Sen. Paul Bettencourt

Maddy summarySB 985 allows Texas counties to combine election precincts under specific conditions to avoid excessive election costs. It permits combining precincts with fewer than 500 registered voters (for counties under 1.2 million population) or between 500-750 voters (for counties with 250,000+ population), with a maximum of 10,000 voters per combined precinct. The bill requires that precinct combinations must not dilute voting strength or discourage participation by protected groups under federal Voting Rights Act. This applies to counties not using the countywide polling place program, primarily affecting local election officials and county commissioners courts.

Maddy summaryHB 1392 amends Texas Tax Code Section 1.06 to automatically postpone property tax payment deadlines if the local tax collector's office is closed on the due date. This directly affects property owners in Texas counties, cities, or school districts who would otherwise face penalties for late payments on days when tax offices are closed (e.g., weekends, holidays, or unexpected closures). The bill ensures payments made on the next regular business day are considered timely, eliminating penalties for missed deadlines due to office closures. It takes effect January 1, 2026, and represents a procedural adjustment to existing tax payment rules.

Maddy summarySB 3016 establishes state control over certain local regulations in Texas, preventing cities and counties from enacting rules on land use, business operations, structures, or municipal boundaries that conflict with state law. It allows the Attorney General to sue local governments for violations, with potential consequences including withheld state funds, restrictions on tax rates, and penalties from suspended revenue accounts. The bill explicitly preserves local authority for road maintenance, taxation, home-rule city services, public awareness campaigns, and revising ordinances that violate the law. It aims to create statewide regulatory consistency, citing concerns about conflicting local rules creating a "patchwork" of regulations. The law does not affect general tax authority or prohibit municipalities from providing services authorized by existing statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 1244 allows landowners transferring qualified open-space land to new owners to continue receiving special property tax treatment if the new owner uses the land "materially the same way" as the previous owner, with oversight by the same individuals. It creates a process for new owners to file late applications for this tax classification, accepting them until either the tax delinquency date or one year after the transfer date. The bill applies to land previously classified as open-space under Texas tax law. This change aims to simplify transitions for landowners while maintaining consistent tax treatment for qualifying properties. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 767 designates a specific segment of State Highway 249 in Montgomery County as the "Paul P. Mendes Memorial Parkway" to honor Paul P. Mendes. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the highway segment and at appropriate intermediate locations along the route. This is a ceremonial naming resolution with no substantive policy changes or funding impacts. The designation took effect September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1502 prohibits Texas school districts from adopting an ad valorem tax rate exceeding their voter-approved rate if the district previously adopted such a rate, held a voter election on it, and voters rejected it. This law directly affects school districts and their voters by requiring formal voter approval before raising taxes above previously approved limits. The key provision adds a new restriction to tax code, preventing districts from circumventing voter rejections of higher tax rates. The bill became law on May 24, 2025, and applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 511 prohibits state and local government employees from distributing voter registration forms to people who did not request them. It also bans using public funds to help others distribute such forms. Political parties and candidates may still distribute these forms unsolicited, but government employees violating these rules face a Class A misdemeanor charge. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1450 requires local governments (like cities or counties) to allow third-party reviews of development permits or inspections if they miss a 15-day deadline for approval or inspection. It specifies that only licensed engineers, certified inspectors, or government employees (not the applicant or contractor) can perform these third-party reviews or inspections. The bill clarifies that political subdivisions (local governments) are not liable for third-party work done under this process. This bill does not change existing law but explicitly defines who can conduct these reviews and inspections when government agencies delay.

Maddy summarySB 2794 amends Texas Penal Code sections to clarify the criminal offense of interfering with child custody. It specifically targets noncustodial parents who knowingly entice or persuade a child under 18 to leave the custody of the custodial parent or guardian. The bill establishes a Class C misdemeanor penalty ($500 fine) for first offenses, but elevates it to a state jail felony if the person has two prior convictions under this law or entices the child to leave the state. This bill applies only to offenses occurring on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2519 restricts how property tax revenue (ad valorem taxes) can fund public bonds or securities. It defines "materially deviate" as significant changes to approved tax purposes, such as cost increases over 33%, scope reductions, or altered financing structures. Property owners can seek an injunction to stop tax collection if a taxing unit (like a city or county) deviates from the original purpose, with refunds and legal fees if they win. The law applies to tax elections adopted after its effective date, preventing revenue from property tax votes from being redirected to pay bond debts.