Sen. Robert Nichols

Maddy summarySB 992 requires the Texas Attorney General to approve or deny state agency contracts for outside legal services within 25 days of receipt. If denied, the Attorney General must provide a written explanation of the reason. State agencies affected by this rule must submit contracts to the Attorney General for review, and if approval is denied, they may select alternative legal counsel subject to the Attorney General’s subsequent approval. The law applies only to contracts submitted on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 126 designates Corrigan, Texas as the state's official Timber Products Capital for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution recognizes Corrigan's historical role in Texas' timber industry, including its current four major timber production facilities and commitment to sustainable forestry practices. The designation does not create new policies, funding, or obligations - it is purely an official acknowledgment of Corrigan's economic significance to the timber sector.

Maddy summaryHCR 75 designates Hemphill, Texas, as the "Official Bass Fishing Capital of Texas" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution recognizes Hemphill's location between Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn Reservoirs - ranked among the nation's top bass fishing sites by Bassmaster Magazine - and its role as a hub for fishing-related businesses and conservation efforts. The designation, authorized under Section 391.003(e) of the Texas Government Code, has no new funding or regulatory requirements. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of Hemphill's cultural and economic ties to bass fishing, with no direct impact on state laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 3012 sets minimum fees for driving safety courses in Texas. It requires course providers to charge at least $25 per student and an additional $3 fee for materials and administration. The law applies directly to driving safety course providers and takes effect September 1, 2025. This is a straightforward fee regulation with no changes to course content or eligibility. The bill was signed into law on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 587) celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Association of Water Board Directors-Texas (AWBD-TX), which represents water district professionals across Texas. It recognizes the association's founding in 1975 and its role in supporting water district operations, education, and advocacy for over 1,000 members including utility directors, consultants, and vendors. The resolution has no legislative effect - it simply expresses the Texas Senate’s appreciation through formal congratulations and a copy for the association. This is a standard recognition resolution, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 614) formally recognizes the 40 University of Texas System students serving as the inaugural cohort of the Texas Legislative Fellowship Program during the 89th Texas Legislature. The resolution acknowledges their roles supporting legislators and state offices through full-time internships focused on legislative processes, policymaking, and constituent services. It specifically lists each fellow's placement in Senate or House offices and state agency roles. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or funding provisions. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 93 designates Nacogdoches as Texas' official "Garden Capital" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This concurrent resolution formally recognizes Nacogdoches' longstanding commitment to horticulture, including its historic gardens, annual Azalea Trail, and community gardening initiatives. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it is a symbolic designation honoring the city's established garden heritage. The resolution affects only Nacogdoches, affirming its role as a leader in Texas' gardening traditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas judges to deny bail to individuals classified as "illegal aliens" charged with felony offenses, if a judge determines probable cause exists. It defines "illegal alien" as someone who entered the U.S. without inspection or violated nonimmigrant visa terms. The amendment would automatically deny bail pending trial for such individuals, without requiring additional proof of flight risk or danger. If approved by voters in 2025, it would become part of the Texas Constitution. (Note: This is a procedural proposal requiring voter approval, not an immediate law.)

Maddy summarySB 18 prohibits Texas municipal libraries from receiving state or public funds if they host events where a person presenting as the opposite gender (e.g., a man presenting as a woman or woman presenting as a man) reads to minors for entertainment, with the gender presentation being a primary component of the event. Libraries hosting such events would lose funding for the fiscal year following the event. The law applies only to events occurring on or after September 1, 2025, and affects municipal libraries receiving state or public funds. It directly targets funding for specific library programming involving gender presentation in children's events. The bill does not restrict library access or content generally, only funding tied to these defined events.

Maddy summarySB 1413 creates a new process for landowners with at least 25 acres not receiving water service to petition for removal from a water utility's service area in specific Texas counties. It applies to counties with populations of 1.2 million or more, adjacent to such counties, or meeting certain population and university enrollment thresholds. The bill requires petitioners to provide written notice to the utility before filing and prohibits the utility from borrowing federal funds during the review process. This establishes a streamlined procedure for landowners seeking to exit utility service agreements under defined geographic criteria.