Sen. Paul Bettencourt

Maddy summaryHB 23 exempts property taxes for specific nonprofits in Texas counties with 3.3 million or more residents (like Harris County). It applies to nonprofit corporations organized exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes that use their property to promote agriculture, support youth, or provide community educational programs. The exemption covers all real and personal property owned by these nonprofits but does not apply to for-profit leaseholders of such property. This change takes effect January 1, 2026, after the bill was signed into law in September 2025.

Maddy summarySB 8, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires certain facilities like restrooms, locker rooms, and shelters to be designated and used based on biological sex as defined by reproductive anatomy. It directly affects correctional facilities, family violence shelters, and institutions of higher education by mandating single-occupancy spaces for each biological sex and restricting access to multi-occupancy spaces based on sex. The bill defines "female" and "male" based on natural reproductive systems (e.g., egg production or sperm production) and authorizes civil penalties for violations, as well as private lawsuits to enforce compliance. The law became effective September 22, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 12 requires law enforcement agencies to report election-related crimes to the Texas Attorney General's office and gives the Attorney General exclusive authority to prosecute these offenses. It mandates that local prosecutors assist the Attorney General when requested and specifies that the Attorney General must represent the state in all election crime cases. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies (who must submit reports), local prosecutors (who may be directed to assist), and individuals who violate election laws. The law applies only to offenses committed after its effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summarySB 5 allocates over $290 million from Texas' economic stabilization fund to support disaster response and preparedness following a July 2025 flood declaration. It provides $200 million for FEMA matching funds and statewide disaster needs, $50 million for flood warning systems in 30 specific counties affected by the July flood, $24 million to improve weather forecasting accuracy, and $20 million for a swift water training facility for first responders. The funding targets local governments, emergency services, and meteorological systems to address immediate flood recovery and enhance future disaster management. The bill became effective immediately after the governor signed it on September 18, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes an exemption from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) permitting requirements for specific dams and reservoirs. It directly affects qualified local sponsors - such as soil conservation districts or flood control authorities with USDA agreements under the Watershed Protection Act - that operate dams for erosion, floodwater, and sediment control. The exemption allows these entities to construct, maintain, or divert water from dams/reservoirs with normal storage under 200 acre-feet without a TCEQ permit, including for repair and maintenance. The exemption remains in effect even if their USDA agreement ends, as long as the dam continues serving its original purpose.

Maddy summarySB 14 requires local governments in Texas to offer credits against water and wastewater impact fees for builders and developers who construct eligible water conservation or reuse projects. These credits apply to facilities that reduce water use, decrease wastewater treatment needs, lower stormwater demands, or exceed standard efficiency requirements. Local governments must establish fair procedures to calculate and approve these credits. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly benefiting developers who invest in qualifying water-saving infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 16 amends Texas law to adjust the statute of limitations for certain felony prosecutions under Article 12.01 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. It extends the time limit for filing felony charges in specific cases, including real property theft and fraud offenses, while establishing procedures for restitution and criminal prosecution. The bill directly affects individuals accused of these crimes by modifying when charges can be filed and outlining victim restitution processes. This law, signed by the Governor on September 17, 2025, creates a clearer framework for prosecuting property-related offenses but does not establish new crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 8 creates a new statewide "instructionally supportive assessment program" for Texas public schools, requiring the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to design tests focused on student progress and essential skills. It mandates that schools provide parents with immediate online access to their child's assessment results via a single-click website and maintain parent portals for this access. The bill also establishes school performance ratings based on these assessments and outlines interventions for underperforming schools. These changes directly affect parents, public school districts, and the TEA, shifting accountability toward transparent, student-centered testing.

Maddy summaryHB 26 allows sheriffs and constables in Texas counties with over 3.3 million residents (like Harris or Dallas) to directly contract with local governments, property owners' associations, or landowners to provide law enforcement services. The bill specifically permits these contracts for services in areas managed by those entities or owned by landowners, covering residents and visitors in those zones. Crucially, it prohibits county commissioners courts from blocking or restricting these contracts - sheriffs and constables can set contract terms without court approval. This changes how law enforcement services are funded and delivered in high-population counties by shifting decision-making authority from commissioners courts to law enforcement officials.

Maddy summaryHB 192 authorizes sheriffs and constables in Texas counties with over 3.3 million residents to directly contract with local governments, property owners' associations, or landowners to provide law enforcement services. The bill allows these officials to establish service agreements for specific areas they manage or regulate, covering residents and visitors in those zones. Crucially, it prohibits county commissioners courts from blocking or restricting such contracts, giving sheriffs and constables full authority to set contract terms without approval. This changes how law enforcement funding operates in large counties by enabling direct service agreements outside traditional county commission oversight.