Sen. Kelly Hancock

Maddy summarySJR 12 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a parent's right to direct their child's education in Texas. It would add Section 37 to the Texas Constitution, defining "parent" broadly to include natural parents, stepparents, adoptive parents, guardians, and legal custodians. The amendment guarantees specific rights: choosing public school options, selecting alternatives like private or homeschool, accessing school materials and records (including health records), and attending school meetings - without restriction based on disability. This is a procedural bill requiring voter approval in the November 2025 election.

Maddy summarySB 2689 establishes a state program to develop and promote recycling markets in Texas. It requires the program administrator to create a detailed plan identifying current recycling volumes, unused materials, economic benefits, processing capacity, and barriers to using recycled materials in manufacturing. The plan must include recommendations to increase recycling use, support processors, and expand facilities, with updates due every even-numbered year. This bill directly affects Texas state agencies, local governments, and recycling processors by setting requirements for statewide recycling strategy and funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill would establish a down payment assistance program for Texas veterans purchasing new manufactured homes, funded by dedicated sales and use tax revenue. Eligible veterans (or surviving spouses if the veteran dies after applying) would receive grants covering part of their down payment, administered by the Texas Commission on Manufactured Housing. Veterans must occupy the home as their primary residence for three years, with limited exceptions for events like death, job loss, or home condemnation. The program ensures funds are used for affordable housing goals through strict occupancy rules and board oversight.

Maddy summarySB 2979 establishes a child-care innovation pilot program under Texas Labor Code Chapter 320 to increase quality, affordable child care and strengthen employer partnerships in specific regions. It directly affects local workforce development boards in counties with populations over 2 million adjacent to counties over 2.5 million (or groups of such counties), which will administer grants for child-care expansion projects and employer collaborations. Key provisions require participating boards to submit strategic plans with measurable goals for expanding child-care access, engaging local employers and stakeholders, and ensuring program sustainability. The program uses state funds to support innovative projects addressing regional workforce needs, with the commission overseeing administration and additional board selection through a competitive process if funds remain.

Maddy summarySB 925 prohibits public entities from discriminating against contractors or subcontractors based on their relationship with a labor union or willingness to join one for public work projects. It applies to contracts funded by state, local, or federal money, including federal matching programs and government-administered financial assistance. The law prevents public agencies from requiring, discouraging, or favoring bidders based on union status, ensuring contractor selection is based solely on qualifications. This amendment to the Education Code and Government Code standardizes fair treatment in public contracting.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a binding law) expressing Texas's support for strengthening economic ties with Israel. It urges the creation of a Texas Trade and Investment Office in Jerusalem to foster business connections, particularly with countries in the Abraham Accords or peace agreements with Israel. The resolution reaffirms Texas's existing trade relationship with Israel - where Texas ranks among top U.S. states for exports - and directs officials to share the resolution with state, federal, and Israeli leaders. It does not create new programs or allocate funding, serving only as a formal statement of support.

Maddy summarySB 2977 requires hospitals (including state-owned facilities) to publicly disclose whether they are classified as pediatric and adolescent hospitals or special hospitals capable of providing emergency pediatric care, in line with nationally recognized standards. This disclosure must be provided verbally when reasonable, prominently on the hospital's website, and on printed emergency care materials or during emergency check-in processes. The bill directly affects hospitals serving pediatric patients and ensures prospective patients can access clear information about care capabilities. The requirement takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2980 requires oil and gas operators to maintain electrical power lines at well sites and related facilities according to the National Electrical Code. If the Railroad Commission of Texas finds violations during inspections, it must collaborate with the Public Utility Commission to resolve the issue through three specific actions: requiring the electric company to disconnect power, directing fire marshals to inspect dangerous conditions, or ordering the utility to disconnect service. This law directly affects oil and gas operators, electric utilities, and local fire authorities at operational well sites. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and creates a formal process for addressing electrical safety risks at oil and gas facilities.

Maddy summarySB 2832 delays the expiration date of groundwater drilling or operating permits issued by conservation districts if the permit holder is involved in legal challenges about the permit's validity. It applies only to permits issued after January 1, 2022, and requires districts to extend expirations until a final court judgment is issued - either until the two-year anniversary of a valid ruling or immediately if the permit is found invalid. The delay does not apply if the permit holder owes fees, faces pending enforcement actions for violations, or has failed to pay penalties from prior rulings. This bill directly affects groundwater permit holders engaged in litigation over their permits while ensuring districts maintain operational continuity during legal proceedings.

Maddy summarySB 2831 allows Texas high school students (18 or older) participating in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities to earn compensation for using their name, image, or likeness outside official events and obtain legal representation for related contracts. The bill prohibits schools from banning this compensation but requires rules to prevent it from influencing school enrollment or transfers, and bans endorsements of tobacco, gambling, or other restricted products. Schools may also restrict compensation conflicting with their policies, and students must complete financial literacy education before engaging in these activities. This applies only to K-12 students in UIL programs, not college athletes.