Sen. Carol Alvarado

Maddy summarySB 487 protects the confidentiality of identifying information for victims of specific crimes, directly affecting individuals who experience stalking (under Penal Code §42.072), invasive visual recording (§21.15), or indecent assault (§22.012). The bill amends Texas law to require that courts and law enforcement safeguard victims' personal details, such as addresses or contact information, from public disclosure in legal proceedings. It explicitly defines "victim" in the criminal procedure code to include those subjected to these offenses or part of the same criminal episode. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on May 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1461 requires state agencies like the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Texas Juvenile Justice Department to take custody of individuals confined in county facilities within 45 days. If they fail to do so, the agencies must compensate counties for the cost of each day the individuals remain confined beyond that deadline, at the rate the agency would have paid for confinement. This applies to defendants in criminal cases, children in juvenile justice cases, and releasees for administrative violations. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026, for all cases occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 1181 requires promoters of combative sports events in Texas to obtain prior approval from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). It mandates that promoters ensure all contestants are licensed, provide on-site medical staff with emergency medical technicians, and comply with TDLR rules. The bill also bans elimination tournaments without commission approval and creates a Class A misdemeanor offense for knowingly promoting unapproved events. This directly affects event promoters and organizers of combative sports (like MMA or boxing) by imposing new regulatory requirements and penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires nursing facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas to create emergency plans ensuring resident safety during power outages or other emergencies. Specifically, facilities must provide climate-controlled refuge areas (at least 15 square feet per resident) for residents who can move without assistance, and climate-controlled rooms for residents who cannot move without assistance, maintaining temperatures between 68-82°F. Facilities must also report extended power outages (over 12 hours) to the state commission and include details about backup power systems and resident needs in their plans. Violations can result in penalties assessed by the commission.

Maddy summarySB 209 establishes the Texas Technology and Innovation Program to help Texas businesses access federal innovation funding. The program matches or supplements money from federal small business innovation programs (like SBIR/STTR) for eligible Texas businesses. To qualify, businesses must be based in Texas (with a state headquarters, manufacturing facility, or majority of employees residing here), meet federal program requirements, and not receive similar funding from other state programs. The Texas office will administer the program, requiring businesses to apply with proof of federal program eligibility and other documentation.

Maddy summarySB 1525 would limit insurance companies in Texas from requiring more than one annual prior authorization for prescription drugs treating neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's), autoimmune diseases, hemophilia, or Von Willebrand disease. It specifically allows insurers to require a prior authorization for a *new* prescription drug for a neurodegenerative disease, but not for ongoing treatment. The law would apply only to health plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. This bill directly affects patients with these conditions who rely on prescription medications for treatment.

Maddy summarySB 2357 creates a mandatory training program for health care providers in Texas who treat pregnant or postpartum patients, including hospitals, clinics, and medical staff. The program, developed by the Health and Human Services department with input from the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, requires evidence-based emergency protocols, TexasAIM safety best practices, and maternal health simulations. The bill mandates all qualifying providers to complete this training, with state licensing authorities responsible for enforcing participation and monitoring compliance.

Maddy summarySB 1551 requires Texas public school districts to provide at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) at every campus by the first instructional day of the 2026-2027 school year. The law mandates AEDs be placed in clearly marked, accessible locations - especially near primary athletic activity areas - and not locked when students or staff are present. It specifically requires AEDs to be available during University Interscholastic League (UIL) athletic events held on campus. This bill directly affects all Texas public school districts, imposing a concrete safety requirement with a specific implementation deadline.

Maddy summarySB 28 prohibits purchasing or facilitating the purchase of state lottery tickets via telephone, internet, or mobile applications. It specifically bans individuals from buying tickets online or through apps (a Class C misdemeanor) and bans selling or arranging such purchases for compensation (a Class A misdemeanor). The bill directly affects residents attempting to access lottery games digitally and businesses or individuals offering such services. It creates new criminal penalties under Section 466.318 of the Government Code, effective September 1, 2025. The law aims to enforce existing age and location restrictions for lottery play by closing digital loopholes.

Maddy summarySB 2907 would exempt certain perishable retail inventory from property tax in Texas. It specifically covers food (excluding alcohol), prescription and nonprescription drugs, and dietary supplements held for retail sale. Businesses selling these items would qualify for the tax exemption unless they owed delinquent taxes to the state or local taxing units as of January 1 of the tax year. The exemption applies only to tax years starting January 1, 2026, and depends on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment. The bill is currently pending in committee as of May 5, 2025.