Sen. Paul Bettencourt

Maddy summarySB 990 amends Texas law to impose enhanced penalties for specific murder cases. It targets offenders who commit murder under nine defined aggravating circumstances, including killing police/firefighters on duty, murdering during other serious crimes (like burglary or robbery), hiring hitmen, killing children under 15, or killing someone in retaliation for their judicial role. The bill does not change general murder penalties but increases punishment severity for these specific scenarios. It directly affects individuals convicted of murder meeting any of these listed conditions. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summarySB 2533 requires all law schools operating in Texas at public or private institutions of higher education to maintain accreditation from an entity recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (or its successor). This applies directly to law schools within Texas colleges and universities, mandating that their accreditation status aligns with federal standards. The bill adds this requirement to the Texas Education Code, specifying that accreditation must meet U.S. Department of Education criteria. It does not establish new accreditation standards but ensures existing law schools comply with recognized federal oversight. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, unless approved for immediate effect by a two-thirds vote.

Maddy summarySB 1316 prohibits e-cigarette advertising on signs located within 1,000 feet of schools or churches in Texas. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code to require this distance, measured from the nearest property line of the institution to the sign. It includes an exception for signs already advertising e-cigarettes within 500-1,000 feet of such institutions before September 1, 1997. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting businesses that advertise e-cigarettes near schools or churches.

Maddy summarySB 1541 gives Texas' Secretary of State the authority to impose state oversight on county election offices in counties with over 4 million residents when recurring election problems are found. This applies after a complaint is filed by candidates, party officials, or judges, the county is notified, and an investigation confirms repeated issues like voting machine malfunctions, ballot counting errors, or violations of election laws. The Secretary must decide within 30 days whether to implement oversight. The bill directly affects large-county election administration, creating a formal process for state intervention without requiring a full election audit.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the 2025 University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs Fellows - Alexis Boehmer, Erick Garcia, and nine other students - for their internship work supporting Texas legislators during the 89th Session. It commends their contributions to the legislative process, including assisting with meetings, constituent engagement, and policy research. The resolution provides each Fellow with a formal copy as a token of recognition from the Texas Senate. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely to acknowledge their service.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill prohibits most state agencies, courts, and the legislature from implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that influence hiring or workforce composition based on race, sex, or ethnicity. It bans offices conducting trainings or programs related to concepts like "systemic oppression," "anti-racism," or "gender theory" unless specifically approved by an attorney general for legal compliance. The law exempts universities and initiatives solely designed to meet federal or state legal requirements. It defines prohibited activities to prevent "differential treatment" or "special benefits" based on protected characteristics.

Maddy summarySB 494 establishes a task force within the Railroad Commission of Texas to study and address petroleum product theft. The task force, requiring industry, energy association, and law enforcement representation, must analyze theft impacts on sales tax revenue and long-term economic effects, then recommend prevention strategies and officer training. It will submit annual reports to state leaders by December 1 of even-numbered years, focusing on security improvements and stakeholder coordination. The bill expires December 31, 2030, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySR 545 is a Senate resolution honoring Summer Willis for her advocacy work supporting survivors of sexual violence. The resolution recognizes her personal journey, including running 29 marathons to raise awareness and establishing the nonprofit Strength Through Strides, as well as her recent "The Last Time We Crawl" campaign where she crawled 13.1 miles at the Austin Marathon to symbolize survivor healing. This resolution is purely symbolic - it expresses the Texas Senate's recognition of her efforts through a formal resolution and a copy presented to her, with no policy changes or legislative mechanisms involved.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 536) honors Mark Garcia for his 25 years of service as Texas Senate auditor. It formally recognizes his professional contributions, dedication, and personal involvement with Senate colleagues and community activities like the Senate Christmas band and the Texas MS 150 fundraiser. The resolution directs the Senate to present Garcia with an official copy as a gesture of appreciation for his service. No new laws or policy changes are created by this resolution.