Maddy summarySB 27 modifies Texas education law to protect public school educators' rights and provide financial support. It requires salary reductions for unpaid leave to be calculated using annual salary divided by expected workdays (affecting teachers, counselors, and librarians), waives certification exam fees for first-time applicants in special education and bilingual programs, and prevents sanctions against educators who leave probationary contracts after the 45th day before school starts due to serious illness or spouse relocation. The bill directly impacts educators seeking certification and those on probationary contracts, while also directing the Texas Education Agency to cover exam fees for qualifying applicants. These changes aim to reduce financial barriers and provide clearer protections for educators during employment transitions.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 1065 requires contractors working with Texas governmental entities (like schools, hospitals, or local governments) to include a specific clause in their contracts. This clause prohibits contractors from banning handgun license holders from property unless state law (Section 46.03 of the Penal Code) already prohibits carrying handguns there. Contractors violating this rule face civil penalties: $1,000-$1,500 for a first offense and $10,000-$10,500 for repeat violations. Residents or license holders can file complaints with the attorney general, and collected penalties fund the victims of crime compensation fund.
Maddy summarySJR 34 proposes adding Section 37 to the Texas Constitution to affirm parents' inherent right to make decisions about their children's upbringing, including care, custody, and control. It states the state cannot interfere with these parental rights unless the interference is essential for a compelling government interest and narrowly tailored to achieve that interest. If passed, this constitutional amendment would require voter approval in the November 2025 election, with the ballot phrased as supporting "parents as the primary decision-makers for their children." The bill directly affects parents' legal authority over child-rearing decisions and sets new constitutional limits on state intervention.
Maddy summaryThis Texas bill prohibits most state agencies, courts, and the legislature from implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that influence hiring or workforce composition based on race, sex, or ethnicity. It bans offices conducting trainings or programs related to concepts like "systemic oppression," "anti-racism," or "gender theory" unless specifically approved by an attorney general for legal compliance. The law exempts universities and initiatives solely designed to meet federal or state legal requirements. It defines prohibited activities to prevent "differential treatment" or "special benefits" based on protected characteristics.
Maddy summarySB 1358 prohibits local governments (counties, municipalities, or public health districts) from requiring sound regulation permits, charging sound-related fees, or banning sound from deliveries to food service establishments. It specifically applies to deliveries of food, nonalcoholic beverages, food supplies, or ice that occur for one hour or less between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., provided the sound level at the nearest residential property does not exceed 75 dBA (excluding traffic noise). The law prevents local regulations targeting noise from these late-night deliveries, directly affecting restaurants and delivery businesses operating during those hours. It takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 1959 requires the North Texas Groundwater Conservation District to consider whether a water permit application (or amendment) is for enhancing landscape appearance via ponds or lakes before approving or denying it. The bill applies only to new or changed permit requests submitted after its effective date. It mandates the district evaluate if water use is "wholly or partly" for aesthetic landscape features, such as decorative ponds. This changes the district's permit review process but does not alter water rights or conservation standards.
Maddy summarySB 1262 amends Texas law to enhance public school safety by allowing school staff to be commissioned as peace officers under specific Education Code provisions. It updates the Texas School Safety Center’s board composition and establishes new requirements for school safety resources and security measures. The bill directly affects Texas public schools, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and the Texas School Safety Center by expanding who can serve as school safety officers and mandating standardized security protocols. Key mechanisms include adding school safety officers to the list of authorized peace officers in the Code of Criminal Procedure and requiring schools to meet specified security resource standards. The bill focuses on structural changes to safety oversight, not on funding or outcome predictions.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Texas navigation districts to cover costs if they need to move dredged material (sediment removed during waterway maintenance) from another district's authorized disposal site. If relocation reduces another district's capacity at that site, the requesting district must replace the lost capacity in a new location and pay for any extra transportation costs. The law applies specifically to districts managing dredged material placement areas and mandates compliance with federal Corps of Engineers rules. It became effective immediately upon the governor's signature on May 19, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 536) honors Mark Garcia for his 25 years of service as Texas Senate auditor. It formally recognizes his professional contributions, dedication, and personal involvement with Senate colleagues and community activities like the Senate Christmas band and the Texas MS 150 fundraiser. The resolution directs the Senate to present Garcia with an official copy as a gesture of appreciation for his service. No new laws or policy changes are created by this resolution.
Maddy summarySB 1008 clarifies that Texas counties, municipalities, and public health districts can only require permits for food businesses (like restaurants, food trucks, and mobile vendors) if state law already mandates them. It prevents local governments from charging duplicate fees for alcohol permits if businesses already paid fees to operate locally, and requires them to post all fee schedules online. The bill directly affects food service operators and local governments by standardizing permit and fee rules to align with state law. Businesses can now legally challenge local ordinances that violate specific state codes (e.g., Health & Safety Code sections 437.001-437.012). This aims to reduce conflicting regulations for food service businesses across Texas.