Sen. Brent Hagenbuch

Maddy summarySB 1234 creates a legal presumption that a person endangers a child, elderly individual, or disabled person if they use methamphetamine or certain highly restricted drugs (Penalty Group 1-B) in their presence, make such drugs accessible to them, or use these drugs illegally while with them. This applies specifically to caregivers or individuals responsible for the safety of vulnerable people. The bill establishes three clear triggers for this presumption: (1) having the drugs present, (2) proximity/accessibility with drug evidence from the vulnerable person, or (3) illegal use of the drugs while with them. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, and only applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 2062 creates a statewide support network to help expectant parents receive prenatal diagnoses for serious fetal conditions or disabilities. It connects parents with advocacy groups and assists them in applying for Medicaid waiver programs like the MDCP (Medically Dependent Children Program). The bill also expands Medicaid eligibility for children with disabilities by increasing the family income limit for a buy-in program to 300% of the federal poverty level. Additionally, it requires prioritizing enrollment in the MDCP waiver for children already receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who meet medical necessity criteria. The bill aims to improve access to home and community-based services for vulnerable children and families.

Maddy summarySB 2397 establishes a 17-member task force on disability policy in Texas to develop a comprehensive 10-year state plan for disability services. The task force, appointed by the governor with bipartisan representation, includes members with lived disability experience, healthcare professionals, advocacy group representatives, and policy experts. It will form subcommittees to address specific areas like healthcare, education, mental health, and transitional care, and must submit annual reports with recommendations. This bill directly affects state agencies and future disability policy development, requiring the task force to identify resource redundancies, service disparities, and cost-effective solutions to improve care quality and dignity for Texans with disabilities.

Maddy summarySB 1320 creates a dedicated "Organized Oilfield Theft Prevention Unit" within the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The unit will investigate and arrest individuals committing thefts involving oil and gas equipment (like drilling machinery, pipes, or vehicles) under specific Texas Penal Code sections. Key provisions require the unit to coordinate with local law enforcement, the Railroad Commission, and victims; develop specialized training for police; maintain a centralized database of theft incidents; and submit biennial reports to lawmakers detailing arrests, prosecutions, and recommendations. This bill directly affects DPS operations, local law enforcement agencies, and the oil and gas industry by establishing a new state-level unit focused on preventing large-scale theft of oilfield equipment.

Maddy summarySB 32 would create a $25,000 property tax exemption for businesses owning or leasing tangible personal property (like equipment or tools) used to generate income. This exemption applies to each business location within a taxing unit, with property at the same location being combined to determine eligibility. Businesses leasing equipment would receive the same exemption as if they owned it. The bill affects Texas businesses that use physical assets to produce income, reducing their local property tax burden on those assets.

Maddy summarySB 1741 requires all Texas public universities to report foreign funding received from entities outside the U.S. annually, beginning September 2024. It prohibits institutions from accepting gifts, grants, or donations from the Chinese government or entities controlled by it. The bill also mandates that all university researchers complete annual training on identifying espionage risks, protecting intellectual property, and reporting suspicious activity. Universities must establish internal systems for staff and students to report potential espionage or theft. These requirements apply directly to every public institution of higher education in Texas.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (SR 416), not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes 19 interns who worked for Senator Judith Zaffirini's office during Texas' 89th Legislative Session (2025). The resolution commends them for their contributions to legislative research, constituent outreach, and administrative tasks, and expresses the Senate's appreciation for their dedication. It was adopted by the Texas Senate on April 22, 2025, and includes a copy of the resolution as a token of recognition. This is purely a ceremonial gesture with no legal effect or policy impact.

Maddy summarySB 2365 would require Texas public school districts and charter schools to adopt policies banning students from using personal wireless devices (like smartphones, tablets, or laptops not issued by the school) during class time. The bill allows exceptions for devices needed for individualized education programs (IEPs), documented medical needs, or health/safety requirements. School boards must implement these policies starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill directly affects all public school students in Texas during instructional periods, with limited exceptions for specific educational or safety needs.

Maddy summarySB 1511 requires freestanding emergency medical facilities to clearly post information about their emergency care fees, insurance network status, and billing practices. The bill mandates facilities to disclose that they may charge rates comparable to hospital ERs, that physicians might bill separately, and whether they are in-network or out-of-network for specific insurance plans. It also prohibits these facilities from charging facility fees for non-emergency services provided at the location. This bill aims to increase transparency for patients seeking emergency care at standalone facilities.

Maddy summarySCR 39 is a Texas Senate Concurrent Resolution expressing the state's position on border security. It criticizes the federal government's border policies, noting Texas spent $11 billion on its own border security efforts (Operation Lone Star) due to perceived federal inaction. The resolution formally urges the federal government to take immediate action, including increased resources and reimbursement for Texas's costs, and requests that it be entered into the Congressional Record. This is a non-binding expression of state position, not a law creating new policy.