Sen. José Menéndez

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) adopted by the Texas Senate on May 21, 2025. It formally recognizes the five students in the 13th class of the Senator Gregory Luna Legislative Scholars and Fellows Program - Ben Aguillon, Rachel Sepulveda, Leticia Sofia Torres, Christell Valdes, and Ezra Villarreal - for their service in Texas Senate offices during the 89th Legislative Session. The resolution commends their "remarkable service and excellent work" and provides them with a formal copy as a gesture of the Senate's "high regard." No new laws, funding, or policy changes are created by this resolution.

Maddy summarySB 2788 exempts Texas public university students who achieve specific PSAT scores from taking the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment. It applies to incoming undergraduates at public colleges and universities beginning with the 2026 fall semester. The exemption requires students to meet a score threshold set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on the PSAT, SAT, or ACT, and remains valid for five years after the test date. This policy change directly affects new college students who meet the score requirements, reducing testing requirements for those who demonstrate college readiness through standardized exams. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 783 exempts certain building regulations from state oversight, specifically clarifying that local governments cannot enforce restrictions on residential or commercial construction that conflict with pre-existing standards. It directly affects municipalities, developers, and historic preservation entities by creating nine specific exemptions, including windstorm insurance requirements, certified Dark Sky Community lighting ordinances, and buildings in historic districts (like National Register sites or Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks). Key provisions allow local ordinances for outdoor lighting to comply with international dark-sky certification standards and preserve existing historic designations without state interference. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers in May 2025.

Maddy summarySB 769 requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to produce a report by September 1, 2027, on enrollment and success rates for students with disabilities in Texas colleges and universities. The report must identify enrollment numbers, barriers to access, supportive institutional policies, available accommodations, and how schools inform students about their disability rights under federal law. It directly affects all public and private Texas institutions of higher education, which must provide requested data to the Board. The law, effective September 1, 2025, expires September 1, 2028, and aims to inform future policy based on documented needs and practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage, limiting coverage, or charging higher rates to individuals who are widowed or whose marital status reflects the death of a spouse, compared to married individuals. It directly affects widowed people applying for or renewing insurance policies. The law requires insurers to treat widowed customers the same as married customers for rate-setting and coverage availability. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not apply to policies delivered or renewed before that date.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 533) is a ceremonial Senate commendation recognizing 29 student interns who participated in the Texas Legislative Internship Program during the 89th Legislative Session. It formally acknowledges their service in legislative offices, state agencies, and local government, highlighting the program's role since 1990 in providing students with practical government experience. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it simply expresses the Senate's appreciation for these interns' contributions. The program is administered by the Mickey Leland Center at Texas Southern University.

Maddy summarySB 2850 creates a state task force to study pollinator health issues, including bees and other insects vital to ecosystems. The task force, appointed by the governor, includes members representing universities, nurseries, agriculture, pollinator protection groups, pesticide applicators, master gardeners, beekeepers, and wildlife experts. It will examine ways to incentivize pollinator habitat development, study successful public education programs from other states, investigate data collection methods for pollinator populations, and identify strategies to prevent habitat loss. The bill establishes the task force structure but does not implement direct policy changes. It passed committee in May 2025 and is now before the Agriculture & Livestock committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 536) honors Mark Garcia for his 25 years of service as Texas Senate auditor. It formally recognizes his professional contributions, dedication, and personal involvement with Senate colleagues and community activities like the Senate Christmas band and the Texas MS 150 fundraiser. The resolution directs the Senate to present Garcia with an official copy as a gesture of appreciation for his service. No new laws or policy changes are created by this resolution.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 523) formally recognizes May 16, 2025, as "Senate District 26 Neighborhood Leaders Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors neighborhood and homeowners associations in San Antonio for their community contributions, advocacy, and role in improving local quality of life. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it is a ceremonial acknowledgment with no direct effect on residents or new legislative requirements. It was adopted by the Texas Senate on May 16, 2025, as a symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.