Sen. Carol Alvarado

Maddy summarySB 378 prohibits licensed barbers and cosmetologists in Texas from making skin incisions (such as for injections) or using certain devices during their services, except when they hold a separate license for that specific medical act. The bill requires license holders to prove they are authorized to perform such acts in disciplinary cases. It would have taken effect September 1, 2025, but was vetoed by the Governor on June 2, 2025, so it never became law. This bill directly affected licensed professionals providing hair, skin, or cosmetic services under Texas law.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 629), not a policy bill. It honors Joshua Daniel King, a Weatherford resident who died on April 5, 2025, at age 37. The Texas Senate formally pays tribute to his life, career in business (including roles at Steergate Payment Solutions and Select Mat), family, faith, and community impact, extending condolences to his wife, daughter, parents, sisters, and other relatives. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on June 2, 2025, as a ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 222) honors Joe J. Bernal, a former Texas state senator and representative from San Antonio who served from 1964-1973. It recognizes his legislative work championing bilingual education (including Texas' first bilingual education act in 1969), civil rights advocacy, and roles in establishing UT San Antonio and the UT Health Science Center. The resolution was adopted by the Texas Senate on June 1, 2025, as a commemorative tribute to his legacy. It does not create any new laws or affect policy, as it is a purely ceremonial resolution.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution by the Texas Senate recognizing the Holi festival celebration on March 14, 2025, for members of the Hindu faith in Texas. It symbolically honors Holi's cultural significance as a spring festival of colors celebrating harmony, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil, without creating any legal obligations or policy changes. The resolution extends best wishes for the celebration and acknowledges its role in connecting diverse communities within Texas. As a symbolic gesture, it directly affects no individuals or groups through legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 686) honoring Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw and her staff for their service to the Texas Senate. It recognizes their dedication, professionalism, and contributions to legislative operations, including Spaw's record of perfect attendance and leadership roles. The resolution specifically names over 20 staff members across Senate departments who support daily chamber functions. As a non-binding tribute, it has no policy impact and serves solely to express appreciation for their public service.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution urges the Houston City Council to construct a pedestrian bridge near Charles H. Milby High School in honor of Sergio Ivan Rodriguez, a 15-year-old Houston resident who died in 2024. It does not allocate funding or create legal requirements - it is a non-binding commemorative gesture to honor his life and legacy. The bridge would be located over railroad tracks near his high school, reflecting his connection to the community.

Maddy summarySB 920 allows Texas public and private schools to administer over-the-counter medications (like pain relievers or antihistamines) to students without requiring additional authorization from a healthcare provider. Schools must have a written request from a parent or guardian, and the medication must be in its original labeled container or a properly labeled single dose. Staff administering the medication must follow the dosage instructions printed on the container. This change applies to school employees like nurses and teachers, protecting them from liability when following these specific protocols.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 695 returns Senate Bill 293 to the House of Representatives for further consideration. The resolution specifies that the Senate concurs in all House amendments except Section 23 (which the Senate ruled non-germane), and instead proposes substituting Section 20 of the Senate version - which modifies how judicial retirement annuities are calculated for judges retiring before September 1, 2025. The resolution requests the House adopt this change to finalize the bill. This procedural step resolves a disagreement over one section of the bill before it advances to final passage.

Maddy summaryHB 3698 requires unemployed Texans who are determined by the unemployment agency to be at risk of exhausting regular benefits to participate in reemployment services (like job search assistance) as a condition for receiving unemployment benefits. It applies to individuals identified through the agency’s profiling system as needing such services to secure new employment. Exceptions exist if the person has already completed services or has a valid reason (e.g., medical issue) for not participating. The law aims to improve employment outcomes, strengthen benefit program integrity, and align with federal workforce goals, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3700 requires the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to establish procedures, detection systems, and reporting mechanisms to prevent, detect, and investigate fraud, waste, and abuse in programs it administers, contracts out, or funds through grants. The bill mandates the TWC to create a public website for reporting and allow anonymous reports from employees, and to submit an annual report to the legislature by September 1 each year detailing received reports, investigation findings, and actions taken. It also prohibits the TWC from retaliating against employees who report in good faith. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, with the first report due September 1, 2026.