Sen. Charles Perry

Maddy summarySB 2772 amends Texas law to clarify who can access juvenile justice information held by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. It specifies that agencies like criminal justice departments, the Texas Education Agency, health agencies, and universities may access non-identifiable information for research or statistics without special agreements. For identifiable information, the department must require written agreements with strict security, confidentiality, and usage limits. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects research organizations, government agencies, and the department itself in how they handle juvenile justice data.

Maddy summarySB 2719 authorizes the Texas Department of State Health Services to lease a specific 16.08-acre portion of the Austin State Hospital tract (described by metes and bounds) to Travis County. The lease is for a fixed 99-year term, requiring Travis County to use the property exclusively for public purposes, with automatic termination and reversion to the state if the property is not used for public purposes for over 180 consecutive days. Key provisions include mandatory public use, a long-term lease term, and specific requirements for the lease agreement instrument. This bill directly affects Travis County as the lessee and the state as the lessor, with no specified impact on individual residents or broader policy areas.

Maddy summarySB 2720 allows the Texas Department of State Health Services to lease unused real property on the Austin State Hospital campus to local governments for mental health services - including jail diversion programs - without requiring competitive bidding or advertising. The lease must be at below-market rates and only applies to property not currently used by the department. This bill directly affects the state health department, local governments providing mental health services, and individuals accessing these services through community programs. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2657 requires lease agreements for wind power facilities in Texas to include specific provisions for recycling or reusing components that can be reused (such as turbine blades) and for disposing of non-reusable components at authorized waste facilities. The bill mandates that facility operators must cover these costs through financial assurance, such as bonds or letters of credit, to ensure removal, recycling, disposal, and land restoration. This applies to all wind power facility lease agreements in Texas, directly affecting operators and landowners who enter into such agreements. The bill does not address solar power facilities, as the provided text only amends wind power provisions.

Maddy summarySB 2659 establishes new rules for recycling facilities handling renewable energy components like wind turbine blades, solar panels, and battery storage systems. Facility owners must annually report unrecycled components, estimated timelines, and cost estimates from independent engineers by January 15, and provide financial assurance equal to 125% of those costs through bonds, letters of credit, or parent company guarantees. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will maintain an online list of compliant facilities and may impose administrative penalties for noncompliance. This bill directly affects recycling businesses processing wind, solar, and battery components, ensuring transparency and financial responsibility for end-of-life management.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (SR 355) honoring Jonathan David Corder, a Levelland animal control officer who died in a work-related vehicle collision on October 13, 2022. The resolution pays tribute to his service investigating animal cruelty, his community outreach, and his dedication to helping animals find homes. It extends condolences to his family, including his son Cole, parents, siblings, and extended relatives, and requests the Texas Senate adjourn in his memory. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legislative effect or policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 881 creates a provisional medical license for foreign-trained physicians who have job offers from Texas healthcare providers. To qualify, applicants must hold a medical degree from an eligible program, be licensed in good standing abroad within five years, have practiced medicine for at least five years (with residency or equivalent experience), and meet English proficiency requirements. The provisional license allows them to practice for up to three years while completing full licensure requirements. This directly affects foreign medical graduates seeking to work in Texas hospitals, health systems, or clinics.

Maddy summarySB 1315 allows counties and cities in Texas to restrict tobacco sales near certain locations. Local governments can ban cigarette, e-cigarette, or tobacco product sales within 300 feet of churches, public hospitals, or schools, or within 1,000 feet of schools upon request by school boards. The law includes an exception for businesses where tobacco sales make up less than half of total revenue. This policy directly affects tobacco retailers near schools, hospitals, and churches, while giving local authorities flexibility to implement these restrictions. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 354) is a symbolic tribute from the Texas Senate honoring Crystal Jeanette Goforth, a Levelland animal control officer who died in a 2022 traffic accident while on duty. It recognizes her career service with the Levelland Police Department, her community outreach, and her dedication to animal welfare. The resolution extends condolences to her family and directs the Senate to formally memorialize her passing, with a copy provided to her family. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or laws, as it is purely commemorative.

Maddy summarySB 1317 prohibits minors from entering smoke shops unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. It defines a "smoke shop" as an establishment where at least 50% of sales come from tobacco products like cigarettes or e-cigarettes. Owners or employees who allow unaccompanied minors on premises face a misdemeanor charge with a maximum $500 fine. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting smoke shop operators and minors seeking to enter such locations.