Maddy summarySB 1952 establishes the Texas Commission as the sole state agency responsible for administering the school health and related services program. It requires the Commission to oversee school districts and charter schools (as "local education agencies") that provide these services, including managing provider training and offering guidance on regulatory requirements. The bill also mandates collaboration between the Commission and regional education service centers to support schools participating in the program, and requires a formal agreement with the Texas Education Agency outlining each agency's responsibilities. This legislation directly affects public and charter school systems by reorganizing how school health services are managed statewide.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 1951 imposes a 10% penalty on property owners who fail to submit required property reports or rendition statements to their appraisal district's chief appraiser by the deadline. The penalty is calculated as 10% of the annual property taxes owed and is added as a separate line item to the property owner's tax bill. Taxing units must include this penalty in their tax collections, and it becomes part of the property's tax lien. The law applies to property tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and amends Texas Tax Code sections 22.28(a) and (b).
Maddy summarySB 1804 requires courts to order defendants convicted of trafficking or prostitution-related offenses (under Texas Penal Code Chapters 20A or 43) to pay restitution for victims' tattoo removal costs incurred through force, fraud, or coercion. It amends Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to explicitly include "reasonable and necessary costs of tattoo removal" as a covered expense under mandatory restitution. This applies to all victims of these specific crimes, not limited to minors. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 260 increases funding for school safety in Texas public schools under the Foundation School Program. It raises the per-student allotment from $10 to $20 per student in average daily attendance and doubles the campus safety allotment from $15,000 to $30,000 per school campus. These changes apply to all Texas public school districts and take effect September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects school funding formulas by increasing state support for safety resources at both the student and campus levels. The policy change provides additional state funds specifically designated for school safety measures.
Maddy summarySB 38 amends Texas Property Code to clarify procedures for eviction lawsuits involving tenants who lack legal right to occupy property. It specifies that justice courts must handle eviction cases in the precinct where the property is located, with limited circumstances allowing case transfers to adjacent precincts (e.g., if service delays occur or trials cannot be scheduled within 21 days). The bill prohibits courts from charging additional filing or service fees when transferring cases and explicitly states that eviction courts cannot rule on property title disputes or allow separate claims against third parties. This affects landlords and tenants involved in eviction proceedings by streamlining court processes and limiting judicial overreach.
Maddy summarySB 2055 amends Texas education code provisions governing the Texas Leadership Scholars Program, affecting students and public universities designated as "general academic teaching institutions." It requires scholarship rules to ensure research scholarships are at least 150% of leadership scholarships, limit recipients to four years per program, and guarantee each eligible institution receives at least one research scholarship (with additional awards based on doctoral degrees awarded). The bill also prohibits rules that restrict participating institutions or favor specific schools. These changes aim to standardize funding and distribution within the program.
Maddy summaryHB 521 creates a criminal offense for loitering or electioneering within 100 feet of a polling place entrance or 20 feet of curbside voting parking spaces during voting hours. It establishes curbside voting for voters with disabilities who cannot enter polling places safely, requiring election officers to deliver ballots at the entrance or curb upon request. Voters must sign a sworn form confirming their need for accommodation, and polling places must reserve parking marked with a phone number for assistance requests and a "no electioneering" notice. The law also mandates that election officers delivering ballots cannot assist with marking them and requires two officers to be present for curbside voting when four or more officers are available.
Maddy summaryHB 47 amends Texas law to strengthen protections for victims of sexual assault and related offenses. It updates the definition of "victim" to explicitly include minors under 17 and cases involving family violence. Key provisions require law enforcement to provide safety protections, mandate judges to consider victim safety when setting bail, and ensure victims receive timely information about court proceedings and forensic exam costs. For sexual assault victims, the bill specifically guarantees notification about payment for forensic medical exams and related medical care within 30 days of the assault. These changes directly affect victims, their families, and the criminal justice system handling such cases.
Maddy summaryHB 3214 modifies Texas' master plumber license eligibility requirements by reducing the required journeyman plumber experience from four years to two years. It allows applicants to qualify with either two years of experience or one year of experience plus completion of a nationally recognized apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. The bill applies only to new license applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, leaving existing applications and current license holders unaffected. All other requirements - including passing exams and supervision duties - remain unchanged under the revised rules.
Maddy summarySB 7 requires the Texas Water Development Board to coordinate planning for water infrastructure projects to maximize use of existing utility corridors and minimize land acquisition through eminent domain. It mandates the Board to develop standardized specifications for water infrastructure, ensure different water systems can connect and operate together, and recommend building extra capacity during construction to accommodate future projects. The bill directly affects water project developers, utilities, and local governments working with the Board on infrastructure planning and financing. Key provisions include creating interconnectivity standards and facilitating collaboration between project sponsors and transportation/utility entities.