Sen. Adam Hinojosa

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill), passed by the Texas Senate to honor Dr. Rose M. Z. Gowen upon her retirement as a Brownsville city commissioner after 16 years of service. It recognizes her work on community wellness initiatives, health partnerships, infrastructure projects like the Caracara Trails, and her role in securing awards for Brownsville. The resolution formally congratulates her and extends "sincere best wishes" for her future endeavors. It does not create any new laws or affect policy.

Maddy summarySB 2530 amends Texas Insurance Code provisions affecting the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), which provides windstorm insurance in coastal areas. Key changes include: removing TWIA's obligation to pay insurance premium taxes (Section 1), banning TWIA from using funds to lobby for legislation with $10,000 fines for violations (Section 2), requiring headquarters to be located in specific coastal counties (Section 3), and establishing new funding mechanisms for disaster claim payments through public securities and member assessments (Sections 4-9). These provisions directly affect TWIA's financial operations, governance, and how it funds claims after hurricanes or other catastrophic events. The bill does not alter coverage for policyholders but changes TWIA's internal financial management and regulatory compliance.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill prohibits most state agencies, courts, and the legislature from implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that influence hiring or workforce composition based on race, sex, or ethnicity. It bans offices conducting trainings or programs related to concepts like "systemic oppression," "anti-racism," or "gender theory" unless specifically approved by an attorney general for legal compliance. The law exempts universities and initiatives solely designed to meet federal or state legal requirements. It defines prohibited activities to prevent "differential treatment" or "special benefits" based on protected characteristics.

Maddy summarySB 1169 clarifies how local governments and water/sanitation agencies can jointly operate shared water and sewer systems. It amends Texas law to define "public entity" to include water/sewer corporations and establishes "public utility agencies" as legal entities for joint projects. Key provisions allow participating entities to jointly finance facilities through bonds, acquire land (including via eminent domain), and transfer property among partners. The law directly affects counties, municipalities, and water districts seeking to collaborate on infrastructure, streamlining their ability to plan, build, and manage shared utility systems under defined legal authority.

Maddy summarySB 1967 expands eligibility for Texas Water Development Board flood infrastructure funding to include nature-based flood mitigation projects and multi-purpose systems that capture stormwater or treated wastewater for water supply. It redefines "flood project" in the Water Code to explicitly cover planning, regulatory approval, structural construction, and nonstructural projects using natural features. This change directly affects communities, municipalities, and water districts seeking financial assistance for qualifying flood control and water management infrastructure. The bill amends the Water Code to include these expanded project types under the existing flood infrastructure fund, effective September 1, 2025.

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 summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program to help counties cover burial or cremation costs for deceased individuals who were indigent (paupers) and had no means to pay for final disposition. The Health and Human Services Commission will administer the program, using funds from a dedicated account (supported by state appropriations, donations, and interest) to provide grants to counties. These grants specifically cover costs for handling unclaimed bodies and managing related county burial activities. The program takes effect September 1, 2025, directly supporting local governments and ensuring basic dignity for unclaimed deceased.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (SR 537) honoring Jaxen Lee Mick, a 16-year-old Mathis, Texas, resident who died in April 2025. The resolution formally commemorates his life, highlighting his involvement in school theater, Dungeons & Dragons, and love for animals and Minecraft. It extends condolences to his family, including parents Dennis Mick and Shanda Brown, siblings, grandparents, and extended relatives. As a procedural resolution, it does not create policy or affect any laws.

Maddy summarySB 1035 allows agricultural operations (like farms and ranches) to sue local governments if those governments enforce rules that violate Texas agriculture laws. It creates a new legal right for affected businesses to seek court orders blocking enforcement of such rules and to recover legal fees if they win their case. The bill applies only to disputes arising after its effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote). This changes the process for resolving conflicts between local regulations and state agricultural law, giving farmers a direct legal remedy.