Sen. Charles Schwertner

Maddy summarySB 378 prohibits licensed barbers and cosmetologists in Texas from making skin incisions (such as for injections) or using certain devices during their services, except when they hold a separate license for that specific medical act. The bill requires license holders to prove they are authorized to perform such acts in disciplinary cases. It would have taken effect September 1, 2025, but was vetoed by the Governor on June 2, 2025, so it never became law. This bill directly affected licensed professionals providing hair, skin, or cosmetic services under Texas law.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 629), not a policy bill. It honors Joshua Daniel King, a Weatherford resident who died on April 5, 2025, at age 37. The Texas Senate formally pays tribute to his life, career in business (including roles at Steergate Payment Solutions and Select Mat), family, faith, and community impact, extending condolences to his wife, daughter, parents, sisters, and other relatives. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on June 2, 2025, as a ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 222) honors Joe J. Bernal, a former Texas state senator and representative from San Antonio who served from 1964-1973. It recognizes his legislative work championing bilingual education (including Texas' first bilingual education act in 1969), civil rights advocacy, and roles in establishing UT San Antonio and the UT Health Science Center. The resolution was adopted by the Texas Senate on June 1, 2025, as a commemorative tribute to his legacy. It does not create any new laws or affect policy, as it is a purely ceremonial resolution.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 686) honoring Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw and her staff for their service to the Texas Senate. It recognizes their dedication, professionalism, and contributions to legislative operations, including Spaw's record of perfect attendance and leadership roles. The resolution specifically names over 20 staff members across Senate departments who support daily chamber functions. As a non-binding tribute, it has no policy impact and serves solely to express appreciation for their public service.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (SR 627), not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It honors Dr. Joe Layton Wall, a Christian leader and educator who served as pastor, dean, and university president, by recognizing his life and legacy. The resolution was adopted by the Texas Senate on May 31, 2025, to pay tribute to him and extend condolences to his family. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or groups beyond this formal acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 590) honoring Janis Stanwood Meinscher, a longtime Texas Capitol staffer who died in August 2024. The resolution commemorates her 30+ year career serving in both legislative chambers, her dedication to Capitol operations, and her personal life, including her family. It formally extends the Senate's condolences to her family and directs that the resolution be presented to them as a tribute. As a memorial resolution, it does not create any new laws or affect policy.

Maddy summarySB 30 modifies Texas law governing health care damage claims in civil lawsuits. It requires parties challenging the reasonableness or necessity of health care charges to serve written notice on opponents by specific deadlines (120 days after a defendant's answer, or by expert witness designation dates). The bill specifies that standard affidavits stating charges were reasonable or services necessary lose evidentiary weight if notice is served, though they may still verify record authenticity. It also clarifies such affidavits cannot support claims about the cause of injury. This directly affects plaintiffs and defendants in medical malpractice or billing disputes.

Maddy summaryHB 2003 requires entities proposing high-speed rail projects in Texas to annually submit detailed financial and operational information to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). This includes financing methods, cost projections, construction timelines, ridership estimates, and foreign investment disclosures. TxDOT must then make all submitted data publicly accessible on its website. The bill directly affects companies or organizations planning high-speed rail projects within Texas, mandating transparency about their financial and operational plans.

Maddy summaryHB 4739 eliminates a requirement that retail businesses remit a portion of late fees from certain customer credit agreements to the state comptroller. The bill repeals Section 345.157(d) of the Texas Finance Code, directly affecting retailers that offer charge agreements (like store credit cards) where customers fall behind on payments. This change removes the obligation for these businesses to send a specific share of delinquency fees to the state treasury. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and does not impact taxes owed before that date.

Maddy summaryHB 3809 requires lease agreements for battery energy storage facilities (like large-scale battery systems) to include specific terms about removal. It mandates that the operator (called a "grantee") must remove all equipment and restore the land to its original condition when the lease ends, covering all associated costs. This directly affects landowners leasing property to battery storage operators and the operators themselves, who must now include these removal obligations in their agreements. The law creates new rules under Texas Utilities Code Chapter 303 to ensure facilities are properly decommissioned, without changing how the storage systems operate during their active use.