Sen. Charles Schwertner

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill prohibits most state agencies, courts, and the legislature from implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that influence hiring or workforce composition based on race, sex, or ethnicity. It bans offices conducting trainings or programs related to concepts like "systemic oppression," "anti-racism," or "gender theory" unless specifically approved by an attorney general for legal compliance. The law exempts universities and initiatives solely designed to meet federal or state legal requirements. It defines prohibited activities to prevent "differential treatment" or "special benefits" based on protected characteristics.

Maddy summarySB 1643 requires Texas insurers to obtain prior approval from the state insurance department for property and casualty insurance rate changes exceeding 10% (either increases or decreases) for commercial/residential property insurance or commercial/personal auto insurance. This directly affects insurers who must file rate changes with the department, and policyholders who may see slower rate adjustments. The bill establishes a 30-day review period for the department, after which unreviewed rates are automatically approved unless the change is 10% or more. It applies only to policies delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1099 increases criminal penalties for certain felony offenses committed by individuals classified as "illegal aliens" under Texas law. It requires judges to make an affirmative finding if a defendant was an illegal alien (defined as someone who entered without inspection or violated nonimmigrant status) at the time of the offense, triggering higher penalties. For non-capital felonies, this raises the punishment to the next higher category; for first-degree felonies, it mandates a minimum 15-year prison term. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and was recently reported favorably by the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on May 15, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 659 increases penalties for smuggling people into Texas by raising certain cases from a third-degree felony to second- or first-degree felonies. It specifically raises penalties if the smuggling causes serious injury or death, involves children under 18, uses firearms, or involves government resources to facilitate the crime. The bill applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and does not change penalties for past offenses. This directly affects smugglers who meet these aggravating conditions and the courts prosecuting such cases.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 536) honors Mark Garcia for his 25 years of service as Texas Senate auditor. It formally recognizes his professional contributions, dedication, and personal involvement with Senate colleagues and community activities like the Senate Christmas band and the Texas MS 150 fundraiser. The resolution directs the Senate to present Garcia with an official copy as a gesture of appreciation for his service. No new laws or policy changes are created by this resolution.

Maddy summarySB 1117 allows dentists in Texas to administer botulinum toxin (for aesthetic purposes) in the oral and maxillofacial regions only after completing an approved training course. The law directly affects dentists seeking to offer this cosmetic service and their patients receiving it. Key provisions require the State Board of Dental Examiners to adopt implementing rules by December 1, 2025, and the law takes effect September 1, 2025. The bill does not address medical uses of botulinum toxin, focusing solely on dental aesthetic applications.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 13) urges the U.S. Department of State and the International Boundary and Water Commission to ensure Mexico complies with the 1944 Treaty on shared water resources. It specifically addresses Mexico's failure to deliver the required 350,000 acre-feet of water annually (averaged over five years), with a current deficit of 984,814 acre-feet. The resolution highlights how this shortfall harms Texas water users, including municipal, agricultural, and industrial sectors in the Rio Grande Valley, impacting reservoir levels and causing economic losses like the closure of Texas' only sugar mill. As a non-binding resolution, it formally requests U.S. federal agencies to take action but does not change legal obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 106 requires oil and gas operators to maintain overhead electrical power lines and related infrastructure between wellheads and highways. It directly affects companies drilling for oil and gas in Texas. The bill authorizes the Texas Railroad Commission to impose administrative penalties for violations of maintenance rules, using existing penalty procedures. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas Education Code Section 85.24 to expand the Texas A&M University System's board of regents authority over utility systems. It directly affects Texas A&M's operations, specifically allowing the board to construct, acquire, improve, and equip power, water, and sewer systems on university property - particularly in Brazos County. Key provisions include enabling the board to charge for these services to campus buildings (like dorms and athletic facilities), allocate costs to revenue-producing facilities, and issue bonds backed by future service fees to fund projects. The law creates a clear process for financing infrastructure upgrades without requiring new state appropriations.

Maddy summarySB 1810 requires title insurance agents to submit annual statistical reports by May 1 (with a March 1 data call) and title insurance companies to submit reports by June 1 (with a April 1 data call). The Texas Department of Insurance must publish online summaries of all agent data by October 1 and all company data by November 1 each year. The bill affects title insurance agents and companies by establishing specific reporting deadlines and transparency requirements. It does not change how premium rates are set but mandates standardized data collection for public reporting. The changes apply to reports filed on or after January 1, 2026.