Sen. Charles Schwertner

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate Resolution (SR 452), not a policy bill. It honors Kurt Robert Lentz, a Georgetown firefighter and paramedic who died on April 11, 2025, at age 33. The resolution expresses the Texas Senate's condolences to his family and commemorates his service as a first responder, mentor, and devoted family man. It has no policy provisions or direct effect on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summarySB 623 gives pharmacists exclusive authority to decide whether to administer any vaccine (including COVID-19 vaccines) or dispense medications, without needing approval from a physician or other healthcare provider. This directly affects pharmacists, who gain sole decision-making power over vaccine administration, and patients seeking vaccines, who may be denied care based on a pharmacist's judgment. The bill amends Texas Occupations Code to explicitly state that pharmacists’ decisions on vaccine administration cannot be overridden by other laws. It does not change vaccine safety standards or requirements but shifts administrative control to pharmacists. The bill is pending in committee and would take effect September 1, 2025, if not approved for immediate enactment.

Maddy summarySB 2345 amends Texas law governing retirement systems for firefighters in cities with populations between 450,000 and 500,000. The bill adds specific financial definitions to standardize how retirement fund contributions, benefits, and liabilities are calculated and administered. Key provisions include defining terms like "actuarial accrued liability" (the portion of future benefits attributed to past service) and "amortization rate" (the percentage used to pay down pension liabilities). These changes affect how cities manage firefighter retirement funds, ensuring consistent financial reporting and valuation methods. The bill focuses on procedural updates to retirement system administration, not changes to benefit levels or contribution rates.

Maddy summarySB 2993 creates a Texas presidential library promotion program and dedicated fund to support three specific presidential libraries: the LBJ Library, George H.W. Bush Library, and George W. Bush Library. The program provides funding for library exhibit renovations, promotes tourism through marketing campaigns, and develops mobile exhibits featuring historical artifacts and educational materials about these presidents. The Texas Historical Commission will administer the program, with funds coming from legislative appropriations, investment interest, and donations. This bill directly affects the three libraries and Texas tourism initiatives by establishing a formal funding mechanism for their operations and public engagement.

Maddy summarySB 32 would create a $25,000 property tax exemption for businesses owning or leasing tangible personal property (like equipment or tools) used to generate income. This exemption applies to each business location within a taxing unit, with property at the same location being combined to determine eligibility. Businesses leasing equipment would receive the same exemption as if they owned it. The bill affects Texas businesses that use physical assets to produce income, reducing their local property tax burden on those assets.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (SR 416), not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes 19 interns who worked for Senator Judith Zaffirini's office during Texas' 89th Legislative Session (2025). The resolution commends them for their contributions to legislative research, constituent outreach, and administrative tasks, and expresses the Senate's appreciation for their dedication. It was adopted by the Texas Senate on April 22, 2025, and includes a copy of the resolution as a token of recognition. This is purely a ceremonial gesture with no legal effect or policy impact.

Maddy summarySR 399 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Cheryl Elise Crain of Round Rock, Texas, who died January 1, 2025. The resolution pays tribute to her life, highlighting her 57-year marriage to Jim Crain, her career as an English teacher and counselor, her family (including two daughters, five grandchildren, and extended relatives), and her volunteer work as a chaplain during the 85th Texas Legislature. It extends sympathy to her family and directs the Texas Senate to adjourn in her memory. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any group or legislation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 397), not a policy bill. It commemorates Peggy Ann Koski of Leander, Texas, who died on December 9, 2024, at age 92. The resolution honors her life, including her 65-year marriage, service on Derby, Kansas' city council, real estate career, community involvement, and family. It formally pays tribute to her and extends sympathy to her children, grandchildren, and extended family. This resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves as a memorial expression by the Texas Senate.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 389), not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes April 10, 2025, as "Texas Nuclear Legislative Day" at the State Capitol. The resolution honors the nuclear energy industry for gathering in Austin to celebrate Texas' leadership in nuclear energy, citing its role in reliability, economic growth, and energy innovation. It extends best wishes to industry representatives but does not create new laws, funding, or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 1122 clarifies that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) - companies that manage prescription drug benefits for insurers - must follow existing Texas prescription drug insurance laws for all health benefit plans serving Texas residents, regardless of whether specific rules were previously applied to those plans. It requires PBMs to comply with these laws for every plan they administer, even if the plan was delivered outside Texas. The law applies only to health benefit plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, with existing plans governed by prior rules. This bill expands the scope of current insurance regulations to ensure consistent oversight of PBMs managing drug benefits for Texans.