Maddy summarySB 7 requires the Texas Water Development Board to coordinate planning for water infrastructure projects to maximize use of existing utility corridors and minimize land acquisition through eminent domain. It mandates the Board to develop standardized specifications for water infrastructure, ensure different water systems can connect and operate together, and recommend building extra capacity during construction to accommodate future projects. The bill directly affects water project developers, utilities, and local governments working with the Board on infrastructure planning and financing. Key provisions include creating interconnectivity standards and facilitating collaboration between project sponsors and transportation/utility entities.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 1498 amends the state code to explicitly include digital currency, non-fungible tokens, and stablecoins as "contraband" subject to civil asset forfeiture. It allows law enforcement to seize these digital assets if used in connection with specific felonies, such as drug trafficking under Chapter 481 of the Health and Safety Code, financial crimes under Chapter 32 of the Finance Code, or healthcare fraud involving government programs. The bill directly affects individuals owning digital currency who are involved in the listed criminal activities. This change clarifies that digital assets now fall under existing forfeiture rules for tangible property, addressing gaps in how cryptocurrency was previously treated under Texas law.
Maddy summarySB 1405 defines minimum broadband speed standards (100 Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload, 100ms latency) for "broadband service" in Texas. It requires the state to map and classify locations as "unserved" (no access to these speeds) or "underserved" (access below standards) and publish annual data on broadband program applications, reimbursements, and funding. The bill directly affects broadband providers, local governments, and residents in areas lacking high-speed internet access. It became law on June 20, 2025, after being signed by the governor. Note: The bill focuses on defining standards and transparency, not tax changes as implied in the title.
Maddy summarySB 13 requires Texas school districts to provide parents with access to records about their child's school library materials, including books or digital resources checked out. It mandates that school libraries prohibit the acquisition of materials rated "sexually explicit" by vendors or deemed "harmful" under Texas law, and restricts access to content described as "pervasively vulgar" or "educationally unsuitable." The bill also creates local school library advisory councils to help develop library policies. These changes directly affect parents, school districts, and students by expanding parental oversight of library resources and setting new standards for library collections. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHCR 148 designates Bridge City as Texas' official "Corn Dog Capital" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution recognizes Bridge City's local corn dog culture, including its food vendors, festivals, and community events centered around the snack. The designation, established under Texas Government Code Section 391.003(e), has no regulatory or financial impact but formally honors the city's culinary identity. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it does not create new policies or affect state funding.
Maddy summarySB 15 limits zoning restrictions for small residential lots (4,000 sq ft or less) in certain large Texas municipalities (population over 90,000 in counties over 300,000). It prohibits municipalities from requiring lots larger than 1,400 sq ft, wider than 20 feet, or deeper than 60 feet, and mandates a minimum density of 31.1 units per acre. The bill also bans restrictions on covered parking, parking space limits, building height (requiring at least 3 stories), and excessive open space requirements for small lots. Municipalities may still charge permitting fees equivalent to single-family lot fees but cannot impose other zoning rules inconsistent with these provisions.
Maddy summaryHB 5057 requires cities and towns in Texas to provide public notice before granting exclusive contracts for garbage collection or transportation services to private companies. The law mandates that public agencies publish a summary of the contract's purpose and changes in a local newspaper and on their website, with the contract not taking effect until after this notice is published. Existing non-exclusive waste providers can continue operating for up to one year or until their current contract expires, whichever comes first. This law, effective June 20, 2025, aims to increase transparency in municipal waste service contracts.
Maddy summarySB 1055 caps permit fees for groundwater wells in the Southeast Texas Groundwater Conservation District at seven cents per thousand gallons withdrawn. The bill directly affects well permit holders, including agricultural, residential, and commercial users relying on groundwater in that district. It amends state law to set this maximum fee, preventing the district from charging more. The law took effect immediately upon the Governor's signature on June 20, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 3370 allows Texas landowners to file late applications for timber land appraisal after inheriting property from a deceased owner. It specifically permits surviving spouses, children, or estate executors to apply for tax appraisal adjustments within the property tax delinquency period, provided the land was previously appraised and ownership changed due to death. The bill waives the standard 10% penalty for late filings when these conditions are met, ensuring inherited timber land qualifies for lower tax rates without financial penalty. This directly affects Texas landowners who inherit timber-producing property and need to adjust their property tax valuation following a death.
Maddy summarySB 1259 updates Texas regulations for land surveyors by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, directly affecting individuals seeking surveyor-in-training certificates or registered professional land surveyor licenses. Key provisions require the board to issue written advisory opinions on legal interpretations of surveying laws and mandate that the advisory committee publicly document meeting discussions and decisions. The bill revises educational and experience requirements for certification, such as specifying that surveyor-in-training applicants must now complete 32 semester hours in surveying-related courses (e.g., land surveying, mathematics, or land law) plus 1-4 years of supervised experience, with multiple pathways including degrees, coursework, or self-education. It also clarifies that registered surveyors must hold a surveyor-in-training certificate, pass exams, and have a degree with 32 hours in designated surveying subjects.