Sen. Charles Schwertner

Maddy summarySB 778 establishes the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve as a special fund within the state treasury, administered by the comptroller to hold bitcoin as a strategic financial asset. The bill allows Texas residents to donate bitcoin to the reserve, enabling public participation in the state's digital asset holdings. Key provisions include requiring cold storage for security, prohibiting transactions with foreign entities or individuals engaged in illegal activity, and restricting the reserve's use to holding bitcoin. This legislation directly affects the state treasury's management of assets and Texas residents who may contribute bitcoin donations. The reserve is explicitly defined as a strategic asset not to be used for general state expenditures.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 31) designates February 3, 2025, as "9-1-1 Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors public safety telecommunicators who handle emergency calls and dispatch first responders across Texas, recognizing their critical role in connecting citizens to police, fire, and medical services. The resolution is purely commemorative and does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySB 369 establishes a standardized appraisal process for resolving disputes over claim amounts in Texas personal automobile insurance policies. It requires insurers to include this procedure in all new policies delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, directly affecting both insurance companies and policyholders. The bill sets strict timelines: insurers or policyholders must request appraisal within 90 days of liability acceptance, appoint appraisers within 15 days, and resolve disagreements through a mutually selected umpire if needed. If the final appraisal differs by more than 10% from the insurer’s last offer, the party whose offer was exceeded must cover the other’s appraisal fees. This process aims to streamline dispute resolution without waiving either party’s rights under the insurance policy.

Maddy summarySB 658 requires sheriffs in Texas counties with 250,000+ residents to seek written agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under federal programs like Section 287(g), allowing local officers to enforce federal immigration law. Sheriffs in smaller counties may also request such agreements. The bill establishes a grant program to reimburse small-county sheriffs (under 250,000 population) for costs related to participating in these agreements, covering stipends, reporting, equipment, and other approved expenses. It mandates annual reporting by participating sheriffs to the attorney general and requires the attorney general to publish an annual summary of agreement participation for state leadership.

Maddy summarySB 239 prohibits Texas political subdivisions (like counties and cities) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that primarily represent local governments and employ registered lobbyists. The bill specifically bans spending public money for activities such as lobbying state legislators or funding associations that contract with registered lobbyists. Taxpayers or residents can seek court injunctions to stop prohibited spending and recover attorney fees if they win a related lawsuit. This law applies to all public fund expenditures on or after its effective date, including payments made under pre-existing contracts.

Maddy summarySB 386 prohibits Texas state and local governments from enforcing rules, fees, taxes, or mandates from the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations (UN), or World Economic Forum (WEF). It explicitly states these international organizations have no legal jurisdiction within Texas. The law prevents Texas or its political subdivisions from implementing any requirements issued by these groups, effective September 1, 2025. This bill directly affects Texas government operations and regulatory authority.

Maddy summarySB 622 amends Texas Insurance Code sections to create a uniform definition of "emergency care" for health insurance plans. It defines emergency care as services provided in hospital emergency facilities, freestanding emergency centers, or comparable settings to evaluate and stabilize conditions that would lead a reasonable person with average medical knowledge to believe immediate care is needed to prevent serious health risks like life-threatening conditions, organ failure, disfigurement, or fetal endangerment. This definition applies to all health benefit plans and ensures insurers cover such services without requiring prior authorization. The bill standardizes this definition across multiple sections of insurance law to clarify coverage requirements for urgent medical situations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 14) honoring Deputy Jesus "Jesse" Vargas of the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, who died in the line of duty on January 15, 2025. The resolution extends condolences to his wife, three daughters, parents, siblings, and colleagues, and memorializes him as a 17-year veteran dedicated to community service. It has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal tribute with no legislative effect.