Sen. Brandon Creighton

Maddy summarySB 260 increases funding for school safety in Texas public schools under the Foundation School Program. It raises the per-student allotment from $10 to $20 per student in average daily attendance and doubles the campus safety allotment from $15,000 to $30,000 per school campus. These changes apply to all Texas public school districts and take effect September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects school funding formulas by increasing state support for safety resources at both the student and campus levels. The policy change provides additional state funds specifically designated for school safety measures.

Maddy summarySB 38 amends Texas Property Code to clarify procedures for eviction lawsuits involving tenants who lack legal right to occupy property. It specifies that justice courts must handle eviction cases in the precinct where the property is located, with limited circumstances allowing case transfers to adjacent precincts (e.g., if service delays occur or trials cannot be scheduled within 21 days). The bill prohibits courts from charging additional filing or service fees when transferring cases and explicitly states that eviction courts cannot rule on property title disputes or allow separate claims against third parties. This affects landlords and tenants involved in eviction proceedings by streamlining court processes and limiting judicial overreach.

Maddy summaryHB 27 requires all Texas public high school students to complete at least one-half credit in personal financial literacy as part of their social studies graduation requirements under Education Code Section 28.025(b-1)(4). The bill directs the State Board of Education to develop a list of free, open-source curricula for these courses and allows Advanced Placement courses meeting specific standards to count toward the requirement. This policy change affects all public high school students in Texas, mandating practical financial education alongside traditional subjects like history and government. The law, signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025, is now effective immediately for all public school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 3114 defines four specific geographic corridors surrounding the Texas State Capitol to preserve views of the building. The bill establishes precise boundary lines for the South Mall, Waterloo Park, Wooldridge Park, and French Legation corridors using detailed coordinates and elevation points. These definitions will apply to future development within these areas, requiring consideration of Capitol views under state law. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor. It directly affects developers and planners working within these designated corridors.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas law to change supervision requirements for code enforcement officers in training. It requires trainees to work under a registered supervisor, unless their employer does not employ any registered supervisors (in which case they may work unsupervised). The policy directly affects municipalities and employers hiring code enforcement trainees across Texas. The bill became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1532 creates the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District to manage dredging and maintenance in specific waterways, directly affecting residents and property owners within its service area (Lake Houston, San Jacinto River forks, Luce Bayou downstream from Trent Road, and Caney Creek between Harris County and Lake Houston). The bill establishes a governing board of five directors appointed by Houston City Council, Houston Public Works, Harris County Flood Control District, and the Houston Mayor, with staggered four-year terms. Key provisions authorize the district to issue bonds to fund dredging and maintenance operations, which are essential for flood control, water quality, and navigation. This law, effective immediately after being filed without the governor's signature, codifies a new entity to handle these critical waterway maintenance tasks under Texas Constitution Section 59.

Maddy summaryHB 3214 modifies Texas' master plumber license eligibility requirements by reducing the required journeyman plumber experience from four years to two years. It allows applicants to qualify with either two years of experience or one year of experience plus completion of a nationally recognized apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. The bill applies only to new license applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing applications and current license holders unaffected. All other requirements - including passing exams and supervision duties - remain unchanged under the revised rules.

Maddy summarySB 7 requires the Texas Water Development Board to coordinate planning for water infrastructure projects to maximize use of existing utility corridors and minimize land acquisition through eminent domain. It mandates the Board to develop standardized specifications for water infrastructure, ensure different water systems can connect and operate together, and recommend building extra capacity during construction to accommodate future projects. The bill directly affects water project developers, utilities, and local governments working with the Board on infrastructure planning and financing. Key provisions include creating interconnectivity standards and facilitating collaboration between project sponsors and transportation/utility entities.

Maddy summaryHB 5651 creates Montgomery County Water Control and Improvement District No. 7 to manage water control and improvement projects within its boundaries. The bill grants the district limited power to acquire land through eminent domain, authority to issue bonds for infrastructure, and the ability to impose assessments, fees, and taxes on property within the district. This directly affects property owners in the designated area, who will bear costs for water management systems, stormwater control, and related infrastructure. The district’s purpose is defined by Texas law as addressing water collection, disposal, stormwater management, and supporting road drainage improvements.

Maddy summaryHB 5180 requires Texas public universities that merge, are acquired, or change names during a student's enrollment to issue two diplomas upon graduation. One diploma must display the institution's original name at the time the student enrolled, while the other shows the current name. Students must graduate within six years of the institutional change to qualify, and schools cannot charge extra fees for this dual diploma. The law took effect immediately on June 20, 2025, after being signed by the governor. This directly affects students graduating from Texas public colleges or universities that underwent structural changes during their studies.