Sen. Brent Hagenbuch

Maddy summarySB 390 would amend Texas law to include veteran-owned small businesses certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration as "historically underutilized businesses" (HUBs) for state contracting purposes. This change would allow veteran-owned businesses meeting SBA certification standards to qualify for state contracting programs designed to support underutilized businesses. Currently, HUB status requires ownership by economically disadvantaged persons, but this bill expands eligibility to include certified veteran-owned businesses. The bill would take effect September 1, 2025, if enacted.

Maddy summarySB 39 amends Texas law to change how commercial vehicle accident lawsuits handle employer liability. It requires employers to formally admit (via stipulation) that an employee was acting within their job duties during a collision before negligence claims against the employer can proceed. This prevents claimants from presenting evidence about the employee's driving negligence in the first trial phase, but allows claims based on the employer's own actions (like poor vehicle maintenance) to move forward. The bill affects commercial motor vehicle owners/operators and accident victims seeking compensation for collisions. It applies only to cases filed or ongoing after its effective date.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 1573 restricts how law enforcement agencies and state attorneys can use unverified reports of peace officer misconduct. It prohibits agencies from sharing such reports with state attorneys unless misconduct has been officially confirmed, and bars attorneys from considering unadjudicated misconduct when assessing an officer’s credibility in court. Peace officers who face credibility challenges due to unsubstantiated reports can dispute them in district court using a "preponderance of evidence" standard. The bill directly affects peace officers, law enforcement agencies, and state attorneys handling criminal cases in Texas.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 29, 2025, as "Jack County Day" to honor the county's history and celebrate its residents at the Texas State Capitol. It recognizes Jack County's cultural heritage, including its Indigenous roots, role in the Texas Revolution, and economic evolution from agriculture to oil production. The resolution extends a formal welcome to Jack County residents attending the Capitol event. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding policy effects or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summarySJR 86 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase property tax exemptions for certain disabled veterans in Texas. It would raise the maximum exemption amounts for veterans with specific disability ratings (e.g., from $5,000 to $30,000 for 10-30% disability) and add new categories like veterans aged 65+ or with severe disabilities. This directly affects disabled veterans certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (or military service) with 10% or higher disability ratings, as well as their surviving spouses and minor children. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 3060 increases property tax exemptions for disabled veterans in Texas based on their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating. It sets new exemption tiers: $30,000 for veterans with a 10-29% rating, $40,000 for 30-49%, $50,000 for 50-69%, and $100,000 for 70% or higher. The bill applies to property taxes for tax years starting January 1, 2026, but only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment in 2025. This directly affects Texas disabled veterans who own property and meet the specified disability rating thresholds.

Maddy summarySB 240, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, requires public schools, government buildings, and facilities like restrooms, locker rooms, and shelters to designate and restrict access based on biological sex as defined by birth certificate and physical characteristics. It prohibits facilities from allowing individuals to use spaces designated for a biological sex different from their own, with exceptions for young children (under 10), ADA accommodations, or emergency assistance. Violations carry civil penalties of $5,000 for first offenses and $25,000 for repeat violations, and citizens can file complaints with the attorney general after providing 3 days’ notice to the facility. The law directly affects state and local government entities managing public facilities, including schools, shelters, and correctional facilities.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 442) passed by the Texas Senate to honor Joseph Burt Dial of San Antonio, who passed away on December 18, 2024. The resolution recognizes his life and legacy, including his work as a livestock breeder, government advisor (such as serving on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission), and civic leader. It does not create new laws or affect policies - it solely serves to pay tribute to Mr. Dial and extend condolences to his family, including his four children, grandchildren, and stepson. As a procedural resolution, it has no practical policy impact.

Maddy summarySB 1852 requires Texas public schools and open-enrollment charter schools offering automotive technology courses to obtain accreditation from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The bill mandates that school districts apply for ASE accreditation, comply with agency guidelines, and cannot spend state funds on these courses until accredited - though limited one-year extensions may be granted for good-faith efforts. The state education agency must cover costs for required training, equipment upgrades, and application fees, and schools must report compliance annually to lawmakers. This policy affects all public schools providing automotive courses and takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summarySB 14, titled the Regulatory Reform and Efficiency Act, creates the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office within the governor's office to streamline how state agencies develop and review regulations. The office will help agencies identify unnecessary rules, reduce costs for businesses and individuals, and establish a public online portal for searching regulatory information. This bill directly affects state agencies that create regulations and the public who interact with those regulations. The new office will operate until 2037 unless extended under the Sunset Act, with its work focused on improving regulatory efficiency and transparency.