Sen. Angela Paxton

Maddy summarySB 769 requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to produce a report by September 1, 2027, on enrollment and success rates for students with disabilities in Texas colleges and universities. The report must identify enrollment numbers, barriers to access, supportive institutional policies, available accommodations, and how schools inform students about their disability rights under federal law. It directly affects all public and private Texas institutions of higher education, which must provide requested data to the Board. The law, effective September 1, 2025, expires September 1, 2028, and aims to inform future policy based on documented needs and practices.

Maddy summarySB 2034 creates a legal process for appointing a court receiver to take over a single-source continuum contractor providing child welfare services in Texas when the contractor fails to meet performance standards, plans to stop operations without ensuring service continuity, or poses an imminent risk to children's safety. The bill amends the Family Code to allow the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to petition a court for a receiver if a contractor continues to underperform after improvement plans, fails to provide 60-day notice of shutdown without arranging replacement services, or creates dangerous conditions for children in their care. This applies specifically to contractors operating under community-based care contracts with the state. The law took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on May 19, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 610 requires the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to establish an anti-trafficking unit, identify businesses in licensed industries affected by human trafficking, and coordinate with law enforcement, the Attorney General’s office, and anti-trafficking organizations. It directly affects licensed businesses (e.g., spas, massage parlors, or other regulated industries) by enabling TDLR to conduct inspections and investigations for trafficking indicators. The bill mandates TDLR to adopt rules for these inspections and protects victim identities by making information identifying trafficking victims confidential, exempting it from public disclosure under state law. The law 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.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 531) honoring Officer Cooper Steven Dawson, a Greenville Police Department officer who died in the line of duty on November 26, 2024. The resolution pays tribute to his life, service, and legacy, extending sympathy to his family - including his wife, three children, parents, and siblings - and commemorates his dedication to protecting his community. As a memorial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies; it serves solely as a formal expression of respect and remembrance by the Texas Senate. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 19, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 3051 creates the Grassland Municipal Utility District No. 1 in Collin County, Texas, to provide utility services (like water, sewer, and electricity) to residents and property owners within its boundaries. The district will have the authority to issue bonds for infrastructure projects, impose fees and taxes on properties, and use a limited power of eminent domain to acquire land for utility facilities. Before the district is confirmed, it must obtain consent from local municipalities and secure a service contract for police, fire, and emergency services that is approved by Collin County's Commissioners Court. The bill also requires an election to confirm the district's creation and elect five permanent directors.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 546) formally recognizes Baylor College of Medicine's 125th anniversary. It highlights the institution's founding in 1900, its evolution into an independent research leader, its top rankings in NIH funding and medical education, and its community health contributions across Texas. The resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of Baylor's historical significance and ongoing impact, with no policy changes or direct effects on individuals or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 2032 modifies Texas Family Code requirements for contracts between the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and single source continuum contractors. It shortens the notice period for early contract termination: contractors must provide 60 days' notice (down from 180), and DFPS must provide 30 days' notice (down from 180). The bill allows DFPS to immediately contract with a new provider during termination without following standard competitive bidding rules under Government Code or Human Resources Code. This directly affects contractors providing continuum services to DFPS and streamlines the transition process when contracts end early. The law took effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2751 requires inspections of residential and day placement facilities that provide services to students with disabilities under school district contracts. It mandates that inspections verify whether educational services align with medical standards and best practices for each student's disability, and whether facility staff have completed crisis prevention training. The law applies to all such facilities starting with the 2025-2026 school year. This directly affects students with disabilities in these facilities, the school districts contracting with them, and the agencies conducting inspections.