Maddy summarySB 324 requires state contractors, local governments (political subdivisions), and private employers working with Texas state entities to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm employees' work authorization. The bill mandates that contractors must register with and maintain participation in E-Verify to secure or retain state contracts, with contracts including a certification statement about compliance. This policy directly affects businesses and government units doing work with Texas state agencies, requiring them to verify employee eligibility through the federal program rather than relying on other methods. The bill modifies Texas Government Code Chapter 2264 to enforce this requirement through contract terms and verification standards.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 619 creates new protections allowing healthcare providers (including nurses, pharmacists, medical students, and other staff) to refuse to provide certain medical services based on their sincerely held moral or religious beliefs. The bill specifically prohibits refusal only for emergency care or life-sustaining treatment, while covering services like contraception, abortion counseling, or other procedures deemed morally objectionable by the provider. It prohibits adverse actions - such as job loss, denial of licensure, or discrimination - against providers who decline services for conscience reasons. The law establishes a civil remedy for violations and applies to all healthcare facilities and employers in Texas.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 473) recognizing the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) for its 50th anniversary. The resolution honors NCSL's work since 1975 in supporting state legislatures, fostering bipartisan cooperation, and strengthening state voices in federal policy. It has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, expressing the Texas Senate's appreciation for NCSL's role in American democracy. The resolution was adopted by the Texas Senate on May 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis is a procedural Senate Resolution (SR 367), not a substantive bill. It formally recognizes student interns from four Texas A&M University System programs who are supporting the Texas Senate during the 89th Legislative Session. The resolution specifically acknowledges interns in the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program, Public Policy Internship Program, Bush School Capstone Scholars Program, and Tarleton State University internship program. It commends these students for their service and dedication to public policy work, without creating any new laws or policy changes.
Maddy summarySB 2253 modifies Texas teacher certification rules to require most public school classroom teachers to hold state-issued certificates by the 2029-2030 school year, with limited exceptions for non-core subjects in early grades during the 2026-2027 school year. It creates a $1,000 one-time incentive payment for school districts that certify new, initially uncertified teachers (hired 2022-2023) by the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The bill establishes four new teacher certification types (standard, enhanced, and two intern categories) with specific pathways for preparation and residency programs. These changes directly affect school districts, new teachers, and the Texas Education Agency's certification and funding processes under state law.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates limited liability for businesses operating commercial cavern areas (like guided cave tours) when visitors are injured during recreational or educational cavern activities. It requires cavern entities to post a specific warning sign at all entrances stating Texas law limits their liability for such injuries. However, entities remain liable for injuries caused by their negligence, known dangerous conditions, or failure to properly train staff. The law would apply only to injuries occurring after its effective date.
Maddy summarySB 1845 requires lobbyists who communicate directly with Texas lawmakers to influence legislation on behalf of a "foreign adversary" (as defined by U.S. Commerce Department rules, including sanctioned foreign governments or entities) to register with the state. It prohibits such lobbyists from receiving compensation for these activities and imposes civil penalties for violations. The bill directly affects individuals or firms representing foreign governments or entities designated as adversaries under federal law. Key provisions include mandatory registration for lobbying related to foreign adversaries and a ban on accepting payment for those efforts, aiming to increase transparency around foreign influence in Texas policymaking.
Maddy summarySB 758 updates Texas law to clarify which entities qualify as "governmental bodies" under the public information law (Government Code § 552.003). It explicitly adds specific groups like school district boards, county boards of education, water district governing boards, and local workforce development boards to the definition. The bill also excludes certain economic development entities from the definition if they meet strict criteria, such as not receiving over $1 million in public funds annually or lacking authority over tax incentives. This definition change applies only to public information requests received on or after September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 744 allows school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas to use camera systems mounted on school buses to detect drivers passing stopped school buses. The bill amends the Transportation Code to exempt these school bus camera systems from general restrictions on using photographic evidence for traffic enforcement. Specifically, it permits school districts to issue citations based on video or still images captured by these systems for violations of Section 545.066 (passing a stopped school bus). The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects school districts operating such systems.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 465) symbolically recognizes April 29, 2025, as "Donate Life Texas Day" to honor organ, eye, and tissue donors and promote awareness of organ donation. It highlights Texas’s need for more donors (with over 10,000 awaiting transplants and only ~60% of eligible Texans registered) and aligns with National Donate Life Month. The resolution has no legal effect but aims to encourage Texans to register as donors by celebrating existing donors and raising public awareness. It directly affects all Texans by promoting a public health initiative through symbolic recognition.