Sen. César Blanco

Maddy summarySB 148 repeals Section 43.007(i) of the Texas Election Code, which governed how counties participate in the countywide polling place program. This change removes a specific provision related to county operations under that program. The bill would take effect immediately if passed by two-thirds vote, or on September 1, 2025, if not.

Maddy summarySB 163 amends Texas Education Code to change how full-day prekindergarten programs are funded under the Foundation School Program. It requires districts operating full-day preK to provide at least 32,400 minutes of annual instructional time to qualify for full average daily attendance credit (matching K-12 funding rules), instead of half-credit for half-day programs. This directly affects public school districts and charter schools offering preK programs by determining their state funding eligibility. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, aligning preK attendance calculations with K-12 standards for funding purposes.

Maddy summarySB 150 prohibits discrimination in Texas public accommodations (businesses serving the public) based on race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military veteran status. It bans refusing service, discriminatory communications, or advertising that denies equal access to these protected groups. The bill authorizes civil penalties for violations and establishes a process for individuals to file complaints with the Texas Workforce Commission. This directly affects businesses operating as public accommodations and individuals seeking services or goods.

Maddy summarySB 257 creates an exception to Texas' abortion ban for pregnancies resulting from sexual assault as defined in specific Penal Code sections (22.011, 22.021, and 25.02). It removes requirements for victims to file police reports, provide forensic evidence, or pursue prosecution to access this exception. The bill repeals Chapter 6-1/2 of the Revised Statutes, which was the main state law prohibiting most abortions. This exception applies only to cases meeting the sexual assault criteria and does not change other abortion laws or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 258 allows Texas voters with an unexpired driver’s license or state ID card to register to vote online through the state’s official website starting September 1, 2025. It requires applicants to verify their information, consent to using their license signature, and match details against Department of Public Safety records. If the information matches, the application is sent to the applicant’s county registrar; if not, the system directs them to submit a paper form. The bill directly affects Texas voters who hold valid driver’s licenses or state IDs, making voter registration more accessible while requiring security checks against state records.

Maddy summarySB 142 allows volunteer deputy registrars in Texas to serve statewide - across all counties - rather than being limited to the county that appointed them. The bill updates election code to require standardized appointment certificates, clarifies that volunteers cannot receive county compensation without commissioners court approval, and expands their authority to distribute and accept voter registration forms anywhere in Texas. It also specifies that appointments terminate upon conviction for failing to deliver applications or other misconduct. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 255 requires Texas to expand Medicaid eligibility to all low-income adults who apply and meet federal income guidelines under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), specifically those with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. It directly affects approximately 1 million Texans who currently lack Medicaid coverage due to Texas’s prior refusal to expand eligibility. The bill mandates that the Health and Human Services Commission provide medical assistance using available federal matching funds, overriding any existing state restrictions. This policy change takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies to all new applications or eligibility reviews after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits licensed mental health providers from attempting to change a child's sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. It applies to professionals like counselors, psychologists, social workers, and therapists treating minors under 18. The law defines "unprofessional conduct" as any effort to alter a child's sexual orientation, behavior, gender identity, or same-sex attractions. Violations would be addressed through professional licensing disciplinary actions under Texas law. The bill does not ban therapy for LGBTQ+ youth but specifically targets practices aimed at changing their core identity.

Maddy summarySB 256 amends Texas abortion laws by creating specific medical exceptions to existing prohibitions. It allows abortions when a licensed physician determines it is medically necessary to preserve a patient's life, physical/mental health (including fertility), or due to a lethal fetal anomaly or life-limiting diagnosis. The bill explicitly states that accidental injury to an embryo/fetus during medical treatment does not violate the law, and it prohibits holding patients liable for abortions performed under these exceptions. It also repeals two specific sections of current law and Chapter 6-1/2 (which previously regulated abortion). The bill directly affects pregnant patients seeking abortions and healthcare providers performing them under these defined medical circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill requires voters to present specific forms of identification at polling places, with options for those who lack standard photo ID. Voters without photo identification can still cast ballots by providing two non-photo forms of ID or one non-photo ID plus a signed declaration explaining why they cannot obtain the required photo ID. The declaration process includes a statement that the voter faces a reasonable impediment to getting proper identification and carries penalties for false information. Additionally, the bill clarifies documentation requirements for voters seeking disability exemptions from ID rules, requiring proof from the Social Security Administration or Veterans Affairs.