Sen. Charles Schwertner

Maddy summarySB 2968 prohibits businesses that assist veterans with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims from using deceptive practices, directly affecting these businesses and veterans who rely on their services. The bill bans specific actions like misleading veterans about costs, confusing them about services offered, providing personalized claim advice without VA accreditation, falsely claiming VA affiliation, or accessing veterans' VA benefit information without authorization. Violations carry a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per offense. The law aims to protect veterans from exploitation by unscrupulous claim assistance businesses.

Maddy summarySB 28 prohibits purchasing or facilitating the purchase of state lottery tickets via telephone, internet, or mobile applications. It specifically bans individuals from buying tickets online or through apps (a Class C misdemeanor) and bans selling or arranging such purchases for compensation (a Class A misdemeanor). The bill directly affects residents attempting to access lottery games digitally and businesses or individuals offering such services. It creates new criminal penalties under Section 466.318 of the Government Code, effective September 1, 2025. The law aims to enforce existing age and location restrictions for lottery play by closing digital loopholes.

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 2154 would require delivery network companies (such as food or goods delivery apps) operating in Texas to obtain an occupational permit from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and pay an associated fee. The bill defines "delivery network company" as businesses using digital platforms to arrange deliveries of food, beverages, or consumer goods from restaurants or retailers to customers. It directly affects delivery companies and their workers by establishing a new permit system under TDLR oversight, while clarifying these companies are not classified as traditional carriers under existing law. The bill’s key mechanism is creating a regulatory framework for this sector through permit requirements and fees.

Maddy summarySB 1754 prohibits municipalities and counties from entering tax exemption agreements for renewable energy facilities. The bill specifically blocks local governments from exempting from ad valorem taxes a portion of the value of property (or related equipment) where solar, wind, or qualifying battery storage facilities are located or planned. It defines "renewable energy facility" to include solar power generation, wind power generation, and battery storage facilities that collect, store, and discharge energy (excluding natural gas-based systems). This applies only to facilities selling energy wholesale to the power grid. The bill does not create new tax breaks but prevents local governments from offering them for these specific renewable energy projects.

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 summaryThis is a procedural Senate Resolution (SR 367), not a substantive bill. It formally recognizes student interns from four Texas A&M University System programs who are supporting the Texas Senate during the 89th Legislative Session. The resolution specifically acknowledges interns in the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program, Public Policy Internship Program, Bush School Capstone Scholars Program, and Tarleton State University internship program. It commends these students for their service and dedication to public policy work, without creating any new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 474) recognizing the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) for its 50th anniversary of service. It commemorates the PUC's founding under the 1975 Public Utility Regulatory Act and highlights its role in regulating utilities like electricity, water, and telecommunications for Texans. The resolution was adopted by the Texas Senate on May 1, 2025, and includes a copy for the PUC as a gesture of recognition. (Note: This is a procedural resolution with no policy changes.)

Maddy summarySR 463 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Texas Senate to honor Pope Francis following his death on April 21, 2025. It expresses the Senate's tribute to his life, legacy, and global impact as the first pope from Latin America and the Jesuit order. The resolution extends condolences to those mourning his passing and recognizes his work promoting mercy, justice, and service to the vulnerable. As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents, it serves solely as a formal expression of respect.

Maddy summarySB 1717 requires Texas state agencies and lawmakers to use "Gulf of America" instead of "Gulf of Mexico" in all new statutes, resolutions, agency rules, and official publications. It amends multiple state codes (including Government, Agriculture, and Civil Practice codes) to replace the current terminology with the new phrase in all future legal references. This is a purely procedural change affecting only new state documents, not existing laws or geographic boundaries. The bill does not alter any physical geography or policy, only the language used in official state materials.