Sen. Kelly Hancock

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.

Maddy summarySB 2688 designates a specific stretch of U.S. Highway 281 in Blanco and Burnet Counties (between State Highway 71 and Ranch Road 962) as the "Muckleroy Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of this highway segment and at appropriate intermediate locations. This is a purely symbolic naming measure with no funding, policy changes, or direct impact on residents or businesses. It does not alter road maintenance, construction, or existing highway designations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 541) is a symbolic gesture by the Texas Senate to commemorate Caterpillar Inc.'s 100th anniversary in 2025. It recognizes the company's history, contributions to major infrastructure projects (like highways and dams), and its Texas operations since the 1960s. The resolution formally extends "sincere best wishes" to Caterpillar and includes a plan to provide the company with an official copy of the resolution as a token of appreciation. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact or direct effect on any laws or regulations.

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 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 922 requires healthcare providers to wait until the third business day after a sensitive medical test result is finalized before disclosing it electronically to patients or their representatives. Sensitive results include pathology/radiology reports indicating possible cancer or genetic test results. The law, effective September 1, 2025, applies to electronic disclosures via patient portals or email but does not impose penalties for non-compliance. This directly affects doctors, hospitals, and health systems using electronic health records to share patient information.

Maddy summarySB 1341 updates Texas definitions and consumer protections for manufactured homes. It clarifies that "manufactured home" and "HUD-code manufactured home" follow federal standards (42 U.S.C. §5402(6)), aligning state law with federal rules for home size, construction, and design. The bill requires retailers to provide written disclosures to buyers before sales, covering costs, financing, ownership obligations, and the right to rescind the purchase. It also creates a limited exception allowing consumers to waive the rescission period if they provide written proof of a "bona fide personal emergency." These changes directly affect manufactured home retailers and buyers in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 2619 modifies Texas school district governance by requiring school boards in underperforming districts (those rated "F" for two years or designated "rapidly declining" due to significant performance drops) to hold special elections for trustees before December 31 of the following year. It mandates that school boards publicly review and disclose applicants' past academic performance records when hiring a superintendent, including relative performance rankings from state evaluations. The bill also requires all school districts to post board member contact information and term dates on their websites (or submit to the Texas Education Agency if no website exists), with updates required within 30 days of membership changes. Additionally, it establishes new approval requirements for training providers for school board members, prohibiting political advocacy during training and mandating agency review of provider credentials and content.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 529), not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes former U.S. Congresswoman Kay Granger for being named the 2025 Fort Worth Inc. Person of the Year. The resolution highlights her decades of public service, including her work on the Fort Worth City Council, as the city's first female mayor, and her role as a U.S. Representative focused on advancing Fort Worth's economic growth. The Texas Senate adopted the resolution to commend her contributions and provide her with a copy as a gesture of esteem.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 13) urges the U.S. Department of State and the International Boundary and Water Commission to ensure Mexico complies with the 1944 Treaty on shared water resources. It specifically addresses Mexico's failure to deliver the required 350,000 acre-feet of water annually (averaged over five years), with a current deficit of 984,814 acre-feet. The resolution highlights how this shortfall harms Texas water users, including municipal, agricultural, and industrial sectors in the Rio Grande Valley, impacting reservoir levels and causing economic losses like the closure of Texas' only sugar mill. As a non-binding resolution, it formally requests U.S. federal agencies to take action but does not change legal obligations.