Sen. Kelly Hancock

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 395) formally recognizes the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements Jr. Scholars, a group of 20 Texas students participating in the Clements Legislative Study Program. The program, hosted by the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute, provides conservative students with hands-on experience in public policy and leadership through direct work with Texas legislators. The resolution commends these students for their dedication to public service and extends "sincere best wishes for success" without creating any new laws, policies, or funding requirements. As a commemorative resolution, it serves solely as an expression of recognition by the Texas Senate.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas business law to give domestic entities more control over internal dispute resolution. It allows businesses formed under Texas law to require that internal disputes (like shareholder disagreements) be filed only in Texas courts and to waive jury trials for these cases. The changes apply to all Texas domestic entities, including corporations and LLCs. The law ensures Texas governance rules take precedence over other states' laws for these internal matters.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 518) recognizes May 14, 2025, as "Texas Moral Injury Awareness Day" to honor the work of the American Warrior Association. It highlights the R3 program (Respond. Restore. Resolve.), which provides holistic support - including counseling and preventative care - to military members, veterans, and first responders affected by moral injury. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds; it is a symbolic acknowledgment aimed at raising public awareness about moral injury, defined as emotional harm from violating one's moral beliefs. The Texas Senate adopted the resolution on May 14, 2025, to commend the American Warrior Association's efforts.

Maddy summarySB 2056 regulates fees charged in credit card transactions for large financial institutions in Texas. It prohibits credit card issuers with over $85 billion in assets from fixing swipe fees (which include interchange and assessment fees) with other issuers or networks, and requires them to disclose these fees clearly on cardholders' monthly statements. Payment card networks are also barred from fixing fees, penalizing merchants who offer discounts for cash/debit payments, or charging disputed transaction fees without written notice. The bill directly affects major credit card companies and payment networks, while requiring transparency for cardholders and merchants regarding transaction fees.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 506) is a symbolic gesture by the Texas Senate to recognize May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month. It formally acknowledges the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States and Texas, including their roles in the Texas Revolution, community founding, and cultural enrichment. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it serves only as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Texas Senate. It directly affects the state legislature's official recognition of this observance. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 8, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1588 amends Texas law to increase criminal penalties for individuals who fail to report suspected child abuse or neglect. It elevates the offense from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony when the unreported conduct involves specific severe abuses, such as sexual assault, child pornography, or trafficking. The bill applies only to offenses occurring on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025), and does not change existing reporting requirements for mandated reporters like teachers or healthcare workers. This change directly affects those required by law to report abuse who omit such reports in cases involving the listed serious offenses.

Maddy summarySB 1590 requires Texas' vital statistics unit to create an online system for courts, child protective services, attorneys, and parties in custody cases to request child-related court records. The bill mandates that the unit identify the court handling a child's case or confirm no such case exists within 10 days of an electronic request. It also requires the unit to provide certified search results with digital signatures, showing whether records were found. The changes apply only to requests received on or after January 1, 2026, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 417), not a law. It formally recognizes May 6, 2025, as "Golf Day" in Texas. The resolution highlights golf's economic contributions (including $14.2 billion in 2023 and 107,000 jobs) and cultural significance in the state. It does not create any new policy or affect specific individuals or entities; it is a symbolic gesture to celebrate the sport.

Maddy summarySB 28 prohibits purchasing or facilitating the purchase of state lottery tickets via telephone, internet, or mobile applications. It specifically bans individuals from buying tickets online or through apps (a Class C misdemeanor) and bans selling or arranging such purchases for compensation (a Class A misdemeanor). The bill directly affects residents attempting to access lottery games digitally and businesses or individuals offering such services. It creates new criminal penalties under Section 466.318 of the Government Code, effective September 1, 2025. The law aims to enforce existing age and location restrictions for lottery play by closing digital loopholes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a process for Texas municipalities with fewer than 70,000 residents to hold voter elections on ending special hiring and promotion systems for firefighters and police officers. If 10% of registered voters sign a petition, the city must hold an election where a majority vote decides whether to repeal the system. Municipalities that already have an election scheduled before this law passes will follow existing rules. The bill would take effect immediately if approved by two-thirds of lawmakers, or September 1, 2025, if not.