Sen. Charles Schwertner

Maddy summarySB 2512 creates the Texas Interoperability Council to develop a statewide plan ensuring emergency communication equipment and infrastructure across first responder agencies (like police, fire, and EMS) can work together during crises. The council will administer grants to help local governments (cities, counties, and special districts) purchase interoperable equipment and build necessary communication infrastructure. The bill requires the council to create a strategic plan for communication systems and manage the grant program, with members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and House speaker. This aims to improve coordination among emergency responders without specifying future outcomes or advocating for the policy.

Maddy summarySB 2584 amends Texas law to clarify definitions for service contracts, which are agreements providing repair, maintenance, or other services for products or residential properties. It defines a "consumer" as an individual purchasing tangible property for personal, family, or household use (not for business), and specifies that a "service contract" covers repairs for product defects, normal wear, power surges, or residential systems like heating and plumbing. The bill also details provisions for vehicle lease programs, identity recovery services, and coverage of excess wear/damage in vehicle leases. These definitions will help regulate service contract providers and administrators by establishing clear boundaries for what constitutes a covered service.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes Sam Houston State University's Polytechnic College as a distinct institution for workforce training. It updates Texas education code to include the college in definitions of eligible institutions for state programs and funding, aligning it with public junior colleges and state colleges. The college will continue providing short-term vocational training for adults over 18 seeking occupational skills certificates in fields like plumbing, electrical work, and manufacturing. These changes clarify the college's legal status and funding structure without creating new programs or altering existing training offerings.

Maddy summaryHB 13 creates the Texas Interoperability Council to develop a statewide plan ensuring emergency communication systems (like those used by police, fire, and medical responders) can work together effectively during crises. The council will administer grants to help local governments (counties, cities, and special districts) purchase interoperable equipment and build necessary communication infrastructure. Key provisions require the council to create a strategic plan for statewide emergency communication coordination and establish a grant program focused on equipment that connects across different emergency services. The council is composed of seven members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and House speaker, with specific terms and governance rules. This bill directly affects local emergency response capabilities by addressing equipment compatibility gaps.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 341) recognizing Sherry Wilkie-Conway's retirement from her role as chief operating officer of the Texas Health Institute after nearly 30 years of service in public health administration. The resolution honors her leadership, dedication to advancing public health in Texas, and contributions to the Texas Health Institute's mission of improving healthcare access and health equity. It contains no policy changes or binding requirements - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Texas Senate. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 31, 2025, and a copy will be presented to Ms. Wilkie-Conway.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill), passed by the Texas Senate on March 27, 2025, to recognize March 27, 2025, as "CASA Day" at the State Capitol. It honors the Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) network, which relies on volunteer advocates to support children in foster care by making court recommendations and addressing their needs. The resolution commends CASA for its work serving nearly 18,000 youth annually across 74 programs in Texas. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or alter policies - it simply expresses the Senate’s appreciation for CASA’s advocacy efforts.

Maddy summarySB 1824 adds Chapter 303 to Texas' Utilities Code, creating rules for agreements between landowners and companies (called "grantees") that operate battery energy storage facilities on leased property. The bill directly affects landowners leasing land to these companies and the companies themselves, requiring their agreements to comply with this new chapter. Key provisions include making any agreement terms that waive rights or exempt grantees from liability void, and granting harmed parties the right to seek court orders to stop violations. The law ensures that landowners and others have legal recourse if agreements violate these requirements, without changing how battery storage facilities operate commercially.

Maddy summarySB 1825 establishes state fire safety standards for battery energy storage systems (like large-scale battery installations used for grid storage), requiring the Texas state fire marshal to adopt standards based on national guidelines (e.g., UL 9540A and NFPA 855). Battery operators (including utilities, power companies, and electric cooperatives) must comply with these standards when connecting systems to the grid, and local governments cannot create conflicting regulations. The bill also mandates that operators provide independent safety evaluations and written reports to municipalities or counties upon request. This directly affects battery energy storage operators and local government regulatory authority in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 19 would restrict political subdivisions (such as cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to hire registered lobbyists or pay nonprofits that primarily represent political subdivisions and employ registered lobbyists. The bill permits exceptions for activities like providing legislative information, testifying, or conducting bill analysis without requiring lobbyist registration. Taxpayers could also seek court orders to halt prohibited spending and recover related costs. This legislation aims to limit public funding for lobbying efforts while preserving direct communication with lawmakers.

Maddy summarySB 1826 establishes requirements for career and technology education (CTE) programs in Texas public schools, ensuring all secondary and postsecondary students have access to these programs. It mandates that CTE programs must provide industry-recognized credentials, college credit opportunities, and align with federal funding rules, while requiring school districts to offer dual credit courses within these programs. The bill also creates a new "Military Pathway Grant Program" to fund Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs, including administering aptitude tests and annual career counseling. These changes directly affect Texas public school districts, students, and educators by shaping CTE program standards and expanding pathway options.