Sen. Robert Nichols

Maddy summarySB 1365 creates a new 24-month vehicle registration period for new passenger cars and light trucks meeting specific criteria. It directly affects owners purchasing new vehicles sold in Texas that have never been registered elsewhere and are from the current or previous model year. The bill requires the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to base registration periods on the vehicle's sale date, replacing the standard annual registration for these new vehicles. This change aims to simplify registration for new vehicle owners while maintaining existing requirements for vehicle safety inspections.

Maddy summarySB 35 amends the Texas Transportation Code to limit the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to no more than two design-build contracts per state fiscal biennium, down from a previous cap of six. This change directly affects TxDOT's ability to award these types of construction contracts for transportation projects. The bill specifies that TxDOT cannot enter into more than two such contracts in each two-year budget cycle. The legislation does not alter project selection, funding mechanisms, or broader transportation policies - only the numerical limit on contracts. It takes effect on September 1, 2025, unless approved for immediate effect by a two-thirds vote.

Maddy summarySB 2371 creates new rules to combat skimmers - devices that illegally steal payment card data - on electronic terminals like point-of-sale machines and ATMs. It requires service technicians to report discovered skimmers to the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center and authorizes civil penalties for violations. The law directly affects service companies, technicians, merchants, and financial institutions that maintain or operate electronic terminals. Enforcement will be handled by the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center under Texas Business & Commerce Code Chapter 607A.

Maddy summarySB 1030 exempts certain aircraft components and property required for normal aircraft operations from Texas sales and use taxes. Specifically, it removes taxes on tangible personal property permanently attached to aircraft or necessary for their operation (such as fuel or maintenance parts). This applies to aircraft owners or operators covered under existing tax code provisions. The exemption takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not apply to taxes accrued before that date.

Maddy summarySB 2425 would establish a regulatory framework for automated motor vehicles (self-driving cars) in Texas by defining key terms like "automated driving system" (Level 3-5 automation per SAE standards) and requiring authorization from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles for operators. The bill creates a criminal offense related to the operation of these vehicles, though specific violations aren't detailed in the provided text. It would directly affect companies and individuals operating self-driving cars by mandating departmental approval, setting operational standards, and defining responsibilities for the "dynamic driving task" (e.g., steering, braking, and lane changes).

Maddy summarySB 993 amends Texas law to allow peace officers commissioned by the comptroller (such as those working for tax or revenue enforcement) to apply for court orders authorizing mobile tracking devices on vehicles. The bill directly affects these specific comptroller-commissioned officers by expanding their eligibility to seek such orders, which previously only applied to "authorized peace officers." Key provisions add this group to the list of applicants under Article 18B.202(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, requiring the same judicial review process as other officers. The bill makes a specific procedural change to the application process without altering the requirements for obtaining a tracking device order.

Maddy summarySB 2540 amends Texas Education Code Section 13.231 to require school districts making minor boundary adjustments to include specific written terms in their agreements. It mandates that agreements executed on or after January 1, 2025, clearly state any ongoing restrictions, covenants, or contracts affecting property after the boundary change, along with each district's rights and responsibilities regarding those terms. This directly affects school districts that adjust shared boundaries with neighboring districts. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies retroactively to agreements made before the law's effective date but after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes the Jacksonville Independent School District for preserving the historic Tomato Bowl stadium. It acknowledges the stadium's 1930s-1940s construction, its unique stone and red iron ore architecture, and its recent recognition as Texas' top high school stadium in a statewide contest. The resolution commends the school district's efforts to maintain the venue's historical integrity during a 2019 renovation. The Senate will provide a copy of this resolution to the Jacksonville community as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals to submit proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must provide a copy of specific documents, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate, with their voter registration application. If initial proof is not provided, voter registrars must attempt to verify citizenship using various databases. If citizenship cannot be verified or proof is not ultimately provided, the applicant will only be eligible to vote a limited federal ballot. The bill also creates a state jail felony offense for registrars who knowingly fail to reject applications that do not meet these new requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1555 establishes a state grant program to fund railroad grade separation projects at local road and pedestrian crossings not on state highways. Local governments (cities, counties) can apply for grants to build overpasses or underpasses at these intersections to improve safety and reduce traffic conflicts. The program requires at least 10% of project costs from non-state sources (like local funds or federal grants), prohibits using state highway funds for these grants, and mandates that recipients partner with the Texas Department of Transportation to manage construction. Signed into law on May 24, 2025, this policy directly affects communities with railroad crossings near public roads or sidewalks.