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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2907 would exempt certain perishable retail inventory from property tax in Texas. It specifically covers food (excluding alcohol), prescription and nonprescription drugs, and dietary supplements held for retail sale. Businesses selling these items would qualify for the tax exemption unless they owed delinquent taxes to the state or local taxing units as of January 1 of the tax year. The exemption applies only to tax years starting January 1, 2026, and depends on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment. The bill is currently pending in committee as of May 5, 2025.
Maddy summaryHJR 4 proposes a constitutional amendment that would prohibit Texas from imposing an occupation tax on financial firms regulated by federal agencies (like stock exchanges, brokers, and clearinghouses) or taxing their securities transactions. It directly affects entities such as stock exchanges, broker-dealers, and other registered securities market operators. The amendment explicitly allows existing taxes like sales taxes, insurance premiums, and general business taxes but blocks new state taxes targeting securities transactions or these specific firms. This is a constitutional change, not a regular law, requiring voter approval after legislative passage.
Maddy summarySB 2 establishes a state-funded education savings account program in Texas, allowing eligible families to use public funds for approved educational expenses. The program directly affects Texas families with children who have disabilities or who live in low-income households (at or below 500% of the federal poverty level). The comptroller administers the program, funding accounts with state money that can cover approved education costs like tuition, books, or tutoring. The bill becomes effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 3, 2025. This creates a new state-funded option alongside public schools for participating families.
Maddy summarySB 2927 requires school districts to include specific financial transparency measures in contracts with open-enrollment charter schools operating district campuses. The bill mandates that contracts must include accurate enrollment/cost projections, clear shared service fee formulas, and direct passing of federal funds (like IDEA and Title I money) without unauthorized deductions. It also requires annual financial reviews to reconcile all partnership payments and gives the state agency authority to provide guidance and audit these contracts. The law applies only to new or renewed contracts after September 1, 2025, and directly affects school districts and charter schools entering such agreements.
Maddy summarySB 1972 amends Texas Education Code Section 11.151(d) to prohibit school district boards of trustees from adopting or enforcing any rule, bylaw, or policy that restricts a trustee's ability to share their opinion on board votes or school district matters. This directly affects school board trustees by ensuring they can publicly express views on decisions made by the board. The key provision explicitly bans restrictions on trustees' speech regarding board actions, requiring boards to allow open discussion of district issues. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 324 requires state contractors, local governments (political subdivisions), and private employers working with Texas state entities to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm employees' work authorization. The bill mandates that contractors must register with and maintain participation in E-Verify to secure or retain state contracts, with contracts including a certification statement about compliance. This policy directly affects businesses and government units doing work with Texas state agencies, requiring them to verify employee eligibility through the federal program rather than relying on other methods. The bill modifies Texas Government Code Chapter 2264 to enforce this requirement through contract terms and verification standards.
Maddy summarySB 2330 allows payroll deductions for membership fees of specific employee organizations representing state and local government workers. It directly affects law enforcement officers (licensed by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement), fire protection personnel, and emergency medical services personnel employed by state or local agencies. The bill requires employees to submit written requests specifying deduction amounts and pay periods, with deductions made equally across pay periods until discontinued. It defines "eligible state employee organizations" as those with a majority of members in these three categories and conducting statewide activities, while prohibiting dues collection for other organizations. The law amends Texas Education Code, Government Code, and adds new provisions to Chapter 617 regarding payroll deductions.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 473) recognizing the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) for its 50th anniversary. The resolution honors NCSL's work since 1975 in supporting state legislatures, fostering bipartisan cooperation, and strengthening state voices in federal policy. It has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, expressing the Texas Senate's appreciation for NCSL's role in American democracy. The resolution was adopted by the Texas Senate on May 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 2076 defines four specific geographic corridors surrounding the Texas State Capitol to preserve unobstructed views. The bill amends the Government Code to establish precise boundaries for the South Mall, Waterloo Park, Wooldridge Park, and French Legation corridors using detailed survey coordinates and elevation points. These definitions create legally recognized zones where new construction or modifications must maintain the Capitol's visual integrity. As a procedural definitional bill, it does not impose new restrictions but provides clear boundaries for future land-use decisions affecting Capitol views.