Sen. Robert Nichols

Maddy summarySB 1851 requires Texas municipalities to complete annual audits and file financial statements by the 180th day after their fiscal year ends. If a municipality misses this deadline, it cannot adopt a property tax rate exceeding its "no-new-revenue tax rate" for the affected tax year and any subsequent year until the audit is completed and filed. The law applies only to tax years beginning on or after September 1, 2025, and became effective immediately after Governor's signature on May 24, 2025. This bill directly affects all Texas municipalities subject to audit requirements under Local Government Code Chapter 103.

Maddy summarySB 2476 transfers ownership of the Woodlawn Water Supply Corporation's assets - including water systems, property, and its operating license - to the Angelina and Neches River Authority. This directly affects the Woodlawn Corporation (which will dissolve within 30 days) and its water service customers in the region. The bill requires a formal contract between the two entities to transfer all debts, rights, and obligations, with the River Authority assuming the Corporation's Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (operating license) without additional review. The transfer became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature on May 24, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 1399 creates a property tax exemption for animal feed held by owners for retail sale in Texas. It directly affects agricultural retailers and feed suppliers who currently pay ad valorem (property) taxes on inventory. The bill exempts this inventory from property tax if it's already exempt from sales/use taxes under existing law. The exemption applies only to tax years starting January 1, 2026, but only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment in the November 2025 election. If the amendment fails, the bill has no effect.

Maddy summaryHB 2000, titled "Audrii's Law," amends Texas law to require sex offender registration for individuals convicted of certain child grooming offenses. Specifically, it adds Section 43.021 (Solicitation of Prostitution) of the Penal Code to the list of offenses triggering registration, but only when the offense is punishable as a second-degree felony. This change directly affects people convicted of soliciting minors for sexual purposes under this specific statute. The law expands existing registration requirements to cover these grooming-related acts, aligning them with other serious sexual offenses. It became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 996 allows retail fireworks permit holders in Texas to sell fireworks to the public only on July 5, 2026 (from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.), replacing previous sales windows. This rule directly affects licensed fireworks retailers and applies specifically to that single day in 2026. The provision expires on September 1, 2026, and does not change general fireworks sale rules outside this date. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 467 provides a legal process for dissolving the Cedar Creek Hospital District and using its remaining funds to establish a nursing scholarship. The bill allows Kaufman, Van Zandt, and Henderson County judges to call an election if the district no longer provides medical care, has vacant board positions, no debt, and only money as assets. If voters approve, the district dissolves, and funds are split equally among the three counties to create the Andrew Gibbs Memorial Nursing Scholarship. This directly affects the hospital district and the counties involved, replacing district operations with a scholarship program. The bill became law immediately after the governor signed it on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summarySB 3063 would create the Bayou Belle Municipal Management District No. 1 in Liberty County, Texas. The district would have limited authority to use eminent domain for public projects, issue bonds for financing, and collect assessments, fees, or taxes from property owners within its boundaries. Its purpose is to promote economic development, including job creation, tourism, transportation, and public safety, while supplementing rather than replacing existing county services. The bill establishes governance through a board of directors and aligns with constitutional provisions for special districts focused on community welfare.

Maddy summarySB 1364 repeals existing restrictions on wheelbase and horsepower for Texas state government passenger vehicles by removing Section 2158.003 from the Government Code. This bill directly affects the Texas state government's vehicle procurement process, eliminating specific limits on vehicle size and engine power. The change takes effect September 1, 2025, allowing state agencies to purchase passenger vehicles without adhering to those prior specifications.