Sen. Angela Paxton

Maddy summarySB 2418 requires healthcare providers in Texas to bill patients or insurance companies for services within 90 days of care delivery, with specific exceptions for contracted insurers or government programs like Medicaid. It directly affects hospitals, clinics, and doctors who must adhere to this timeline for billing. The bill sets clear deadlines: providers must bill within 90 days unless a contract or federal/state rule specifies an earlier date. This law applies only to services provided on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed immediately). It does not change existing billing rules for services delivered before that date.

Maddy summarySB 2404 extends the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) until September 1, 2037, and revises its governing board to include 11 members: seven voting members appointed by the governor and four nonvoting members representing higher education, top-spending state agencies, and smaller agencies. The bill requires DIR to create a voluntary certification course on procuring information technology for state employees with existing purchasing or contract management certifications, to be offered in person at least quarterly. It also mandates annual training for upper management at state agencies on best practices for purchasing information technology, covering topics from the certification program. These provisions update DIR's structure and training requirements for state agency procurement of information resources.

Maddy summarySB 2402 extends the Texas Lottery Commission's existence by subjecting it to periodic review under the Texas Sunset Act, preventing its automatic dissolution on September 1, 2037, unless legislative action continues it. The bill adds a limited-scope Sunset review for 2025-2029 to assess the Commission's compliance with recent law changes and Sunset Advisory Commission recommendations. It also requires the Commission to implement annual training for members on laws, audits, and ethics, establish three subcommittees (audit, legal, planning), and create a lottery advisory committee with balanced public representation. The bill updates minor sales rules to require sales agents to exercise criminal negligence (e.g., failing to check age) when selling tickets to individuals under 18. These provisions directly affect the Commission’s operations, its members, and sales agents handling lottery transactions.

Maddy summarySB 2324 requires Texas toll project entities to maintain separate financial accounts for each toll project. It mandates that revenue from a specific toll project cannot be used to cover costs for other projects, ensuring funds stay dedicated to their intended purpose. The bill specifies that toll revenue must be kept in dedicated subaccounts and can only be allocated to approved projects within the same region. This procedural change affects how toll revenue is managed but does not alter toll rates, collection practices, or the cessation of tolls.

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 1424 allows Texas public junior colleges to offer bachelor's degree programs under specific conditions. It requires programs to focus on applied science (including early childhood education, technology, or nursing) or education, and to demonstrate a local workforce need. The bill also limits each college to no more than eight bachelor's programs at any time. This change takes effect for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Texas property tax rules for agricultural land by expanding the definition of "qualified open-space land" eligible for reduced tax appraisal. It specifically includes modern farming methods like organic production, rotational grazing, and sustainable practices, while clarifying that land used for wildlife management qualifies regardless of past use. The bill also requires the comptroller to develop guidelines for "uncommon agricultural uses" in consultation with experts and landowners. This directly affects Texas landowners who use property for farming, ranching, or wildlife management under current tax programs.

Maddy summarySB 2194 establishes a statewide early childhood integrated data system to improve coordination among Texas state agencies serving children from birth through age 8. It requires agencies like the Texas Education Agency, Department of Family and Protective Services, and Health and Human Services Commission to share aggregated, non-identifying data on early childhood programs. The system aims to identify service gaps, align programs, and inform policy decisions to better support children and families. All data sharing must comply with existing privacy and cybersecurity laws. This bill directly affects state agencies administering early childhood services across Texas.

Maddy summarySB 507 requires county election authorities to provide each precinct with ballots equal to 125% of the previous election's turnout in that precinct (capped at registered voters unless using countywide polling). It creates a Class A misdemeanor offense for intentionally failing to provide the required ballots or to supplement ballots upon polling place requests. The bill applies to election supply procurement and directly affects county election officials and polling places. Penalties increase for certain election code violations, with new misdemeanor charges for supply failures. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 305) honors Jill Diane Warrington Glover, a Republican Party member, mental health professional, and civic leader who died in January 2024. It pays tribute to her work supporting conservative legislation (including the Texas Heartbeat Act), her service on the State Republican Executive Committee, and her family. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely to recognize her contributions. The Texas Senate adopted it to extend sympathy to her husband, son, brothers, and other family members.