Sen. Donna Campbell

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 427) commemorates the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History (TAMIH) on its 10th anniversary, recognizing its work preserving Texas literary heritage. It honors TAMIH's efforts to collect manuscripts and artifacts, support Texas's $500+ million publishing industry, and provide educational programs like writing workshops and the upcoming Lone Star Festival. The resolution is symbolic - no policy changes are enacted - and serves as formal acknowledgment from the Texas Senate.

Maddy summarySB 2365 would require Texas public school districts and charter schools to adopt policies banning students from using personal wireless devices (like smartphones, tablets, or laptops not issued by the school) during class time. The bill allows exceptions for devices needed for individualized education programs (IEPs), documented medical needs, or health/safety requirements. School boards must implement these policies starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill directly affects all public school students in Texas during instructional periods, with limited exceptions for specific educational or safety needs.

Maddy summarySJR 12 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a parent's right to direct their child's education in Texas. It would add Section 37 to the Texas Constitution, defining "parent" broadly to include natural parents, stepparents, adoptive parents, guardians, and legal custodians. The amendment guarantees specific rights: choosing public school options, selecting alternatives like private or homeschool, accessing school materials and records (including health records), and attending school meetings - without restriction based on disability. This is a procedural bill requiring voter approval in the November 2025 election.

Maddy summarySR 396 is a ceremonial Senate resolution congratulating Dr. Neal Weaver on his investiture as president of Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA). It formally recognizes his appointment by the University of Texas System Board of Regents, his leadership experience at other institutions, and his academic credentials. The resolution, adopted by the Texas Senate on April 14, 2025, expresses goodwill and best wishes for his leadership, with a copy to be presented to Dr. Weaver. This is a non-binding, commemorative resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) recognizing the 36th annual Dripping Springs Founders Day Festival, scheduled for April 25-27, 2025. It commemorates the community's history, including its founding by families in the 1850s, its development as a stagecoach stop, and its current status as a tourism destination known as Texas' "Wedding Capital." The resolution extends the Senate's "sincere best wishes" for the festival, which features a parade, live music, and other events benefiting local charities. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group.

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt labor for repairing and remodeling homes and buildings from Texas sales and use taxes. It adds "real property repair and remodeling" explicitly to the list of services not subject to tax under the Texas Tax Code. The exemption applies when contractors separately itemize labor charges on invoices. It does not cover repairs to vehicles, commercial boats, aircraft, or computer programs. This change would reduce costs for homeowners and contractors performing residential property improvements.

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.

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 400 requires Texas public school employees to obtain written parental consent before conducting psychological or psychiatric examinations, tests, or treatment of students. The bill defines these activities broadly to include surveys, check-ins, or screenings embedded in lessons, unless mandated by special education law. Parents must sign consent forms for their child to participate, with exceptions for general well-being check-ins that don’t require written permission. The law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year and does not affect routine student wellness conversations. It directly affects all Texas public school students and their parents, changing how schools handle mental health-related student interactions.