Maddy summarySJR 5 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow judges to deny bail to individuals accused of certain violent or sexual offenses punishable as first-degree felonies, or continuous human trafficking. It directly affects people facing these specific charges by requiring judges to find, by clear and convincing evidence, that bail would not ensure court appearance or community safety. Key provisions include mandating written orders with specific findings for bail denials and requiring judges to consider standard bail factors under existing law. The amendment must be approved by voters in November 2025 to take effect, as it is a proposed constitutional change rather than an immediate law.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 629), not a policy bill. It honors Joshua Daniel King, a Weatherford resident who died on April 5, 2025, at age 37. The Texas Senate formally pays tribute to his life, career in business (including roles at Steergate Payment Solutions and Select Mat), family, faith, and community impact, extending condolences to his wife, daughter, parents, sisters, and other relatives. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on June 2, 2025, as a ceremonial recognition.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 222) honors Joe J. Bernal, a former Texas state senator and representative from San Antonio who served from 1964-1973. It recognizes his legislative work championing bilingual education (including Texas' first bilingual education act in 1969), civil rights advocacy, and roles in establishing UT San Antonio and the UT Health Science Center. The resolution was adopted by the Texas Senate on June 1, 2025, as a commemorative tribute to his legacy. It does not create any new laws or affect policy, as it is a purely ceremonial resolution.
Maddy summarySR 675 is a Senate resolution honoring James N. Muns, a former Plano mayor and community leader who died in March 2025. The resolution formally commemorates his life, career (including his work with Wyatt Food Stores and Muns Enterprises), and service on Plano City Council and as mayor (1992-1996), noting his All-America City Award leadership and community roles. It extends the Texas Senate's sympathy to his family and directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory. This is a non-binding tribute, not a policy bill affecting laws or regulations.
Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (SR 677) honoring Isabel "Chavela" McClaugherty, who passed away on July 21, 2024, at age 81. The resolution memorializes her life, highlighting her 57-year marriage to Ray Deli McClaugherty, her role as a founding member of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church, and her dedication to family, community, and faith. It extends condolences to her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other relatives. The resolution serves only as a symbolic tribute with no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or constituents.
Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (SR 676) honoring Betty Bell Muns, a Plano community leader who died in April 2024 at age 92. The resolution recognizes her lifelong contributions, including her work as a marriage and family therapist, leadership roles with local organizations (like the Plano Symphony Orchestra and Collin County Women’s Shelter), and receiving Plano’s Citizen of the Year award in 1995. It serves as a ceremonial tribute from the Texas Senate, expressing sympathy to her family and commemorating her legacy. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 686) honoring Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw and her staff for their service to the Texas Senate. It recognizes their dedication, professionalism, and contributions to legislative operations, including Spaw's record of perfect attendance and leadership roles. The resolution specifically names over 20 staff members across Senate departments who support daily chamber functions. As a non-binding tribute, it has no policy impact and serves solely to express appreciation for their public service.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 717) that formally recognizes The Hope Center in Plano for its service to Texas. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; instead, it expresses the Texas Senate's commendation of the organization's 15+ years of supporting Christian ministries through services like mentoring, shared resources, and facility access for over 65 partner organizations. The resolution concludes by sending a formal copy to The Hope Center as a gesture of appreciation.
Maddy summarySR 628 is a Senate resolution honoring former Texas State Representative James R. Pitts, who served from 1992 to 2010 and passed away on July 20, 2024. The resolution commemorates his 11-term legislative career, his service on the Appropriations Committee, and his work on infrastructure projects like highway improvements and courthouse renovations. Adopted by the Senate on May 31, 2025, this procedural resolution has no policy impact and solely serves as a tribute to his public service.
Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (SR 627), not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It honors Dr. Joe Layton Wall, a Christian leader and educator who served as pastor, dean, and university president, by recognizing his life and legacy. The resolution was adopted by the Texas Senate on May 31, 2025, to pay tribute to him and extend condolences to his family. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or groups beyond this formal acknowledgment.