Maddy summarySB 1420 prohibits counties, municipalities, and school districts in Texas from using public funds to directly or indirectly influence pending legislation. It bans spending taxpayer money on lobbying activities but includes key exceptions: officials may testify before committees, provide information to legislators, or reimburse travel for such authorized activities. The bill also allows local entities to pay fees or dues to nonprofit associations advocating collectively for their interests, provided those associations don’t compensate registered lobbyists. Violations permit taxpayers to seek court injunctions to stop prohibited spending. This bill directly affects local government spending practices and aims to restrict the use of public funds for legislative advocacy.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 1412 allows surviving spouses, children, or estate representatives to file late applications for land to be appraised as qualified timber land after an owner's death. This applies only if the land was previously appraised as timber land and the owner died during the prior tax year, with applications due by the tax delinquency date. The bill eliminates the standard 10% penalty for late applications under these specific circumstances. It takes effect January 1, 2026, applying only to filings on or after that date.
Maddy summarySB 1363 requires marketplace rental providers (like Turo or Getaround) to collect and remit local taxes on vehicle rentals directly to municipalities or counties, rather than individual vehicle owners. The bill mandates that providers add the applicable local tax and gross receipts tax to the rental price, treating these taxes as part of the total rental charge. Providers must maintain detailed records of rental receipts and tax payments for four years, and failure to comply may result in penalties. This directly affects rental platforms operating in Texas, shifting tax collection responsibility from vehicle owners to the platforms themselves.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 212) recognizing the 100th anniversary of First Pentecostal Church of Silsbee. It formally acknowledges the church's founding in 1925, its historical role in the Silsbee community, and its continued ministry under current pastor Rev. James Homer Looper. The resolution expresses the Texas Senate's appreciation through a formal commendation and includes plans to provide the church with a copy of the resolution. As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or funding impacts, it does not affect any laws or individuals beyond this recognition.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 218), not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes the Heritage Center of Cherokee County Museum in Rusk for its role in preserving Texas history, specifically honoring their work on a sculpture of Governor Jim Hogg and related historical projects. The resolution commends the museum's board, staff, and donors for their dedication to sharing Cherokee County's history and extends well-wishes for their dedication ceremony. It has no legal effect or impact on laws or regulations.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 135), not a policy bill. It formally recognizes March 3-4, 2025, as "Golden Triangle Days" in Austin, honoring an annual event organized by chambers of commerce in Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange. The resolution extends the Senate's "best wishes" for the event, which connects Southeast Texas communities with state officials and businesses. It has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation, as it solely commemorates an existing community advocacy tradition.
Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that, by default, the owner of surface land in Texas owns the pore space (geologic voids and cavities beneath the surface) unless a deed, lease, or contract specifies otherwise. It directly affects surface landowners and entities involved in subsurface activities like oil and gas extraction, as it establishes surface ownership as the default for pore space. The law explicitly states it does not change existing common law governing mineral rights versus surface rights. This provision aims to reduce legal uncertainty about subsurface ownership in Texas.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas law to require sex offender registration for individuals convicted of soliciting prostitution (Penal Code Section 43.021) when the offense is punishable as a second-degree felony. It expands existing registration requirements by adding this specific offense to the list of reportable convictions under the Code of Criminal Procedure. The change directly affects people convicted of felony-level solicitation of prostitution, requiring them to register as sex offenders. The bill does not create new criminal offenses but modifies registration obligations for certain existing convictions.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 175) formally recognizes February 2025 as Black History Month in Texas. It does not create new laws or policies, but serves as a symbolic gesture by the Texas Senate to honor African American contributions to Texas history and culture. The resolution encourages all Texans to learn about the achievements and heritage of Black communities in the state, as detailed in the preamble. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct legal effect on citizens or government operations.
Maddy summarySB 1047 amends Texas law to improve transparency in bail decisions for defendants charged with Class B misdemeanors or more serious offenses. It requires a new public safety report system to include specific defendant information - like criminal history, previous bond failures, protective orders, and pending charges - when magistrates set bail. The bill also mandates that magistrates consider these factors and establishes clearer procedures for notifying victims of family violence, stalking, harassment, or terroristic threats. This affects defendants facing bail decisions, magistrates, and victims in these cases, aiming to standardize information used in pretrial release determinations. The bill is currently pending in committee after recent testimony.