Sen. Kevin Sparks

Maddy summarySB 2119 would allow medical and veterinary students in Texas to seek exemptions from certain immunization requirements for enrollment or course participation. Students could provide either a signed affidavit stating they decline immunizations for conscience or religious reasons (using a specific form) or a physician's certificate stating immunizations would harm their health. These documents must be submitted to the school's admitting official within 90 days of notarization. The bill specifically applies to students in accredited medical schools or veterinary medicine programs, not general student populations.

Maddy summarySB 1887 bans the administration of mRNA-based vaccines for routine immunization by healthcare providers, directly affecting doctors, clinics, and public health programs. The bill prohibits any product containing mRNA material (like current COVID-19 vaccines) from being used for immunization, except for treatments targeting cancer or genetic disorders. It includes a sunset provision, expiring September 1, 2035, and takes effect September 1, 2025. The bill does not restrict mRNA treatments for medical conditions like cancer, only general vaccination use.

Maddy summaryHB 2216 amends Texas Family Code Section 161.001 to clarify procedures for terminating parental rights in cases involving the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). It defines "born addicted to alcohol or controlled substance" with specific medical criteria and lists new grounds for termination, including abandonment, endangerment, and failure to support. The bill requires courts to find termination "beyond a reasonable doubt" (replacing the prior "clear and convincing evidence" standard) for certain cases. This directly affects parents facing termination proceedings, DFPS caseworkers, and family courts handling child welfare cases. The changes aim to standardize evidence requirements and definitions in parental termination cases.

Maddy summarySB 1224 requires public school district leaders (superintendents, directors) and private school chief administrators to notify local police or county sheriffs within 48 hours if they have reasonable cause to believe an educator committed specific misconduct, such as sexual abuse or violence. This applies to all public school entities (including charter schools) and private schools in Texas. Failure to report can result in fines up to $10,000 for educators or a state jail felony for school leaders who intentionally conceal misconduct. The bill amends Texas Education Code sections 21.006 and 21.0062 to establish these reporting requirements and penalties.

Maddy summarySB 1888 modifies jury selection procedures in Texas for counties with fewer than 25,000 residents. It allows these counties to expand their pool of potential jurors by including residents from contiguous neighboring counties, using voter registration lists and driver's license records from those areas. The bill specifies that residents must be qualified to vote in the contiguous county and not disqualified under existing laws (e.g., felony convictions). This change applies only to jury summons issued on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect those summoned before that date. The law directly affects residents in small Texas counties who may be selected for jury duty.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 500 is a commemorative resolution honoring Dawson County Deputy Jessie Ray Perez, who died in the line of duty on April 22, 2025. It extends condolences to his family - including his wife, four children, mother, siblings, and grandson - and recognizes his service as a deputy, firefighter, and community leader. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it solely serves to memorialize his life and legacy. The Texas Senate passed this resolution on May 6, 2025, to honor his dedication to public service.

Maddy summarySB 28 prohibits purchasing or facilitating the purchase of state lottery tickets via telephone, internet, or mobile applications. It specifically bans individuals from buying tickets online or through apps (a Class C misdemeanor) and bans selling or arranging such purchases for compensation (a Class A misdemeanor). The bill directly affects residents attempting to access lottery games digitally and businesses or individuals offering such services. It creates new criminal penalties under Section 466.318 of the Government Code, effective September 1, 2025. The law aims to enforce existing age and location restrictions for lottery play by closing digital loopholes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Texas municipal public libraries from maintaining sexually explicit materials (depicting sexual conduct) in sections accessible to minors under 18. Libraries must implement age verification for such materials and conduct annual reviews to remove prohibited content from children’s or teens’ sections within 45 days of discovery. Violations could result in loss of state funding or a $10,000 civil penalty per violation. The Texas State Library Commission will enforce these requirements, with initial library reviews due by 2027.

Maddy summarySB 750 exempts employed paramedics working for Texas local governments (like cities or counties) from paying tuition and laboratory fees at public colleges when taking emergency medical services courses. This applies to paramedics currently employed by a political subdivision, but requires them to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate. The exemption does not cover security deposits, additional tuition charges for residents, or graduate-level fees exceeding standard rates. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board must create rules defining qualifying paramedic certifications and a uniform list of eligible degree programs.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 495 prohibits the Texas Department of Insurance from requiring insurers to follow environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards unless specifically authorized by law. It blocks rules based on ESG models, ratings, or standards developed by unlicensed entities (like the National Association of Insurance Commissioners) or those that could harm Texas' economy, competitiveness, or public health. The bill defines key terms like "environmental assessment" (climate change impact) and "social assessment" (labor practices), and allows legal challenges if rules violate these restrictions. This directly affects Texas insurers and the Department of Insurance by limiting their regulatory authority over ESG-related requirements.