Sen. Paul Bettencourt

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJR 78) proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the Texas legislature to pass laws exempting certain perishable retail inventory from property taxes. It would directly affect retailers selling perishable goods like fresh food, prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and dietary supplements held for sale. If approved by voters in 2025, the amendment would enable the legislature to define "perishable inventory" and create tax exemptions for these items through general law. The measure does not change current tax rules but would provide a constitutional basis for future legislative action on this issue.

Maddy summarySB 2907 would exempt certain perishable retail inventory from property tax in Texas. It specifically covers food (excluding alcohol), prescription and nonprescription drugs, and dietary supplements held for retail sale. Businesses selling these items would qualify for the tax exemption unless they owed delinquent taxes to the state or local taxing units as of January 1 of the tax year. The exemption applies only to tax years starting January 1, 2026, and depends on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment. The bill is currently pending in committee as of May 5, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2044 prohibits school district and open-enrollment charter school officials and employees from engaging in electioneering (campaigning for candidates or ballot measures) while performing their duties. It directly affects school staff who could face consequences for violating this rule. The bill creates a 3-year ban on serving on school boards or charter school governing bodies for individuals found to have violated the prohibition, and requires the State Board for Educator Certification to maintain a registry listing those ineligible for school employment due to electioneering violations. These provisions amend Texas Education Code sections to establish administrative penalties and criminal offense standards for noncompliance.

Maddy summarySB 2 establishes a state-funded education savings account program in Texas, allowing eligible families to use public funds for approved educational expenses. The program directly affects Texas families with children who have disabilities or who live in low-income households (at or below 500% of the federal poverty level). The comptroller administers the program, funding accounts with state money that can cover approved education costs like tuition, books, or tutoring. The bill becomes effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 3, 2025. This creates a new state-funded option alongside public schools for participating families.

Maddy summarySB 2046 increases criminal penalties for county officials or employees who intentionally avoid competitive bidding requirements for county purchases. It targets two types of violations: making separate purchases to bypass bidding rules, or other violations of bidding laws. Penalties range from misdemeanors to felonies based on the total value of the purchases: exceeding $1 million but under $5 million escalates penalties, while purchases of $5 million or more trigger felony charges. The bill directly affects county purchasing officials and employees who handle contracts over $1 million. It does not change bidding requirements but strengthens enforcement through harsher criminal consequences.

Maddy summarySB 324 requires state contractors, local governments (political subdivisions), and private employers working with Texas state entities to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm employees' work authorization. The bill mandates that contractors must register with and maintain participation in E-Verify to secure or retain state contracts, with contracts including a certification statement about compliance. This policy directly affects businesses and government units doing work with Texas state agencies, requiring them to verify employee eligibility through the federal program rather than relying on other methods. The bill modifies Texas Government Code Chapter 2264 to enforce this requirement through contract terms and verification standards.

Maddy summarySB 229 prohibits auto dealers from increasing a vehicle's price or blocking payment methods when buyers use their own money or a loan from a third-party lender (not the dealer or its affiliate). It directly affects car buyers and dealers by banning price hikes for cash or independent financing, and preventing dealers from restricting these payment options. The law requires dealers to accept personal funds or third-party loans without added costs or false claims about payment restrictions. These rules apply only to new purchase agreements entered into on or after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2253 modifies Texas teacher certification rules to require most public school classroom teachers to hold state-issued certificates by the 2029-2030 school year, with limited exceptions for non-core subjects in early grades during the 2026-2027 school year. It creates a $1,000 one-time incentive payment for school districts that certify new, initially uncertified teachers (hired 2022-2023) by the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The bill establishes four new teacher certification types (standard, enhanced, and two intern categories) with specific pathways for preparation and residency programs. These changes directly affect school districts, new teachers, and the Texas Education Agency's certification and funding processes under state law.

Maddy summarySB 2819 restricts political activities for Texas county elections administrators by prohibiting them from running for public office, holding public office, serving in a political party, or holding positions appointed by elected officials. If an administrator violates these rules, they automatically vacate their position. The bill applies only to appointments made on or after September 1, 2025, meaning current administrators remain unaffected by the new rules. This amendment to the Election Code aims to maintain neutrality in election administration by preventing conflicts of interest for those managing county elections.

Maddy summarySR 463 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Texas Senate to honor Pope Francis following his death on April 21, 2025. It expresses the Senate's tribute to his life, legacy, and global impact as the first pope from Latin America and the Jesuit order. The resolution extends condolences to those mourning his passing and recognizes his work promoting mercy, justice, and service to the vulnerable. As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents, it serves solely as a formal expression of respect.