Sen. Charles Schwertner

Maddy summarySB 1665 requires the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) to conduct a study before approving construction of a specific 765-kilovolt transmission line for the Permian Basin Reliability Plan. The study must examine performance under different conditions, costs to ratepayers (especially residential customers), potential cost overruns, and supply chain/workforce constraints. The PUC must submit study results to an independent third party for review, but cannot use a third party previously hired by the project's developer after 2020. This bill directly affects the PUC's approval process for this transmission project and expires in 2029.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 1696 requires that birth certificates issued in Texas include a person's biological sex - determined by sex organs, chromosomes, or endogenous profile - listed as either male or female. It directly affects all newborns in Texas and parents/guardians who file birth certificates, mandating that biological sex be recorded unless a physician determines a child has atypical or ambiguous sex characteristics at birth. The bill allows for later amendments to birth certificates once a child's sex is determined, but prohibits changing the recorded sex except for correcting clerical errors or completing initial omissions. This legislation specifically targets birth certificate documentation under Texas Health and Safety Code sections 192.002, 192.003, and 192.011.

Maddy summarySJR 66 proposes a constitutional amendment to dedicate specific tax revenues to Texas' water fund. It would require the state comptroller to deposit excess sales tax revenue (above $46.5 billion annually, capped at $500 million) and the first $500 million of insurance premium tax revenue into the Texas Water Fund each year. The amendment mandates that 25% of initial fund allocations and 80% of pre-2043 deposits go exclusively to the "New Water Supply for Texas Fund," which supports water infrastructure projects. This proposal expires August 31, 2043, and requires voter approval in the November 2025 election. It directly affects how Texas allocates tax revenue for water infrastructure planning and development.

Maddy summarySB 1496 allows specific qualifying municipalities to collect and pledge tax revenue generated from hotel and convention center projects to cover related project costs. It applies only to cities meeting one of 16 detailed criteria, such as population size (e.g., cities with 175,000-200,000 residents), location (e.g., bordering Lake Palestine or containing specific facilities like the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame), or county population characteristics. The bill amends Texas Tax Code Section 351.152 to define which cities can use this revenue stream for convention infrastructure obligations. This is a procedural tax code adjustment, not a new tax or policy change.

Maddy summarySB 1560 requires independent organizations certified to manage power regions in Texas to present their proposed annual budgets to legislative committees before submitting them to the state commission. Specifically, the chief executive officer must hold a public hearing with finance committees in each legislative house to explain the budget, performance measures, investment strategies, fee changes, and strategic plans or consultant contracts. This directly affects organizations operating regional electric networks under Texas power region certification. The bill mandates this transparency step before budget approval, focusing on financial accountability rather than altering operational rules. (4 sentences)

Maddy summarySB 1518 allows certain Texas municipalities to use hotel and convention tax revenue for hotel and convention center projects without restrictions that currently apply to smaller cities. It specifically exempts cities with populations of 175,000 or more, and cities described in Tax Code Section 351.152(10), from existing limitations on how this tax revenue can be spent. The bill amends the Tax Code to remove these restrictions, giving eligible cities more flexibility to fund such projects. This change directly affects large cities like Houston and San Antonio, and other designated municipalities, by expanding their options for economic development financing.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 217) adopted by the Texas Senate on March 6, 2025, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Energy Council. It recognizes the Energy Council - a nonpartisan forum established in 1975 for state legislators across multiple states and Canadian provinces to collaborate on energy policy - and highlights its role in informing lawmakers about energy markets and policy. The resolution formally commends the organization and extends congratulations on its anniversary. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any specific policies or individuals.

Maddy summarySB 1517 allows specific qualifying municipalities to receive and pledge hotel and convention center tax revenue to pay for project-related debts. It applies only to cities meeting strict population or geographic criteria (e.g., cities with populations over 95,000 located near Lake Lewisville or containing specific landmarks like the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame). The bill amends Texas Tax Code Section 351.152 to expand which cities can use these tax streams for project financing. It does not create new taxes but modifies existing authority for eligible jurisdictions. This is a technical policy change affecting only designated municipalities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas for its 30th anniversary in 2025. It honors the organization's history since 1955, its role as San Antonio's largest healthcare provider serving 26 counties, and its community initiatives like the Healthy Corner Store program that improve access to care in underserved areas. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Texas Senate.

Maddy summarySB 1272 increases penalties for attempting to commit capital murder against peace officers by reclassifying the offense as a first-degree felony punishable by 25-99 years in prison (Penal Code §15.01(e)). It also prohibits parole eligibility for this offense by amending Government Code §508.145(a)(1) and prevents mandatory supervision under §508.149(a)(1). This bill directly affects individuals convicted of attempting to kill police officers or peace officers while on duty. The key changes are raising the offense category to a first-degree felony and removing parole and mandatory supervision options for this specific crime.