Maddy summarySB 2252 amends Texas Education Code to require public charter schools to comply with specific early childhood education standards. It mandates charter schools to implement prekindergarten programs, track early literacy and numeracy skills using standardized assessments, and report data through the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS). The bill also connects these requirements to funding under the Foundation School Program for eligible school districts. This directly affects public school districts and charter schools by establishing new compliance obligations for early education programs and data reporting. The bill does not create new funding but links existing Foundation School Program funding to adherence with these early learning standards.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 14, titled the Regulatory Reform and Efficiency Act, creates the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office within the governor's office to streamline how state agencies develop and review regulations. The office will help agencies identify unnecessary rules, reduce costs for businesses and individuals, and establish a public online portal for searching regulatory information. This bill directly affects state agencies that create regulations and the public who interact with those regulations. The new office will operate until 2037 unless extended under the Sunset Act, with its work focused on improving regulatory efficiency and transparency.
Maddy summarySB 1750 would amend Texas education law to change how certain open-enrollment charter schools receive funding for school facilities. It requires charter schools to certify annually that no school leader or board member benefits financially from real estate deals with the school. The bill specifies that funds received under this provision can only be used for leasing or purchasing school buildings, paying related property taxes or debt, or financing school safety, technology, or athletic/performance arts facilities (excluding large stadiums). This bill directly affects eligible charter schools in Texas by restricting their use of facility funding and adding transparency requirements for real estate transactions. The bill was reported adversely by the Senate Education Committee on April 7, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 1871 requires each public school campus to designate a behavior coordinator responsible for discipline management and ensuring access to telehealth mental health services. It creates legal immunity for school staff who report safety concerns or remove students from class under specific safety protocols. The bill also clarifies that school districts cannot exempt themselves from core education requirements like curriculum standards or accountability measures. These changes directly affect school staff, students, and campus administrators in Texas public schools. The bill aims to standardize discipline procedures while improving mental health service access without altering existing accountability frameworks.
Maddy summarySB 32 would create a $25,000 property tax exemption for businesses owning or leasing tangible personal property (like equipment or tools) used to generate income. This exemption applies to each business location within a taxing unit, with property at the same location being combined to determine eligibility. Businesses leasing equipment would receive the same exemption as if they owned it. The bill affects Texas businesses that use physical assets to produce income, reducing their local property tax burden on those assets.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 426) congratulating the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) chess team for sharing the national championship at the 2025 President’s Cup tournament. It recognizes their achievement as co-champions after a perfect qualifying performance and a comeback in the finals, marking their fourth national title in seven years. The resolution, passed by the Texas Senate, formally expresses support and will provide the team with an official copy of the resolution. It has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation or constituents.
Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (SR 416), not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes 19 interns who worked for Senator Judith Zaffirini's office during Texas' 89th Legislative Session (2025). The resolution commends them for their contributions to legislative research, constituent outreach, and administrative tasks, and expresses the Senate's appreciation for their dedication. It was adopted by the Texas Senate on April 22, 2025, and includes a copy of the resolution as a token of recognition. This is purely a ceremonial gesture with no legal effect or policy impact.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 423) is a formal tribute by the Texas Senate honoring Joe G. Rivera, a former Cameron County clerk who died in April 2025. It commemorates his 35-year service as county clerk, military service, community leadership, and family life. The resolution expresses the Senate's sympathy to Rivera's family and directs that the Senate adjourn in his memory. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or effect on laws, citizens, or government operations.
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 summarySB 532 amends Texas law to increase the minimum and maximum grant amounts for the Young Farmer Grant Program. It raises the minimum grant from $5,000 to $10,000 and the maximum from $20,000 to $35,000. This bill directly affects young farmers in Texas who apply for these grants under the program. The changes apply to grants issued on or after September 1, 2025, while existing grants remain governed by prior law.