It honors surveyors for their role in infrastructure, property development, and historical contributions to land mapping. The resolution is adopted by the Texas Senate to publicly acknowledge the profession's work, with no new requirements or funding. It directly affects surveyors and the public through ceremonial recognition, not policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 1045 requires Texas state agencies to hold a public hearing before adopting certain rules if requested by at least 10 people, a local government entity, the lieutenant governor or a legislator, or an association with 10 members (reducing the prior threshold from 25). This bill directly affects state agencies and the public by increasing opportunities for input on new regulations. The key provision amends Government Code Section 2001.029(b) to establish this lower request threshold for mandatory hearings. The law applies only to rules proposed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 226) adopted by the Texas Senate on March 11, 2025, to formally recognize College Park Baptist Church in Dallas for its 60th anniversary. The resolution expresses the Senate's commendation of the church's history, spiritual leadership, and community service, and extends "best wishes for a memorable and joyous celebration" of its anniversary. It does not create any legal obligations, funding, or policy changes - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the church's role in Dallas.

Maddy summarySJR 66 proposes a constitutional amendment to dedicate specific tax revenues to Texas' water fund. It would require the state comptroller to deposit excess sales tax revenue (above $46.5 billion annually, capped at $500 million) and the first $500 million of insurance premium tax revenue into the Texas Water Fund each year. The amendment mandates that 25% of initial fund allocations and 80% of pre-2043 deposits go exclusively to the "New Water Supply for Texas Fund," which supports water infrastructure projects. This proposal expires August 31, 2043, and requires voter approval in the November 2025 election. It directly affects how Texas allocates tax revenue for water infrastructure planning and development.

Maddy summarySB 1529 amends Texas law governing deferred retirement option plans (DROP) for police and fire fighters in certain municipalities. It stops crediting retirement pensions to a member's DROP account after they reach 20 years in the plan (effective January 1, 2018), meaning those members no longer accumulate additional pension credits while still working. The bill also specifies that members whose pension crediting stopped on or after January 1, 2018, will not receive retroactive credits for the period from when their crediting stopped until August 31, 2025. This change applies to all members participating in DROP, regardless of when they began participation, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1417 changes how Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) employees use compensatory time earned for overtime. It requires employees to take accrued compensatory time within 24 months of earning it, rather than allowing it to lapse. If unused within that period, the time converts to vacation leave instead of being lost. The bill also updates vacation accrual rules to reflect this change and applies retroactively to all compensatory time accrued before, on, or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. This directly affects TDCJ employees who earn compensatory time for overtime work.

Maddy summarySB 1421 creates a legal defense for peace officers who use less-lethal force weapons (like stun guns) if they reasonably believed it was necessary for their duties and followed agency policies, training, and manufacturer instructions. It requires law enforcement agencies to adopt specific policies on less-lethal weapon use and mandates that each officer on duty must have at least one such weapon. The bill directly affects police officers, correctional guards, and their agencies by changing prosecution standards for injuries or deaths caused by these weapons and setting minimum equipment standards. Key provisions include new justification criteria in the Penal Code and updated agency policy requirements under the Occupations Code. The law applies to offenses committed on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote for immediate effect).

Maddy summarySB 1416 requires parole officers to approve non-medical hospital visits for parolees convicted of certain serious offenses (listed in Texas law) before they can visit a hospital for reasons other than receiving medical treatment. Parolees must request visits in advance with specific details, and parole officers must notify the hospital's law enforcement about approved visits. The bill also shields hospitals from liability for damages related to these approved visits. This law applies only to individuals released on parole or mandatory supervision on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 225) honoring Charles Edward Barton, a Texas resident who died on February 20, 2025, at age 84. The resolution commemorates his life, including his childhood in Navarro County, career in agriculture and produce businesses, marriage to Patricia Butcher, and community involvement. It expresses the Texas Senate's condolences to his family and requests the Senate adjourn in his memory. As a memorial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 187 designates March 4, 2025, as Montgomery County Day at the Texas Capitol. It formally welcomes members of the Montgomery County Coalition of Chambers (representing Conroe, Lake Conroe, Greater East Montgomery County, Magnolia Parkway, Hispanic, and The Woodlands Area chambers) to visit the Capitol, observe legislative proceedings, and meet with officials. The resolution expresses the Senate's appreciation for the coalition's work promoting economic growth and community quality of life in Montgomery County. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or legal effect.