Sen. Angela Paxton

Maddy summarySB 9 amends Texas Tax Code sections to update how local taxing units (like cities, counties, and school districts) calculate voter-approval tax rates when implementing or adjusting sales taxes. It introduces specific formulas that account for new sales tax revenue by adding a "sales tax gain rate" to the calculation, ensuring the voter-approval rate reflects the impact of the new revenue source. The bill differentiates rules based on the taxing unit type, applying multipliers of 1.08 for special districts, 1.035 for small municipalities/counties (<30,000 population), and 1.025 for others. These changes directly affect how local governments determine tax rates that require voter approval when they add or modify sales taxes.

Maddy summarySB 69 would allow Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a prescription from a healthcare provider, under a statewide order issued by the commissioner of state health services. The order would require pharmacists to follow standardized procedures, provide patients with usage instructions, and submit annual reports on the number of doses dispensed. Pharmacists acting in good faith under this order would be shielded from criminal, civil, or professional liability. This bill specifically applies to ivermectin and does not change prescription requirements for other medications.

Maddy summarySB 5 regulates hemp-derived consumable products (like edibles, oils, and topicals containing cannabinoids such as CBD) sold in Texas. It requires businesses to obtain occupational licenses, imposes fees, and prohibits sales to anyone under 21. The bill creates criminal penalties for violations and administrative fines, while exempting certain products (like hemp seed oil in food), research activities, low-THC cannabis, and medical prescriptions. These changes directly affect hemp product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors operating in Texas.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas law to criminalize a noncustodial parent knowingly enticing or persuading a child under 18 to leave the custody of the custodial parent or guardian. It classifies this offense as a Class C misdemeanor (fined $500) but elevates it to a state jail felony if the parent has two prior similar convictions or entices the child to leave the state. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date, not to past actions. It directly affects noncustodial parents who interfere with established custody arrangements.

Maddy summarySB 66 allows local areas within Texas regional transportation authorities to allocate up to 25% of their annual sales tax revenue toward local transportation projects. This includes building/maintaining sidewalks, trails, roads, streetlights, traffic signals, and drainage improvements related to transportation infrastructure. Funds are distributed with 50% available at the start of the fiscal year and 50% on a reimbursement basis by year-end. Unused funds must be used to pay down debt secured by a 1% sales tax rate. The bill directly affects local governments participating in regional transportation authorities that manage these tax revenues.

Maddy summarySB 64 requires Texas public schools to include age-appropriate, medically accurate instruction on fetal development for students in grades 7 and 8 as part of the health curriculum. The instruction must cover the human reproductive process, pregnancy, infertility, prevention of birth defects (including effects of drugs, alcohol, and environmental hazards), and fetal growth and development by trimester. The State Board of Education may extend this requirement to other grade levels, but the bill specifically mandates it for grades 7 and 8. This policy directly affects public school students in those grades and school districts implementing the health curriculum.

Maddy summarySB 12 prohibits Texas cities, counties, and other local governments (political subdivisions) from using public funds to hire registered lobbyists or pay organizations that primarily represent local governments and employ lobbyists. The bill specifically bans spending on activities like lobbying state legislators, but allows local government employees to provide information to lawmakers or testify without triggering the restriction. Exceptions include associations representing sheriffs or law enforcement officers, and direct advocacy by employees that doesn’t require lobbyist registration. Taxpayers can seek court orders to stop prohibited spending and recover related costs.

Maddy summarySB 3 regulates consumable hemp products (like edibles, topicals, or beverages containing hemp-derived cannabinoids) in Texas. It requires businesses to obtain licenses with $10,000 fees per location, bans manufacturing products with cannabinoids other than CBD or cannabigerol, and mandates product testing before sale. The bill also creates criminal penalties for violations and allows administrative fines. This primarily affects hemp product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors in Texas. The bill was vetoed by the governor on June 22, 2025, so it did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 25 requires Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to provide daily moderate or vigorous physical activity for students in prekindergarten through grade 8. Specifically, it mandates at least 30 minutes daily for grades K-5 and 30 minutes daily for at least four semesters in grades 6-8, with alternatives for scheduling challenges (e.g., 135 minutes weekly). The bill prohibits schools from restricting student participation in physical activity as punishment for academic or behavioral issues. It directly affects K-8 students and school employees responsible for implementing physical education curricula, effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 974 removes a restriction preventing school district teachers from serving on appraisal review boards, which are local bodies that handle property tax disputes. It amends Texas Tax Code Section 6.412(c) to explicitly state that teachers employed by school districts are eligible for these boards. The bill also creates a criminal offense related to violations of the new eligibility rules (though specific details are not provided in the text). As of June 22, 2025, the bill was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.