Sen. Angela Paxton

Maddy summarySB 396 amends Texas Election Code Section 15.051(a) to require voter registrars to send written confirmation notices to voters in specific situations. It directly affects voters whose registration address is a commercial post office box, who haven’t voted in 25 months after a general election, or whose residence is suspected of changing. The key mechanism is a written notice demanding voters verify their current residence address. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not alter voter eligibility or removal procedures.

Maddy summarySB 750 exempts employed paramedics working for Texas local governments (like cities or counties) from paying tuition and laboratory fees at public colleges when taking emergency medical services courses. This applies to paramedics currently employed by a political subdivision, but requires them to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate. The exemption does not cover security deposits, additional tuition charges for residents, or graduate-level fees exceeding standard rates. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board must create rules defining qualifying paramedic certifications and a uniform list of eligible degree programs.

Maddy summarySB 1375 extends the expiration date for health care provider participation programs in specific Texas counties. It changes the default program deadline from two years after adoption to September 1, 2030, for counties meeting three criteria: having a population of 1 million or more, containing part of a 1 million+ city, or bordering a county with 2.5 million+ residents. This applies only to qualifying counties in the state’s most populous areas. The bill ensures these counties can continue administering health care programs under the existing framework until 2030.

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 1395 amends Texas law governing school district health advisory councils. It requires each school board trustee to appoint an equal number of council members, though districts may instead appoint certain members via majority board vote. The bill mandates that at least half of council members must be parents of enrolled students (not employed by the district or related to staff), and these parents must hold all leadership roles like chair or secretary. Councils must include voting members from specified community groups, such as health professionals, business leaders, and law enforcement, while allowing nonvoting members from organizations like nonprofits or clergy. The bill sets one-year terms for all members, with reappointment permitted.

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 summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 473) recognizing the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) for its 50th anniversary. The resolution honors NCSL's work since 1975 in supporting state legislatures, fostering bipartisan cooperation, and strengthening state voices in federal policy. It has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, expressing the Texas Senate's appreciation for NCSL's role in American democracy. The resolution was adopted by the Texas Senate on May 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural Senate Resolution (SR 367), not a substantive bill. It formally recognizes student interns from four Texas A&M University System programs who are supporting the Texas Senate during the 89th Legislative Session. The resolution specifically acknowledges interns in the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program, Public Policy Internship Program, Bush School Capstone Scholars Program, and Tarleton State University internship program. It commends these students for their service and dedication to public policy work, without creating any new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 2408 amends the Trinity River Authority of Texas statute to implement recommendations from the Sunset Advisory Commission. It changes the board composition from 24 to 25 directors, specifying exact county allocations (e.g., 3 from Tarrant, 4 from Dallas, 1 from each of 16 other areas, and 3 from "Area-at-Large") and adjusting initial term lengths. The bill also modifies the Sunset review schedule, requiring periodic reviews every 12 years starting September 1, 2037, while preventing the Authority's abolition under the Texas Sunset Act. These changes directly affect the Authority’s board members and governance structure. The bill is currently pending governor approval after recent legislative action.