Sen. Carol Alvarado

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a binding law) expressing Texas's support for strengthening economic ties with Israel. It urges the creation of a Texas Trade and Investment Office in Jerusalem to foster business connections, particularly with countries in the Abraham Accords or peace agreements with Israel. The resolution reaffirms Texas's existing trade relationship with Israel - where Texas ranks among top U.S. states for exports - and directs officials to share the resolution with state, federal, and Israeli leaders. It does not create new programs or allocate funding, serving only as a formal statement of support.

Maddy summarySB 2814 creates a Texas franchise or insurance premium tax credit for developers owning housing projects that qualify for federal low-income housing credits (Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code). To qualify, developments must have an active federal credit allocation, maintain a valid land use covenant, and comply with accessibility and civil rights laws. The credit allows annual tax reductions over a 10-year period per building, with a state annual limit of $25 million in total credits. This directly affects developers and property owners who meet all federal and state eligibility criteria for qualified low-income housing developments.

Maddy summarySB 2813 makes it illegal to sell a catalytic converter removed from a vehicle to anyone who isn’t a registered metal recycler. This targets thieves who steal converters and unregistered buyers/sellers, as most thefts involve selling to scrap dealers not verified under the law. The bill requires all sales to go only to recyclers registered with Texas, creating a clear legal pathway for enforcement. Violating this would be a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in jail.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2961) prevents wrongful death lawsuits claiming the death of an unborn child resulting from a legal abortion. It amends Texas law to exclude such claims from being filed against the child's mother, physicians performing lawful medical procedures (including abortions), or others dispensing drugs under legal circumstances. The law specifically states these claims cannot be brought if the death results from an abortion as defined by Texas Health and Safety Code § 245.002. This change applies only to cases arising after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed by two-thirds vote for immediate effect).

Maddy summarySB 1432 clarifies the legal definition of sexual assault in Texas by adding specific scenarios where consent is absent, such as when a victim is unconscious, impaired by substances, or exploited due to a dependent relationship (e.g., with healthcare providers, clergy, or caregivers). It also establishes a seven-year statute of limitations for complaints about sexual assault violations involving healthcare providers during assisted reproduction procedures, extending to two years from when the complainant knew of the incident, whichever is later. The bill applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect cases occurring before that date.

Maddy summarySB 2851 requires Texas public schools to notify parents or guardians when their child is involved in a bullying incident or identified as at risk of suicide. Schools must provide suicide prevention materials and information on limiting access to means of self-harm (like firearms or medication), while maintaining records of notification. These requirements apply to all public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools under amendments to Education Code Sections 37.0832 and 38.351. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year, directly affecting parents of students in these situations.

Maddy summarySB 2812 requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to publish detailed information about highway construction and engineering services contracts on its website, including contract amounts, dates, subcontractor details, and geographic coverage. TxDOT must update this information weekly and provide contractors with at least 90 days' written notice before altering a contract's schedule or deliverables. The bill directly affects TxDOT (by mandating transparency) and contractors (by ensuring advance notice of changes). Key provisions include listing 12 specific data points per contract and requiring written reports to TxDOT leadership for any schedule modifications.

Maddy summarySB 2811 amends Texas law to govern the Texas Music Incubator Program's rebate process. It directs the state music office to prioritize granting rebates to music venues and festival promoters that provide the greatest economic benefit to local communities and the Texas music industry, including live performers. The bill explicitly allows the office to deny applications for content deemed inappropriate, negative toward Texas or Texans, or violating general standards of decency and respect for Texas citizens' diverse values. Rebates will be processed by the state comptroller from a dedicated account, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes April 7, 2025, as "Jack and Jill of America Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors the Jack and Jill of America organization, specifically acknowledging its South Central Region (covering Texas, New Mexico, and Louisiana) and its work developing leadership in youth aged 2-19 through community programs and service. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the organization's contributions. The recognition is limited to the State Capitol event on that date.

Maddy summarySB 2482 adjusts how civil service commissions for sheriff's departments are formed in Texas counties based on population size. For counties under 2.8 million residents, the sheriff, commissioners court, and district attorney each appoint one commission member; for counties with 2.8 million to 3.3 million residents, each appoints two members (with one appointed by joint agreement); and for counties of 3.3 million or more, each appoints three members (with two appointed by joint agreement). The bill requires these commissions to establish rules covering employee hiring, promotions, discipline, and workplace rights. Additionally, for the largest counties, it specifies that a majority of the commission is needed to adopt rules and allows a panel of three members to resolve disputes.