Sen. Brandon Creighton

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 37) is a symbolic resolution recognizing the Panama Canal's importance to U.S. and Texas economic interests. It highlights how the canal enables trade flow for Texas ports handling key exports like LNG, oil, and agricultural goods, and emphasizes the need for canal security. The resolution urges federal leadership to prioritize diplomatic engagement with Panama and supports continued investment in Texas port infrastructure. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but formally expresses Texas' position to federal officials and the Congressional Record.

Maddy summaryHB 451 requires Texas child welfare and juvenile justice systems to screen children in state custody or under juvenile probation for risk of commercial sexual exploitation. It mandates this screening using validated tools within 45 days of a child entering state conservatorship or before juvenile case dispositions, if age-appropriate or concerns exist. The screening must be conducted by the Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit under the Texas Government Code. Implementation depends on legislative funding, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 618 prohibits public and election officials from altering election procedures without legal authorization. If officials fail to comply after being notified by the Secretary of State, they face escalating daily fines: $1,000 per day for days 3-7 and $5,000 per day after day 7. The bill requires officials to immediately cease non-compliant actions and provides a process for the Secretary of State to investigate violations and refer cases to the Attorney General. These fines, collected into the general revenue fund, directly affect election officials who change procedures without proper legal approval.

Maddy summaryHB 3526 requires local governments in Texas to report bond election details and bond issuance information to the Bond Review Board. The bill mandates a publicly searchable online database showing bond principal amounts, estimated interest, total repayment costs, and annual debt service requirements for all local government bonds. Local governments must submit pre-election reports (20 days before voting) and post-election reports (20 days after voting) detailing bond propositions, costs, and election results. This affects all cities, counties, and school districts issuing bonds, making bond financial data accessible to the public starting September 1, 2025. The law aims to increase transparency around local bond financing and voter decisions.

Maddy summarySB 2284 limits Texas municipalities and counties from regulating specific firearm-related activities. It prohibits local governments from adopting rules about firearm transfers, possession, storage, transportation, licensing, registration, or commerce - covering firearms, air guns, archery equipment, and related supplies. The bill also bans requirements for liability insurance for negligent firearm use. However, it allows local regulations on discharge at non-shooting-range locations, zoning, fire codes, and carrying restrictions at public parks or events. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2890 establishes a legal framework for Texas to join an interstate compact with Gulf Coast states (like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama) focused on the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry. It authorizes the Texas governor to negotiate and sign this compact without needing congressional approval, ensuring it doesn’t increase states' political power relative to the federal government. The compact requires participating states to share information, resources, and services to protect and grow the LNG industry along the Gulf Coast while improving industry coordination. This bill directly affects Texas and other Gulf Coast states participating in the compact, creating a formal mechanism for regional collaboration. The bill became effective immediately on May 28, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 5294 requires Texas medical schools to ensure at least half of their required coursework uses letter grades (A-F) or equivalent tiered systems for assessment. It also mandates that medical schools consider standardized test scores in admissions (focusing on science and medical knowledge) but prohibits using them as the sole admission factor. Additionally, medical schools must notify the legislature and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board before changing admission or academic standards, providing the proposed standards, rationale, and effective date. The bill directly affects medical schools and applicants seeking medical degrees in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 1265 requires the Texas Workforce Commission to create and maintain an online resource hub on its website by February 1, 2026, providing employers with comprehensive, current information about child-care resources. The hub must include details on child-care assistance programs, tax credits, dependent care savings accounts, employer best practices, and free tools to help employers support employee parents. It explicitly states the Commission won’t provide legal advice and employers aren’t obligated to adopt any suggested policies. The bill, signed into law on May 28, 2025, takes effect September 1, 2025, focusing solely on information access without mandating new employer actions or funding.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 587) celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Association of Water Board Directors-Texas (AWBD-TX), which represents water district professionals across Texas. It recognizes the association's founding in 1975 and its role in supporting water district operations, education, and advocacy for over 1,000 members including utility directors, consultants, and vendors. The resolution has no legislative effect - it simply expresses the Texas Senate’s appreciation through formal congratulations and a copy for the association. This is a standard recognition resolution, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 30 modifies how Texas local taxing units (like counties and cities, excluding school districts) calculate property tax rates after a declared disaster. If a disaster is officially recognized by the governor or president and at least one property owner receives a tax exemption, the taxing unit can use a new "disaster relief rate" calculation. This rate divides the unit's documented disaster costs (for debris removal and essential assistance) by the current taxable property value. The new calculation method applies until either property values exceed their pre-disaster level or three years after the disaster, whichever comes first.