Sen. Adam Hinojosa

Maddy summarySB 400 requires Texas public school employees to obtain written parental consent before conducting psychological or psychiatric examinations, tests, or treatment of students. The bill defines these activities broadly to include surveys, check-ins, or screenings embedded in lessons, unless mandated by special education law. Parents must sign consent forms for their child to participate, with exceptions for general well-being check-ins that don’t require written permission. The law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year and does not affect routine student wellness conversations. It directly affects all Texas public school students and their parents, changing how schools handle mental health-related student interactions.

Maddy summarySB 2283 adds a "SPECIAL FORCES VETERAN" designation to Texas handgun carry licenses for qualifying veterans. It directly affects veterans who served at least 12 consecutive months in specific U.S. Army Special Forces roles (e.g., detachment commander, weapons sergeant) at enlisted, warrant, or commissioned officer pay grades. The bill requires license applications to include space for veterans to list qualifying service and submit proof for the designation, and it mandates that licenses display this new designation when eligibility is confirmed. This change modifies existing license forms and definitions but does not alter eligibility requirements for handgun carry licenses.

Maddy summarySB 2571 authorizes the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) to assess member insurers for excess losses and operating expenses exceeding reserves, specifically for catastrophe events occurring before January 1, 2026. It establishes that assessments may not exceed 33% of the association’s probable maximum loss for a single catastrophe year and prohibits recouping these assessments through premium surcharges or tax credits. The bill directly affects property insurers participating in TWIA, requiring them to pay these assessments when reserves and existing trust funds are insufficient. Key provisions include limiting assessments to 33% of probable maximum loss, requiring commissioner approval for certain funding methods, and expiring on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits most businesses in Texas from selling, offering for sale, or holding for sale obscene devices (as legally defined in the Penal Code), with exceptions for sexually oriented businesses operating under existing Chapter 102 rules. It allows county or district attorneys to sue violators in district court to stop the sale and impose civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, plus reimbursement for investigation costs. The law directly affects retail businesses selling adult-oriented products, requiring compliance with the new restrictions unless operating as a licensed sexually oriented business. The bill takes effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote, or on September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Maddy summarySB 1636 prohibits Texas school districts from using revenue from their interest and sinking tax (typically used to pay bond debt) to cover deferred maintenance costs for school facilities. This directly affects school districts by requiring them to find alternative funding sources for repair delays, such as using general tax revenue instead. The bill adds a new provision to the Education Code (Section 45.116) explicitly banning this specific use of bond-related tax funds. It takes effect September 1, 2025, if passed. The policy change ensures bond tax revenue remains dedicated to debt payments, not facility repairs.

Maddy summarySB 2960 updates the continuing education requirements for arbitrators handling property tax disputes in Texas. To renew their agreement with the comptroller, arbitrators must complete eight hours of approved education in arbitration/dispute resolution (from universities, trade associations, or bar-approved courses) and, if updated, finish a revised property tax law training program. This directly affects current and future arbitrators registered to resolve property tax appeals through binding arbitration. The bill amends Texas Tax Code Section 41A.061 and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2970 amends Texas law to strengthen the Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program, directly affecting farmers, ranchers, and landowners seeking to protect agricultural land. The bill defines "agricultural conservation easements" to specifically include protecting water quality, wildlife habitats, rare plants, and preventing land fragmentation. It requires the program to prioritize grant applications for land at risk of development or subdivision, using a scoring system that evaluates watershed integrity and habitat protection. The changes give the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department more authority to manage the program, including setting fees, accepting donations, and ensuring easements align with conservation goals.

Maddy summarySB 2842 prohibits Texas school districts from using interest and sinking tax revenue (money raised through property taxes to pay bond debt) to cover deferred maintenance costs. This includes repairs, preventive maintenance, or replacing parts/systems in school facilities. The bill amends the Education Code to explicitly ban this use of bond funds under Section 45.001(d), requiring districts to demonstrate compliance before issuing new bonds. It directly affects all school districts that rely on bond financing for infrastructure, ensuring maintenance costs are covered by operating budgets rather than debt-repayment funds. The legislation aims to clarify that bond proceeds must fund new construction or major capital projects, not ongoing facility upkeep.

Maddy summarySB 2840 requires Texas public university systems to offer competency-based baccalaureate degree programs in high-demand fields, as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. These programs must cost enrolled students no more than $10,000 total, making degree completion more affordable. The bill applies to all public institutions of higher education in Texas and takes effect for the 2026-2027 academic year. It focuses on expanding accessible, cost-controlled degree options in fields with strong job market demand.

Maddy summarySB 2488 creates a statewide homeless data sharing network to connect homeless response systems, health insurers, and housing services through real-time data exchange. It requires the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to collaborate with the Texas Homeless Network and health benefit issuers to identify individuals experiencing homelessness and refer them to housing navigation and health resources. The bill mandates strict confidentiality for all shared data, ensuring compliance with existing state and federal privacy laws. This policy change enables coordinated service delivery without creating new funding or services, focusing solely on improving data sharing between existing agencies.