Sen. Carol Alvarado

Maddy summaryThis bill limits how long large Texas cities (with populations of 2 million or more) can extend deadlines for property owners to fix or remove substandard buildings. It allows only two 90-day extensions per property, with the first requiring a "good faith" request and the second needing proof of hardship. The law directly affects building owners, mortgage holders, or lienholders in cities like Houston or Dallas who receive municipal orders for unsafe structures. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies only to municipalities meeting the population threshold.

Maddy summarySB 2483 requires Texas Medicaid and the Child Health Plan Program to cover up to four maternal depression screenings for a mother during well-child visits before the child turns one. It directly affects mothers of enrolled children under age one, regardless of whether the mother is also enrolled in Medicaid. The bill mandates coverage for these screenings during routine well-child or office visits, expanding access to mental health support for new mothers. This policy change takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2484 requires Texas insurers writing personal or commercial property/casualty insurance (including major associations like Texas Windstorm and FAIR Plan) to provide clear claim contact information. The bill mandates the Texas Department of Insurance to create and maintain a public website listing each insurer's phone number or online claim filing link. Insurers must also include a conspicuous notice about this website in all residential property and auto insurance policies issued in Texas. This law takes effect September 1, 2025, aiming to make it easier for policyholders to access claims assistance.

Maddy summarySB 2727 adds an exception to Texas abortion restrictions for cases involving a "lethal fetal anomaly or diagnosis," allowing abortions when two physicians determine it is necessary. It requires a multidisciplinary ethics committee to review abortions after 24 weeks for such cases and establishes minimum standards for supportive palliative care for infants born with lethal anomalies. The bill modifies existing law to clarify that certain exceptions (like this one) do not apply to specific provisions in Chapter 170A of the Health and Safety Code. These changes adjust procedural requirements for exceptions while maintaining the core structure of Texas's abortion regulations.

Maddy summarySB 881 creates a provisional medical license for foreign-trained physicians who have job offers from Texas healthcare providers. To qualify, applicants must hold a medical degree from an eligible program, be licensed in good standing abroad within five years, have practiced medicine for at least five years (with residency or equivalent experience), and meet English proficiency requirements. The provisional license allows them to practice for up to three years while completing full licensure requirements. This directly affects foreign medical graduates seeking to work in Texas hospitals, health systems, or clinics.

Maddy summarySB 1562 requires Texas employers with 50 or more employees to display a mandatory veterans benefits and services poster in a visible location at their workplace. The poster, created by the Texas Workforce Commission in consultation with the Texas Veterans Commission, must include practical information on applying for unemployment benefits, contacting the Texas Veterans Commission (including the VA crisis hotline), accessing tax benefits, and obtaining driver's licenses. It also lists state services like education programs, legal assistance, and mental health treatment for veterans. Employers must display this poster starting September 1, 2025, after the commission distributes it by December 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 68 allows 17-year-olds who will turn 18 by the date of the general election to register and vote in the primary election for state and county offices, but only for that primary. It amends Texas Election Code sections to create a new registration category (Subsection 13.001(d)) and specifies that these voters can only participate in primary elections until they turn 18. Voter registrars must send written notices informing these individuals they are ineligible for general elections until age 18. The bill takes effect only if a related constitutional amendment is approved by voters in 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas licensing rules for marriage and family therapists, their associates, professional counselors, counselor associates, and social workers. It establishes new requirements for applicants, including passing state exams, holding approved degrees, and meeting criminal history standards (limiting eligibility for those convicted of felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude). The bill also updates continuing education rules and scope-of-practice standards for these professionals. These changes directly affect individuals seeking or renewing licenses in these mental health fields, including out-of-state applicants who must now meet Texas-specific criteria.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (SR 356) honoring Carole Stewart Keeton, a pioneering Texas public servant who died in March 2025. It recognizes her historic achievements as the first woman elected mayor of Austin, first woman on the Texas Railroad Commission, and first woman Texas Comptroller, along with her dedication to education, fiscal responsibility, and community service. The resolution expresses the Texas Senate's condolences to her family and directs the Senate to adjourn in her memory. As a purely ceremonial resolution with no policy changes, it does not affect any laws or directly impact constituents.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill), passed by the Texas Senate on March 27, 2025, to recognize March 27, 2025, as "CASA Day" at the State Capitol. It honors the Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) network, which relies on volunteer advocates to support children in foster care by making court recommendations and addressing their needs. The resolution commends CASA for its work serving nearly 18,000 youth annually across 74 programs in Texas. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or alter policies - it simply expresses the Senate’s appreciation for CASA’s advocacy efforts.