Sen. José Menéndez

Maddy summarySB 34 creates a new exception to Texas abortion restrictions for pregnancies resulting from sexual assault, as defined in specific Penal Code sections (including aggravated sexual assault and offenses under Section 25.02). It specifies that patients do not need to file police reports, provide forensic evidence, or have the alleged assault prosecuted to access this exception. The bill also repeals Chapter 6-1/2, a law regulating abortion in Texas. These changes directly affect individuals seeking abortion care in cases of sexual assault and clarify that the exception does not alter other abortion laws or allow lawsuits against patients.

Maddy summarySB 33 adds specific exceptions to Texas abortion restrictions for certain medical conditions. It allows abortions when a physician determines they are necessary due to a lethal fetal anomaly or a life-limiting diagnosis where the fetus cannot survive outside the womb without extraordinary medical interventions. The bill also requires physicians performing abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy (or when the age is unknown but likely 20+ weeks) to use the method most likely to allow fetal survival, per medical judgment. These changes apply to physicians following the specified medical exceptions, not to general abortion access.

Maddy summarySB 650 requires retailers selling alcohol to verify customer age by scanning driver's licenses or ID cards with electronically readable information. It applies to all retail alcohol sales except on-premises sales at package stores. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, but businesses have until September 1, 2027, to comply, with no penalties for violations before that date. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission must adopt implementing rules by September 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 3372 prohibits school district administrators (excluding classroom teachers) from receiving financial benefits for personal services provided to specific entities, including businesses that work with their school district, curriculum service providers, or other school districts. The law directly affects administrators with significant operational duties, such as those managing campuses or programs, by banning conflicts of interest tied to district business relationships. Violations carry a $10,000 civil penalty per incident, and the bill took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on June 22, 2025. This legislation aims to prevent administrators from profiting from their official positions within the education system.

Maddy summarySB 646 creates a program to repay education loans for mental health professionals working in underserved areas of Texas. It defines eligible professionals as psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, and other licensed providers who complete 1-3 consecutive years of practice in a state-designated mental health shortage area and provide services to Medicaid recipients. The bill requires applicants to apply through the Texas State Board of Examiners and specifies that repayment assistance is tied to service in designated shortage regions. This policy, effective September 1, 2025, aims to address workforce shortages by reducing education debt for providers serving Medicaid patients in underserved communities.

Maddy summarySB 25 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to provide daily moderate or vigorous physical activity for students in prekindergarten through grade 8. Specifically, it mandates at least 30 minutes daily for grades K-5 and 30 minutes daily for at least four semesters in grades 6-8, with alternatives for scheduling challenges (e.g., 135 minutes weekly). The bill prohibits schools from restricting student participation in physical activity as punishment for academic or behavioral issues. It directly affects K-8 students and school employees responsible for implementing physical education curricula, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 260 increases funding for school safety in Texas public schools under the Foundation School Program. It raises the per-student allotment from $10 to $20 per student in average daily attendance and doubles the campus safety allotment from $15,000 to $30,000 per school campus. These changes apply to all Texas public school districts and take effect September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects school funding formulas by increasing state support for safety resources at both the student and campus levels. The policy change provides additional state funds specifically designated for school safety measures.

Maddy summarySB 1307 requires the Texas Department of Insurance to create a biennial reference guide for the public, updated every two years, to help Texans understand health coverage options. The guide must include definitions of health insurance terms, sources for obtaining coverage (like employers), comparisons of plan types (such as HMOs and PPOs), explanations of out-of-pocket costs (premiums, deductibles), and how to recognize coverage scams. It also covers the Affordable Care Act marketplace categories, consumer rights, dispute resolution methods, and federal/state programs for health care assistance. This bill directly affects Texas residents seeking health coverage by providing standardized, accessible information to make informed decisions. The guide will take effect September 1, 2025, following the bill's recent signing into law.

Maddy summaryHB 3464 increases criminal penalties for bringing alcohol, drugs, or dangerous substances into a correctional facility or onto its property, with the highest penalties specifically targeting employees of the facility. It reclassifies offenses by correctional staff as second-degree felonies (previously third-degree), and if such an offense causes a death, it becomes a first-degree felony punishable by 15-99 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. The law applies to anyone who provides, possesses with intent to provide, or brings these items into a facility or on its grounds, but the enhanced penalties focus on employees. The bill took effect on September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4134 allows car dealerships or lenders to charge a convenience fee for electronic payments (like credit/debit cards) on motor vehicle purchases or financing. The fee must not exceed $10 or 5% of the payment amount and must be reasonably tied to processing costs. Dealers must inform buyers about the fee, offer free non-electronic payment options (like cash or check), and cannot require electronic payments as the default. This law directly affects car buyers making electronic payments and applies to all motor vehicle transactions starting September 1, 2025.