Sen. Paul Bettencourt

Maddy summarySB 1436 prohibits county clerks and election officials from suspending standard requirements for accepting mail-in early voting ballots. It creates a Class A misdemeanor penalty for officials who violate this rule, making it illegal to bypass established procedures for handling mailed ballots. The law applies only to offenses occurring on or after September 1, 2025, and does not change how voters cast ballots. This bill directly affects election administrators who manage early voting ballot processing.

Maddy summarySB 508 amends Texas election law to increase penalties for failure to properly handle precinct election records. It upgrades the offense under Section 65.014(e) from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor for officials who don't deliver required records on time. The bill also clarifies procedures for when records are delayed, allowing a district judge to order their "impoundment" (legal seizure) and supervise completion of the count. This directly affects election officials and precinct workers responsible for processing vote counts, with changes taking effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 333) adopted by the Texas Senate on March 27, 2025, to honor Gordon Robert Johnson, a longtime Austin resident and legal advisor with deep ties to Texas state government. The resolution recognizes his career as a lawyer, his service as political director for former House Speaker Joe Straus, his role in securing key legislation like the Texas Racing Act, and his family life. It does not create new laws or policies; it solely serves to memorialize Johnson following his death on March 16, 2025, and extend condolences to his family.

Maddy summarySB 1565 prohibits Texas public school districts from assigning or requiring employees, contractors, or volunteers to engage in "diversity, equity, and inclusion duties," defined as actions based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation - except where required by law. It mandates school districts to adopt disciplinary policies for staff violating this prohibition and bans requirements for diversity statements or preferential consideration based on such statements. The bill directly affects all public K-12 school districts, their employees, and contractors, restricting how schools address DEI topics in instruction and hiring. It does not prohibit teaching about historical holidays or events that align with state curriculum standards. The bill remains pending in committee with no votes recorded.

Maddy summarySB 2236 prohibits Texas political subdivisions (like cities or counties) from disqualifying contractors in selection processes based on their connection to fossil fuel industries. Specifically, it bans excluding vendors that explore, produce, transport, sell, or manufacture fossil fuel-based energy, or that invest in or do business with such companies. The law applies only to contractor selections initiated on or after September 1, 2025, and defines "company" broadly to include corporations, partnerships, and affiliates. This directly affects local governments and contractors during procurement decisions, removing a specific barrier for businesses in the energy sector.

Maddy summarySB 2235 prohibits political subdivisions (like cities or counties) from imposing any fee - such as for permits, licenses, or services - to fund climate or environmental projects. The bill defines such projects broadly (e.g., reducing emissions, adapting to climate change) but explicitly excludes basic sanitation and waste disposal services. This restriction takes effect on September 1, 2025, preventing local governments from using fee-based funding for these specific initiatives. The law does not create new projects or funding mechanisms but limits how local entities may finance climate-related efforts.

Maddy summarySB 19 would restrict political subdivisions (such as cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to hire registered lobbyists or pay nonprofits that primarily represent political subdivisions and employ registered lobbyists. The bill permits exceptions for activities like providing legislative information, testifying, or conducting bill analysis without requiring lobbyist registration. Taxpayers could also seek court orders to halt prohibited spending and recover related costs. This legislation aims to limit public funding for lobbying efforts while preserving direct communication with lawmakers.

Maddy summarySB 2153 amends Texas law to change the composition and qualifications for the Texas Lottery Commission. It increases the commission to seven members: five voting members with specific expertise (including a law enforcement professional, attorney, CPA, and bingo industry expert) and two nonvoting members (one representing the Texas Food and Fuel Association and one with gaming industry knowledge). The bill also adds restrictions preventing members from having conflicts of interest, such as owning regulated businesses, receiving substantial funds from the commission, or being lobbyists for lottery-related industries. This is a procedural bill focused solely on who serves on the commission, not on lottery operations or public policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 2149 prohibits electric utilities, municipally owned utilities, and retail electric providers in Texas from establishing or maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices or hiring staff for such roles, unless required by federal law. The bill defines a DEI office as one influencing hiring based on race, sex, or ethnicity, or promoting differential treatment, excluding only legally approved compliance activities. Providers violating this can face enforcement actions initiated by the Attorney General after a complaint. The law directly affects all electric service providers in Texas, restricting their ability to implement DEI programs tied to protected characteristics. It focuses on banning specific DEI structures while allowing legally mandated compliance efforts.

Maddy summarySB 2079 extends the statute of limitations for personal injury claims related to sexual offenses against children or disabled individuals from 30 to 35 years. It creates a new legal pathway for victims to sue businesses or organizations (not the actual perpetrator) that failed to prevent abuse while operating a "safe environment program" (requiring background checks, training, and reporting protocols). To succeed, claimants must prove their case by "clear and convincing evidence" under Chapter 81B of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. The bill specifically applies to injuries occurring during care by such organizations, covering offenses like sexual assault of a child (Penal Code §22.011) or trafficking (Penal Code §20A.02).