Sen. Kelly Hancock

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 483) recognizing Don Graves, a Fort Worth resident and WWII Marine Corps veteran, on his 100th birthday. It formally honors his military service during World War II (including the Battle of Iwo Jima), his 32-year ministry career, and his lifelong contributions to his community. The resolution extends the Texas Senate's gratitude for his service and presents him with a copy of the resolution as a memento. As a non-binding commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summarySB 2 establishes a state-funded education savings account program in Texas, allowing eligible families to use public funds for approved educational expenses. The program directly affects Texas families with children who have disabilities or who live in low-income households (at or below 500% of the federal poverty level). The comptroller administers the program, funding accounts with state money that can cover approved education costs like tuition, books, or tutoring. The bill becomes effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 3, 2025. This creates a new state-funded option alongside public schools for participating families.

Maddy summarySB 2225 defines "spirit coolers" as ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages containing less than 17% alcohol by volume, made from distilled spirits mixed with water or juice. It creates a new "spirit cooler certificate" allowing specific businesses - wine-only package stores, wine/malt beverage retailers, or retail dealers - to sell these products. Certificate holders may purchase spirit coolers from wholesalers and sell them retail for off-premise consumption (or on-premise for some licenses), but not for resale. The bill applies only in areas where alcohol sales are legally permitted via local ballot measures.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 465) symbolically recognizes April 29, 2025, as "Donate Life Texas Day" to honor organ, eye, and tissue donors and promote awareness of organ donation. It highlights Texas’s need for more donors (with over 10,000 awaiting transplants and only ~60% of eligible Texans registered) and aligns with National Donate Life Month. The resolution has no legal effect but aims to encourage Texans to register as donors by celebrating existing donors and raising public awareness. It directly affects all Texans by promoting a public health initiative through symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 459) is a symbolic gesture honoring Vietnam War veterans, not a law affecting policies or rights. It commends veterans who served during the Vietnam War on their sacrifices, specifically marking the 50th anniversary of the war's end (April 30, 1975). The resolution directs the Texas Senate to send a copy to Haltom City as a tribute, recognizing the contributions of over 3.4 million U.S. service members and 3,416 Texas veterans who served. It does not change laws or provide benefits; it solely expresses respect and remembrance.

Maddy summarySB 2455 creates the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee to coordinate state efforts in reducing energy waste and improving efficiency across Texas. The committee, composed of seven ex-officio members from key state agencies (including the Public Utility Commission, ERCOT operator, comptroller, and housing department), will make recommendations to these agencies about programs that reduce electricity demand during high-risk periods in the ERCOT power region. It requires the committee to meet quarterly and provide input on state programs affecting energy reliability. The bill directly affects state agencies managing energy, housing, and environmental programs, aiming to enhance grid reliability through coordinated policy recommendations.

Maddy summarySB 1234 creates a legal presumption that a person endangers a child, elderly individual, or disabled person if they use methamphetamine or certain highly restricted drugs (Penalty Group 1-B) in their presence, make such drugs accessible to them, or use these drugs illegally while with them. This applies specifically to caregivers or individuals responsible for the safety of vulnerable people. The bill establishes three clear triggers for this presumption: (1) having the drugs present, (2) proximity/accessibility with drug evidence from the vulnerable person, or (3) illegal use of the drugs while with them. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, and only applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 32 would create a $25,000 property tax exemption for businesses owning or leasing tangible personal property (like equipment or tools) used to generate income. This exemption applies to each business location within a taxing unit, with property at the same location being combined to determine eligibility. Businesses leasing equipment would receive the same exemption as if they owned it. The bill affects Texas businesses that use physical assets to produce income, reducing their local property tax burden on those assets.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 418) designates April 17, 2025, as "The University of Texas at Arlington Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It formally recognizes the university's history, including its founding in 1895, current status as the second-largest institution in the UT System (with over 41,000 students), research impact (Research 1 designation, $59 million annual economic contribution), and upcoming campus development. The resolution extends a welcome to the university's delegation visiting Austin for this designated day, coinciding with the institution's 130th-anniversary celebration. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding policy effect.

Maddy summarySB 2365 would require Texas public school districts and charter schools to adopt policies banning students from using personal wireless devices (like smartphones, tablets, or laptops not issued by the school) during class time. The bill allows exceptions for devices needed for individualized education programs (IEPs), documented medical needs, or health/safety requirements. School boards must implement these policies starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill directly affects all public school students in Texas during instructional periods, with limited exceptions for specific educational or safety needs.