Sen. Donna Campbell

Maddy summarySB 1581 amends Texas law to require school board trustees (trustees) to wait one year after their board membership ends before accepting employment with that same school district. The rule applies generally but excludes trustees from school districts that receive specific state funding under Section 48.101(b) of the Education Code. This change directly affects current and future school board members in most Texas districts, preventing them from working for their district during the first year after leaving the board. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, unless it receives a two-thirds vote for immediate passage.

Maddy summarySB 111 requires Texas school districts to report monthly on special education lawsuits where legal fees exceed $10,000. Districts must post on their websites and submit to the state agency details including the lawsuit's general subject matter and total fees incurred. The state agency must then compile and publicly post aggregated statewide data and district-specific information. The bill was reported adversely by the Education Committee on May 7, 2025, with a 10-1 vote, meaning it did not advance to the full legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 135 exempts the purchase and sale of game animals (such as deer and elk) and exotic animals (like reptiles or big cats) from Texas sales and use taxes. This means businesses and individuals involved in trading these animals - such as breeders, pet stores, or hunters - no longer pay state sales tax on these transactions. The bill amends the Texas Tax Code to add these animals as a new category of exempt items, similar to existing agricultural exemptions for feed or farm equipment. This directly reduces tax costs for the wildlife trade and pet industries while aligning with broader agricultural tax policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 506) is a symbolic gesture by the Texas Senate to recognize May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month. It formally acknowledges the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States and Texas, including their roles in the Texas Revolution, community founding, and cultural enrichment. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it serves only as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Texas Senate. It directly affects the state legislature's official recognition of this observance. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 8, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1299 prohibits public agencies (like state or local government offices) from requiring or sharing personal lists identifying members, supporters, volunteers, or donors of certain nonprofits. It bans agencies from releasing "personal affiliation information" - defined as any list that directly or indirectly identifies such individuals - except in limited cases like voluntary disclosures or court orders. Violating this law could result in criminal penalties. The bill specifically covers nonprofits exempt under IRS 501(c) or organized under Texas law, affecting how government entities handle sensitive supporter data.

Maddy summarySB 1224 requires public school district leaders (superintendents, directors) and private school chief administrators to notify local police or county sheriffs within 48 hours if they have reasonable cause to believe an educator committed specific misconduct, such as sexual abuse or violence. This applies to all public school entities (including charter schools) and private schools in Texas. Failure to report can result in fines up to $10,000 for educators or a state jail felony for school leaders who intentionally conceal misconduct. The bill amends Texas Education Code sections 21.006 and 21.0062 to establish these reporting requirements and penalties.

Maddy summarySB 28 prohibits purchasing or facilitating the purchase of state lottery tickets via telephone, internet, or mobile applications. It specifically bans individuals from buying tickets online or through apps (a Class C misdemeanor) and bans selling or arranging such purchases for compensation (a Class A misdemeanor). The bill directly affects residents attempting to access lottery games digitally and businesses or individuals offering such services. It creates new criminal penalties under Section 466.318 of the Government Code, effective September 1, 2025. The law aims to enforce existing age and location restrictions for lottery play by closing digital loopholes.

Maddy summarySB 2009 updates how court-appointed attorneys are paid for representing people who cannot afford a lawyer in criminal and juvenile cases. It requires counties to establish clear fee schedules based on reasonable costs and overhead, and mandates that attorneys submit itemized service records for approval. If payment is denied or delayed, attorneys can appeal to a regional judge within 60 days, with counties required to pay approved amounts within 45 days. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to payments for services after that date.

Maddy summarySB 2 establishes a state-funded education savings account program in Texas, allowing eligible families to use public funds for approved educational expenses. The program directly affects Texas families with children who have disabilities or who live in low-income households (at or below 500% of the federal poverty level). The comptroller administers the program, funding accounts with state money that can cover approved education costs like tuition, books, or tutoring. The bill becomes effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 3, 2025. This creates a new state-funded option alongside public schools for participating families.

Maddy summarySB 1395 amends Texas law governing school district health advisory councils. It requires each school board trustee to appoint an equal number of council members, though districts may instead appoint certain members via majority board vote. The bill mandates that at least half of council members must be parents of enrolled students (not employed by the district or related to staff), and these parents must hold all leadership roles like chair or secretary. Councils must include voting members from specified community groups, such as health professionals, business leaders, and law enforcement, while allowing nonvoting members from organizations like nonprofits or clergy. The bill sets one-year terms for all members, with reappointment permitted.