Sen. Kevin Sparks

Maddy summarySB 6 establishes civil liability for the manufacture and provision of abortion-inducing drugs, with limited exemptions for medical emergencies (like treating ectopic pregnancies or spontaneous abortions). It directly affects drug manufacturers, distributors, healthcare providers, and internet service providers by removing protections under Texas' Citizens Participation Act and Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Key provisions include authorizing civil lawsuits and "qui tam" actions (whistleblower suits), changing fee-shifting rules in abortion litigation, and limiting state-court jurisdiction over such cases. The bill also grants the Texas Attorney General special legal standing to enforce abortion laws and shifts jurisdiction for certain cases to the Fifteenth Court of Appeals.

Maddy summarySB 4 establishes new boundaries for Texas' 38 congressional districts, defining which counties and specific subdivisions (like portions of Bowie and Harris counties) belong to each district. It directly affects Texas voters by determining which geographic areas elect representatives to the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill specifies exact county compositions and tract details for each district, such as District 1 covering East Texas counties and parts of Bowie County, and District 2 including sections of Harris County. These changes will govern how Texas residents are grouped for congressional elections starting in the next cycle. The bill passed the Texas Senate on August 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryTexas SB 7, the "Texas Women’s Privacy Act," requires public schools, government buildings, and other facilities operated by political subdivisions or state agencies to designate multiple-occupancy private spaces (like restrooms, locker rooms, and showers) for use solely by individuals based on biological sex. Biological sex is defined by physical characteristics at birth, including chromosomes, sex organs, and an unaltered birth certificate. The law allows limited exceptions for accommodations related to disabilities, children, or elderly individuals, but prohibits facilities from designating spaces for use by individuals of the opposite biological sex. Violations authorize civil penalties and a private right to sue. The bill directly affects public facilities and their access policies for all users.

Maddy summarySB 9 amends Texas Tax Code sections to update how local taxing units (like cities, counties, and school districts) calculate voter-approval tax rates when implementing or adjusting sales taxes. It introduces specific formulas that account for new sales tax revenue by adding a "sales tax gain rate" to the calculation, ensuring the voter-approval rate reflects the impact of the new revenue source. The bill differentiates rules based on the taxing unit type, applying multipliers of 1.08 for special districts, 1.035 for small municipalities/counties (<30,000 population), and 1.025 for others. These changes directly affect how local governments determine tax rates that require voter approval when they add or modify sales taxes.

Maddy summarySB 69 would allow Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a prescription from a healthcare provider, under a statewide order issued by the commissioner of state health services. The order would require pharmacists to follow standardized procedures, provide patients with usage instructions, and submit annual reports on the number of doses dispensed. Pharmacists acting in good faith under this order would be shielded from criminal, civil, or professional liability. This bill specifically applies to ivermectin and does not change prescription requirements for other medications.

Maddy summarySB 5 regulates hemp-derived consumable products (like edibles, oils, and topicals containing cannabinoids such as CBD) sold in Texas. It requires businesses to obtain occupational licenses, imposes fees, and prohibits sales to anyone under 21. The bill creates criminal penalties for violations and administrative fines, while exempting certain products (like hemp seed oil in food), research activities, low-THC cannabis, and medical prescriptions. These changes directly affect hemp product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors operating in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 63 creates a sales and use tax exemption for unprocessed sand, dirt, and gravel used in manufacturing hydrocarbons (such as oil and gas products). The exemption applies only when these materials undergo basic handling activities - like gathering, sorting, or washing - without undergoing chemical changes. This directly benefits oil and gas manufacturers by reducing their tax burden on these specific raw materials. The bill amends Texas Tax Code Section 151.318(b) to include these materials under existing manufacturing tax exemptions.

Maddy summarySB 11 requires Texas law enforcement agencies to report election-related crimes to the attorney general and gives the attorney general exclusive authority to prosecute these offenses. Local prosecutors and law enforcement must share relevant information with the attorney general to assist in these cases, and the attorney general can direct local offices to handle or support prosecutions. The law applies only to election crimes committed after its effective date (91 days after the legislative session). This shifts prosecution responsibility for election law violations from local to state-level authorities.

Maddy summarySB 3 regulates consumable hemp products (like edibles, topicals, or beverages containing hemp-derived cannabinoids) in Texas. It requires businesses to obtain licenses with $10,000 fees per location, bans manufacturing products with cannabinoids other than CBD or cannabigerol, and mandates product testing before sale. The bill also creates criminal penalties for violations and allows administrative fines. This primarily affects hemp product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors in Texas. The bill was vetoed by the governor on June 22, 2025, so it did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 recognizes physical gold and silver coins meeting specific weight and purity standards as legal tender in Texas for debt payments, while prohibiting government markings except for identifying refiners. It authorizes the state comptroller to establish electronic payment systems backed by bullion held in depositories, allowing transactions using gold/silver-based currency. The bill explicitly states it does not replace U.S. dollars, restrict federal currency, or require businesses to accept gold/silver tender. It also permits the comptroller to set reasonable administrative fees for the system. This law applies to Texas residents and businesses using the state-administered electronic currency system, operating alongside existing federal currency.