Maddy summarySB 2404 extends the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) until September 1, 2037, and revises its governing board to include 11 members: seven voting members appointed by the governor and four nonvoting members representing higher education, top-spending state agencies, and smaller agencies. The bill requires DIR to create a voluntary certification course on procuring information technology for state employees with existing purchasing or contract management certifications, to be offered in person at least quarterly. It also mandates annual training for upper management at state agencies on best practices for purchasing information technology, covering topics from the certification program. These provisions update DIR's structure and training requirements for state agency procurement of information resources.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2402 extends the Texas Lottery Commission's existence by subjecting it to periodic review under the Texas Sunset Act, preventing its automatic dissolution on September 1, 2037, unless legislative action continues it. The bill adds a limited-scope Sunset review for 2025-2029 to assess the Commission's compliance with recent law changes and Sunset Advisory Commission recommendations. It also requires the Commission to implement annual training for members on laws, audits, and ethics, establish three subcommittees (audit, legal, planning), and create a lottery advisory committee with balanced public representation. The bill updates minor sales rules to require sales agents to exercise criminal negligence (e.g., failing to check age) when selling tickets to individuals under 18. These provisions directly affect the Commission’s operations, its members, and sales agents handling lottery transactions.
Maddy summarySB 2426 increases criminal penalties for dog fighting and cockfighting by reclassifying certain offenses under Texas law. Specifically, it upgrades penalties for dog fighting under Penal Code Section 42.10(a)(1), (2), or (3) from misdemeanors to state jail felonies, while maintaining misdemeanor penalties for other subsections. Similarly, for cockfighting under Section 42.105(b), it elevates penalties for specific conduct to state jail felonies. The bill applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect past convictions.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 19, 2025, as "Texas Small Business Development Center Day" to honor the Texas SBDC Network. It recognizes the network's 40+ years of providing free business consulting, helping businesses access over $421 million in financing in 2024, and contributing to 33,000+ jobs and $703 million in new sales. The resolution has no binding policy impact - it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of the network's economic contributions to Texas.
Maddy summarySB 2164 creates a state program to help employers support employee child care costs. It establishes an "employer child-care contribution partnership program" where eligible employers can contribute to employee child care, and the state will match those contributions. Businesses making qualifying contributions may also receive a franchise tax credit. The bill requires the Texas Workforce Commission to set rules for eligibility, income verification, quality standards for child-care providers, and procedures for matching funds. It also authorizes civil penalties for violations of the program rules.
Maddy summarySB 259 establishes a regulatory framework for medical cannabis use in Texas by creating Chapter 487A in the Health and Safety Code. It directly affects patients seeking medical cannabis treatment, physicians recommending it, and new dispensing organizations (licensed entities that cultivate and distribute cannabis). Key provisions include requiring licenses for dispensing organizations, creating a secure medical use registry to verify patient eligibility and track cannabis dispensing, and authorizing fees to cover administrative costs. The bill does not change existing medical cannabis laws but creates a formal system for licensing, registration, and oversight under the Department of Public Safety.
Maddy summarySB 1826 establishes requirements for career and technology education (CTE) programs in Texas public schools, ensuring all secondary and postsecondary students have access to these programs. It mandates that CTE programs must provide industry-recognized credentials, college credit opportunities, and align with federal funding rules, while requiring school districts to offer dual credit courses within these programs. The bill also creates a new "Military Pathway Grant Program" to fund Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs, including administering aptitude tests and annual career counseling. These changes directly affect Texas public school districts, students, and educators by shaping CTE program standards and expanding pathway options.
Maddy summarySB 1505 modifies Texas law governing the Compassionate-Use Program for low-THC cannabis, directly affecting dispensing organizations and patients registered in the program. The bill allows dispensaries to use satellite locations for secure storage without needing additional licenses if the location was included in their initial application or approved by the department. It sets a statewide cap of six dispensing licenses and requires the department to issue licenses to ensure adequate access for patients in each public health region. License holders must begin operations within 24 months of receiving their license and maintain ongoing dispensing.
Maddy summaryThis is a Texas Senate concurrent resolution (SCR 12), not a bill, urging Congress to change federal tax law. It requests that Congress amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow spaceports to qualify for tax-exempt private activity bonds - similar to bonds currently used for airports, docks, and ports. This would enable spaceport developers to access lower-cost financing for infrastructure, directly benefiting Texas' aerospace industry (which has over 2,000 aerospace businesses and ranks second nationally in spaceport locations). The resolution has cleared the Senate committee with unanimous support but has no legal effect; it serves as a formal request to Congress.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 265) symbolically recognizes March 21, 2025, as World Down Syndrome Day in Texas. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or groups, as it is a ceremonial gesture acknowledging the United Nations-designated day. The resolution encourages Texans to support inclusion for people with Down syndrome, referencing medical advances and societal progress. It formally declares the Senate’s recognition of this day at the State Capitol, aligning Texas with global observances.