Sen. José Menéndez

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 1445 defines bullying and cyberbullying in Texas public schools to explicitly include bias-based incidents targeting students due to religion, disability, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, or association with protected groups. It expands the definition of bullying to cover both physical harm and creating intimidating environments, while defining cyberbullying to include all electronic communication methods like social media and AI tools. The bill requires schools to implement strategies preventing bias-based bullying and trains staff on these approaches, including through existing education programs. This directly affects public school staff, students, and school districts by mandating inclusive anti-bullying policies and clarifying prohibited conduct.

Maddy summarySB 1446 amends Texas Water Code to explicitly permit water providers to reduce or discontinue service during droughts when necessary to maintain adequate water supplies. This applies to all water utilities, including those operating without a certificate of public convenience and necessity, and affects ratepayers (water customers) directly. The bill updates existing rules by adding drought conditions as a valid reason for service adjustments, alongside existing exceptions like nonpayment or nonuse. The change takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1561 establishes a state grant program to fund ketamine clinics providing mental health treatment to active duty military, first responders, and veterans. The program awards grants to cover the cost of uncompensated mental health treatment (care not covered by insurance or other sources) for these groups, as well as necessary clinic resources like staff or equipment. Clinics must apply through the commission, which will set eligibility rules and accountability measures to ensure funds are used for the intended purpose. The bill creates new provisions under Texas Government Code Chapter 547, effective April 1, 2025, and allows the commission to accept additional funding through gifts or donations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas for its 30th anniversary in 2025. It honors the organization's history since 1955, its role as San Antonio's largest healthcare provider serving 26 counties, and its community initiatives like the Healthy Corner Store program that improve access to care in underserved areas. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Texas Senate.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 180) recognizing March 4, 2025, as "Nurse Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It formally honors nurses across Texas - including certified nursing assistants, licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses, and advanced practice nurses - for their daily care of Texans, their service during the pandemic, and their high public trust ratings. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation by the Texas Senate. It was adopted and enrolled by the Senate on March 4, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 52 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to operate gaming (including mobile gaming) on specific non-reservation land outside their Eagle Pass reservation boundary. The amendment would require gaming to be regulated jointly by the tribe and the Texas Secretary of State, with tax rates and fees limited to the same levels applied to other licensed gaming facilities in Texas. It applies only to gaming authorized by future state law after January 1, 2025, within 200 miles of the tribe's reservation. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2025 election.

Maddy summarySB 1274 requires health insurance plans in Texas to cover prescription drugs used to prevent HIV infections without prior authorization. It applies to all health benefit plans sold in Texas, including private insurance, Medicaid, and employer-sponsored coverage, directly affecting people needing HIV prevention medications (like PrEP) and insurers who must now provide immediate coverage. The bill adds new rules to the Insurance Code, eliminating extra approval steps that previously delayed access to these preventive drugs. This change ensures faster access to HIV prevention treatments for patients while mandating coverage for insurers.

Maddy summarySB 1275 defines a "crisis nursery facility" as a child-care provider offering temporary care for children during family crises, such as when parents need short-term help resolving stressful situations. The bill amends state law to exempt specific facilities from standard child-care regulations, including those in shopping centers, religious organizations, schools, and youth camps, provided they meet clear criteria like not advertising as a child-care center. This means qualifying facilities will not need to comply with licensing and oversight rules required of typical child-care centers. The legislation clarifies regulatory boundaries to ensure crisis support services remain accessible while streamlining oversight for other providers. It is currently under review by the Senate Health & Human Services committee.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 175) formally recognizes February 2025 as Black History Month in Texas. It does not create new laws or policies, but serves as a symbolic gesture by the Texas Senate to honor African American contributions to Texas history and culture. The resolution encourages all Texans to learn about the achievements and heritage of Black communities in the state, as detailed in the preamble. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct legal effect on citizens or government operations.