Sen. Charles Schwertner

Maddy summarySB 1290 requires small wastewater treatment facilities (under 500,000 gallons per day capacity) to maintain operations during extended power outages exceeding 24 hours. Operators must create and submit emergency plans to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, detailing how they will provide backup power through options like generators, mutual aid agreements with other facilities, or hardening infrastructure. The commission reviews these plans and can require specific backup solutions within 90 days. This directly affects small pre-manufactured wastewater plants across Texas, including extended aeration and sequencing batch reactors. The bill aims to ensure continuous wastewater treatment during natural disasters or grid failures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the University Interscholastic League (UIL) to use a formal request-for-proposals process when selecting host locations for its statewide extracurricular competitions. The process mandates that UIL specify selection criteria and require potential hosts (such as colleges or other entities) to submit details about facilities, accommodations, and capabilities. These rules apply only to competitions held on or after September 1, 2026, and take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 99) formally recognizes February 19, 2025, as "Texas Chapter of the American College of Physicians Advocacy Leadership Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors the Texas Chapter of the American College of Physicians (TXACP) for gathering in Austin that day to discuss health care advocacy with lawmakers. The resolution has no policy changes or binding effects - it is purely ceremonial, expressing the Senate's support for TXACP's work representing over 8,000 physicians in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 858 increases penalties for drivers who knowingly operate vehicles with license plates issued for a different vehicle or stolen plates. The bill raises the maximum fine from $200 to $500 for this offense when the driver knew the plate was stolen or mismatched, and designates it as a more serious Class B misdemeanor if the plate was altered. It directly affects drivers who intentionally use incorrect or stolen license plates, making the violation carry higher financial and legal consequences. The changes would apply to offenses occurring on or after September 1, 2025, if enacted.

Maddy summarySB 859 allows public school districts to be reimbursed by the state for fees paid to cover certification exams for teachers and students in career and technology education. The bill amends Texas Education Code sections to specify that teachers qualify for a subsidy only after passing a relevant certification exam, and students may receive only one such subsidy. School districts pay the exam fees upfront but can claim reimbursement for each subsidy under Section 29.190(a). This policy directly affects educators seeking career/tech certifications and public school districts funding these exams. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySR 98 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing Senator Judith Zaffirini on her birthday. It honors her service as Dean of the Texas Senate - the longest-serving and highest-ranking member - and acknowledges her historic role as the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas Senate. The resolution celebrates her 38 years of legislative service, including over 72,000 consecutive votes since 1987, and her work on health care, education, and family support. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely a tribute with no legislative action required.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a law. It designates February 11, 2025, as "Bastrop County Day" at the Texas Capitol. The resolution commends Bastrop County residents for their historical contributions to Texas and celebrates the county's heritage, tourism, and community. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) designating February 11, 2025, as "Texas State Technical College Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It recognizes the college's role in providing technical education across 11 campuses and its contributions to student success and Texas' economic development. The resolution formally commends the college's students, faculty, and administrators for their work in higher education.

Maddy summarySB 742 requires Texas' Office of Public Insurance Counsel to monitor and assess the adequacy of health insurance plan networks (such as HMOs and preferred provider plans) to ensure they provide enough healthcare providers and reasonable access to care. The bill mandates that the office review applications, filings, and waivers from these plans to verify network quality, including accessibility of services and coverage of benefits. This oversight aims to improve patient access to necessary healthcare services by holding managed care plans accountable. The bill directly affects managed care insurance plans and the patients enrolled in them.

Maddy summarySB 743 prohibits Texas cities, counties, and other local governments from creating or operating guaranteed income programs. The bill defines such programs as regular, unconditional cash payments to individuals without considering their circumstances. It explicitly blocks local governments from adopting any ordinances, orders, or regulations that would establish these programs. This legislation directly affects political subdivisions seeking to implement unconditional cash assistance initiatives. The bill takes effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, or September 1, 2025, otherwise.