Sen. Carol Alvarado

Maddy summarySB 1022 allows Texas electric utilities to recover vegetation management costs (like tree trimming near power lines) more efficiently. It requires utilities to collect eligible costs as soon as possible and adjust them among customers based on their actual electricity usage. The bill mandates that any under- or over-collected costs must be resolved within 90 days (or a longer period if the commission approves for extraordinary costs), with customers notified and given a chance to protest. It also specifies that protests cannot challenge whether the costs were reasonable - only whether the recovery process followed the rules. This directly affects electricity customers and utilities managing power line vegetation.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 116) passed by the Texas Senate to honor the late Eddie Bernice Johnson, a pioneering public servant who died in 2023. The resolution recognizes her legacy as the first Black woman elected to the Texas House (1972), the first Black person to serve in the Texas Senate since Reconstruction (1986), and a 15-term U.S. Congresswoman representing Texas. It highlights her career as a nurse, her advocacy for women and children, and her authorship of over 175 enacted bills during her congressional service. The resolution serves as a formal tribute to her life and impact on Texas and national policy.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 117) honoring State Representative Harold V. Dutton, Jr. on his 80th birthday. It recognizes his 40-year legislative career in the Texas House, including his service as chair of multiple committees and his sponsorship of initiatives supporting minority businesses and public education. The resolution, adopted by the Texas Senate, expresses congratulations and best wishes for his birthday and includes a formal copy for him. It has no policy impact or legal effect.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution designates February 18, 2025, as Texas Music Advocacy Day to honor the Texas Chapter of the Recording Academy. It recognizes the state's musical heritage, including Texas-born artists and industry contributions that support over 210,000 jobs and generate billions in economic activity. The resolution specifically celebrates the Recording Academy's Texas Chapter and its role in advancing music education and the state's music industry. (SR 61)

Maddy summarySB 866 modifies Texas judicial training requirements by allowing judges and judicial officers (including associate judges) who do not handle cases involving family violence, sexual assault, trafficking, or child abuse to exempt themselves from the training. To qualify for the exemption, a judge must file an affidavit stating they do not hear such cases. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals must adopt implementing rules to administer this provision. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects judges whose caseloads exclude these specific sensitive areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 864) changes Texas traffic law to allow bicyclists to treat stop signs and certain red/flashing red traffic signals as yield signs instead of requiring a full stop. It directly affects bicycle riders approaching intersections with stop signs or steady/flashing red signals. The key provision amends the Transportation Code to specify that bicyclists must yield (as per yield sign rules) rather than stop completely at these devices. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed after that date.

Maddy summarySR 98 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing Senator Judith Zaffirini on her birthday. It honors her service as Dean of the Texas Senate - the longest-serving and highest-ranking member - and acknowledges her historic role as the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas Senate. The resolution celebrates her 38 years of legislative service, including over 72,000 consecutive votes since 1987, and her work on health care, education, and family support. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely a tribute with no legislative action required.

Maddy summarySB 885 limits who can request a public hearing from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) about concrete plant construction. It specifies that only representatives of schools, places of worship, licensed day-care centers, hospitals, nursing facilities, or medical facilities - and residents living within 440 yards of the proposed plant - may request such a hearing. The bill reduces the previous 880-yard radius for resident eligibility and requires the TCEQ to create rules defining who qualifies as a representative for certain facilities. This change applies only to new permit applications submitted to the TCEQ on or after the effective date of these rules (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote).

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 71) designates February 11, 2025, as Texas Independent Automobile Dealers Association Day to honor the Texas Independent Automobile Dealers Association (TIADA). TIADA, a nonprofit trade association founded in 1944 with over 1,400 members, supports independent auto dealers through advocacy and resources, and contributes significantly to Texas' economy - accounting for a portion of the $6.8 billion in motor vehicle sales and rental tax revenue collected during the 2024 fiscal year. The resolution extends a formal welcome to TIADA's delegation at the State Capitol on that date.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 66) designates February 11, 2025, as "University of Houston Day" to recognize the institution's contributions. It acknowledges the university's role in education (46,600+ students, 281 programs), research ($230M annual expenditures), health care (450,000+ patient care hours), and athletics (Big 12 Conference sports). As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect but formally honors the university's impact on Texas. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 11, 2025.