Sen. Brandon Creighton

Maddy summarySB 1006 requires Texas insurers to provide written explanations for declining insurance applications, canceling policies, or refusing to renew coverage. This applies to applicants and policyholders for liability and commercial property insurance, as well as other policies covered under the Texas Insurance Code. Insurers must send a clear written notice stating the specific reason for the decision, following rules set by the insurance commissioner. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and only applies to policies delivered or renewed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a binding law) expressing Texas's support for strengthening economic ties with Israel. It urges the creation of a Texas Trade and Investment Office in Jerusalem to foster business connections, particularly with countries in the Abraham Accords or peace agreements with Israel. The resolution reaffirms Texas's existing trade relationship with Israel - where Texas ranks among top U.S. states for exports - and directs officials to share the resolution with state, federal, and Israeli leaders. It does not create new programs or allocate funding, serving only as a formal statement of support.

Maddy summarySB 400 requires Texas public school employees to obtain written parental consent before conducting psychological or psychiatric examinations, tests, or treatment of students. The bill defines these activities broadly to include surveys, check-ins, or screenings embedded in lessons, unless mandated by special education law. Parents must sign consent forms for their child to participate, with exceptions for general well-being check-ins that don’t require written permission. The law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year and does not affect routine student wellness conversations. It directly affects all Texas public school students and their parents, changing how schools handle mental health-related student interactions.

Maddy summarySB 371 requires Texas public school districts to obtain written parental consent before providing human sexuality instruction to students. The bill mandates that schools must separately notify parents at least 14 days before instruction begins, with this request not bundled with other communications. It directly affects parents of students in Texas public schools and applies starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The law does not change existing curriculum content but adds a consent requirement for this specific instruction.

Maddy summarySB 2571 authorizes the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) to assess member insurers for excess losses and operating expenses exceeding reserves, specifically for catastrophe events occurring before January 1, 2026. It establishes that assessments may not exceed 33% of the association’s probable maximum loss for a single catastrophe year and prohibits recouping these assessments through premium surcharges or tax credits. The bill directly affects property insurers participating in TWIA, requiring them to pay these assessments when reserves and existing trust funds are insufficient. Key provisions include limiting assessments to 33% of probable maximum loss, requiring commissioner approval for certain funding methods, and expiring on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2624 prohibits service providers (such as faith-based or nonprofit organizations) from offering "navigation services" within 1.5 miles of schools, playgrounds, or colleges. Navigation services include helping homeless individuals access shelter, healthcare, job resources, housing, and other support for stable living. The law directly affects organizations providing these services near educational or recreational facilities, requiring municipalities and counties to enforce the restriction. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025, and does not change broader homelessness assistance policies.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 45) is a symbolic request by the Texas Legislature to rename a 10-mile coastal zone off the Gulf Coast as the "Gulf of Texas," which Texas already claims under its sovereignty. It does not change legal boundaries or affect any laws, people, or policies. The resolution formally asks Congress to adopt this name and requests that the Texas secretary of state submit copies to the U.S. Congress as a memorial. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect and is solely intended to promote the proposed name.

Maddy summarySB 3015 (Texas HOME Act) limits local government regulation of housing development to address affordability. It directly affects counties and municipalities by restricting their authority to set lot sizes, dimensions, or road construction standards. Key provisions include banning "full purpose annexation" without proper process, prohibiting commissioners courts from regulating lot density, and preventing counties from requiring third parties to maintain public roads as a condition of development approval. The bill aims to reduce regulatory barriers that contribute to housing shortages and higher costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2620) protects businesses that allow licensed concealed handgun carriers on their premises from civil liability for damages arising from lawful concealed carry by those license holders. It directly affects businesses that permit concealed handguns (e.g., restaurants, retail stores) by shielding them from lawsuits related to such carry, provided they do not post notices prohibiting it (as defined by Section 30.06, Penal Code). The key provision creates a new immunity under the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, stating businesses cannot be sued solely for allowing concealed carry by licensed individuals. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not apply to incidents occurring before that date.

Maddy summarySB 2494 amends Texas Election Code sections to change voter identification requirements for in-person voting. It allows voters without photo ID to present one non-photo ID form accompanied by a "reasonable impediment" declaration instead of a photo ID. Election officers must document these declarations by attaching the voter's registration number to the form. The bill directly affects voters who face barriers obtaining photo ID, such as due to disability or lack of transportation. It also updates translation requirements for voter forms like the declaration document.