Maddy summarySB 1047 amends Texas law to improve transparency in bail decisions for defendants charged with Class B misdemeanors or more serious offenses. It requires a new public safety report system to include specific defendant information - like criminal history, previous bond failures, protective orders, and pending charges - when magistrates set bail. The bill also mandates that magistrates consider these factors and establishes clearer procedures for notifying victims of family violence, stalking, harassment, or terroristic threats. This affects defendants facing bail decisions, magistrates, and victims in these cases, aiming to standardize information used in pretrial release determinations. The bill is currently pending in committee after recent testimony.
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Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. Senate Resolution 152 formally recognizes February 26, 2025, as "Orange and Maroon Legislative Day" to honor the partnership between The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. It highlights both institutions' contributions to Texas through education, research, military support, and cultural engagement, citing their combined student enrollment, research funding, and alumni networks. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a symbolic recognition by the Texas Senate.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 133) formally recognizes February 25-26, 2025, as "Plano Legislative Days" in the Texas Senate. It acknowledges that Plano city representatives, the Plano Chamber of Commerce, and Plano Independent School District officials will visit the State Capitol during those dates. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment of Plano's community engagement. It directly affects Plano's local leaders and organizations participating in the Capitol visit. No concrete policy changes or mechanisms are involved.
Maddy summarySB 674 requires Texas public high schools to offer optional hunter education instruction as part of graduation courses, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill mandates the State Board of Education to develop curriculum guidelines in collaboration with the Parks and Wildlife Department, ensuring the content meets requirements for a state hunter education certificate under Parks and Wildlife Code §62.014(c). School districts may choose to incorporate this instruction into one or more courses for high school graduation. The bill does not require schools to offer the program, only provides a framework for districts that choose to implement it.
Maddy summarySB 83 allows school employees with valid concealed handgun licenses to carry concealed handguns on school district or open-enrollment charter school campuses while performing job duties. It prohibits school boards from adopting rules banning or restricting this practice. The bill also defines "campus" to include all owned or leased land and buildings, and permits license holders to store or transport firearms in locked vehicles on campus streets, driveways, or parking areas. This applies specifically to school employees during work hours, not to students or visitors.
Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically recognizes February 25, 2025, as "University of North Texas Day" to honor the institution's history, academic contributions, and economic impact in Texas. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies - it is a ceremonial gesture by the Texas Senate. The resolution highlights UNT's role in education, its 13,000 annual degrees, and its alumni network, but contains no binding provisions. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond recognition.
Maddy summarySB 1133, titled "Grayson's Law," increases penalties for certain intoxication manslaughter convictions. It sets a minimum 10-year prison term for offenders present in Texas after committing a Chapter 51 offense (illegal entry), and bars them from probation or deferred adjudication. The bill also prohibits parole eligibility until an inmate serves 10 years without good conduct time, and delays mandatory supervision until meeting that same 10-year threshold. These changes apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of intoxication manslaughter involving prior illegal entry into Texas.
Maddy summarySB 1135 modifies Texas law regarding civil liability for commercial motor vehicle owners and operators. It clarifies that evidence of failing to follow safety regulations (like vehicle standards or operating procedures) can only be used in court if the violation directly caused injury and the regulation specifically applied to the defendant's situation. The bill also limits employer liability in such cases: if an employer admits the driver was their employee acting within job duties, the lawsuit's first phase cannot consider ordinary negligence claims against the employer based on the driver's actions. These changes apply only to cases filed or in trial after the bill's effective date.
Maddy summarySB 1134 provides tuition and mandatory fee exemptions at Texas public and private colleges for active members of the Texas military forces. It requires institutions to waive tuition for up to 12 semester credit hours per semester (capped at $12,000 annually) and all mandatory fees for qualifying students. Eligible service members can receive this aid for up to five academic years or 10 semesters, whichever comes first. The bill also limits Texas State Guard recipients to 30 awards per semester unless the adjutant general approves additional awards.
Maddy summarySB 1126 creates a property tax exemption for partially disabled veterans and their surviving spouses in Texas. It allows veterans with a disability rating of 10% to 99% to exempt a percentage of their home’s appraised value equal to their disability rating (e.g., a 40% rating exempts 40% of the tax). Surviving spouses retain this exemption if they remain unmarried, live in the same home the veteran owned at death, and the home stays their primary residence. The exemption applies to the same property value amount as the veteran received, with a certificate from the appraisal district enabling transfers if the spouse moves to a new home. This policy directly affects eligible veterans and their spouses by reducing their local property tax burden.