Sen. Brandon Creighton

Maddy summaryHB 4044 modifies Texas tax code provisions to clarify which costs at public colleges and universities qualify for federal tax credits. It allows institutions of higher education and university systems (as defined in Texas Education Code §61.003) to claim tax credits for certain expenditures that would otherwise be excluded under federal rules. The bill changes the tax code to remove an exception for costs related to entities exempt under federal tax code §501(a), effective January 1, 2035. This ensures these institutions can fully utilize eligible tax credits for qualifying expenses incurred after the effective dates (2026 for current changes, 2035 for the full modification).

Maddy summarySB 20 creates a new criminal offense for possessing, accessing with intent to view, or promoting obscene visual material that appears to depict a child under 18, including AI-generated images, animations, or digital representations. The law applies to any material seeming to show a child in sexual activity (per Section 43.21(a)(1)(B)), regardless of whether the depiction is real or computer-created. A first offense is classified as a state jail felony, with repeat offenses potentially increasing penalties to third-degree (for one prior conviction) or second-degree (for two or more prior convictions) felonies. This bill directly affects individuals who share or view such material, with no exceptions for digital or AI-generated content.

Maddy summarySB 2615 restricts remote work for employees of Texas public institutions of higher education, requiring most staff to work on-site unless specific exceptions apply. The bill allows remote work only for employees with temporary illness, medical conditions requiring accommodations under law, or certain non-teaching roles that meet strict criteria (e.g., proven self-management, no need for physical presence or student interaction). It takes effect for the 2025-2026 academic year, applying to all public universities in Texas. The law directly affects thousands of employees across these institutions by limiting telework options unless exceptions are met.

Maddy summarySB 1723 establishes a pilot program allowing Texas law enforcement agencies to use rapid DNA analysis on samples collected during arrests, producing results in under 2 hours for comparison in the national DNA database. The Texas Department of Public Safety must update technology by September 2025 and launch the program in two counties by September 2026, with potential expansion. Law enforcement agencies participating in the pilot will use this faster process to collect and analyze DNA from arrestees, improving efficiency in matching evidence. The program requires a legislative report by January 2028 and expires September 2028.

Maddy summarySB 11 would allow Texas public school districts or charter schools (not affiliated with religious organizations) to adopt a policy requiring daily voluntary prayer and Bible/religious text reading periods on school campuses. To participate, students or employees must provide written consent from a parent/guardian or the employee themselves, acknowledging the choice to participate and waiving legal claims related to the policy. The bill prohibits mandatory participation, using public address systems for these activities, or substituting this time for instruction, and requires physical separation for those who opt out. School districts must also follow specific guidelines to accommodate non-participants, and the Texas Attorney General would provide legal guidance and defend districts in related lawsuits.

Maddy summarySB 24 requires Texas public schools to include specific instruction about communist regimes and ideologies in social studies curricula for students in grades 4 through 12. The bill mandates age-appropriate lessons covering historical events like the Holodomor, Cultural Revolution, and Cambodian genocide under the Khmer Rouge, as well as comparative analysis of communist ideologies versus U.S. democratic principles. It also requires teaching modern threats from communist regimes and methods used to spread such ideologies, including propaganda and censorship. This policy directly affects all public school students in the specified grades across Texas. The law became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summarySCR 9 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Texas Legislature urging Congress to propose a constitutional amendment to permanently fix the U.S. Supreme Court's size at nine justices. It does not create new law or affect any specific group; instead, it requests Congress formally propose an amendment stating "The Supreme Court of the United States shall be composed of nine justices." The resolution directs Texas officials to send copies to federal leaders and Texas' congressional delegation, asking them to enter it into the Congressional Record as a formal request. As a concurrent resolution, it has no legal effect but expresses Texas' position on preserving the Court's current structure.

Maddy summarySB 10 requires all Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a specific, standardized version of the Ten Commandments in every classroom starting September 1, 2025. The law mandates a durable poster or framed copy meeting strict size (at least 16x20 inches) and content requirements, including only the exact text listed in the bill. Schools must display this unless they accept a privately donated version meeting the same specifications, and may optionally use district funds to purchase compliant displays. This directly affects every public school classroom in Texas, requiring a physical display of the specified religious text.

Maddy summaryHB 5670 creates Montgomery County Municipal Utility District No. 259, which directly affects property owners within its boundaries. The bill grants the district limited authority to acquire private property for public projects (via eminent domain), issue bonds to fund infrastructure, and charge property owners fees, assessments, or taxes. Key provisions include authorizing the district to build and maintain roads, storm drainage systems, and other utility infrastructure under state law. The district must hold elections to confirm its creation and elect directors, with all actions requiring consent from affected municipalities. This bill enables the district to finance and manage local infrastructure improvements directly impacting Montgomery County residents.

Maddy summaryHB 5081 creates criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure of specific personal information belonging to judges, court clerks, and judicial employees in Texas. The bill defines "covered information" to include home addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, school/daycare attendance details, and vehicle identifiers - excluding public property listings or standard employment data. It establishes Chapter 92 in the Government Code, making it a criminal offense to share this information without authorization. The law directly affects judicial branch staff and their families by protecting sensitive personal data from misuse. The bill became effective on September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.