Maddy summarySB 1815 transitions Texas's nurse aide certification program from the Health and Human Services Commission to the Texas Board of Nursing, requiring both agencies to jointly develop a transition plan by December 1, 2026. It also creates a workgroup - including representatives from the Board of Nursing, Health and Human Services Commission, Workforce Commission, Education Agency, and higher education entities - to assess how to better align certification pathways for nurse aides, medication aides, and personal care technicians. The workgroup must evaluate current regulations, reduce duplicative educational requirements, and consider technology impacts, then submit a report by December 1, 2026. The bill expires January 1, 2027, and takes effect September 1, 2025.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 231) honoring John Eric "J. J." Joe, a Baylor University football quarterback, broadcaster, and community member who died on February 25, 2025. The resolution expresses the Texas Senate's condolences to his family, recognizes his achievements as a three-time Academic All-American, Baylor Hall of Fame inductee, and 21-season radio color analyst, and acknowledges his impact on athletes and the Waco community. The Senate formally adopted the resolution on March 11, 2025, and will provide a copy to his family as a gesture of sympathy. This is a symbolic tribute with no policy or legal effect.
Maddy summaryThis bill sets requirements for law firms and nonprofit organizations to provide free legal assistance to Texas veterans appealing disability claims at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. To qualify, providers must have at least 10 years of experience representing veterans, maintain a Texas physical office, employ at least one Texas-licensed attorney, and meet specific court appearance thresholds (e.g., 750+ cases at the appeals court). The service is free for veterans following an adverse decision from the Board of Veterans' Appeals. It ensures veterans can access qualified legal help for appeals at this specific federal court level.
Maddy summarySJR 66 proposes a constitutional amendment to dedicate specific tax revenues to Texas' water fund. It would require the state comptroller to deposit excess sales tax revenue (above $46.5 billion annually, capped at $500 million) and the first $500 million of insurance premium tax revenue into the Texas Water Fund each year. The amendment mandates that 25% of initial fund allocations and 80% of pre-2043 deposits go exclusively to the "New Water Supply for Texas Fund," which supports water infrastructure projects. This proposal expires August 31, 2043, and requires voter approval in the November 2025 election. It directly affects how Texas allocates tax revenue for water infrastructure planning and development.
Maddy summaryThis bill renames Texas' Sunset Advisory Commission to the "Sunset Legislative Initiative for Cost Efficiency Advisory Commission" (SLICE Commission) and updates all relevant state laws to reflect this new name. It changes the commission's title in the Government Code, updates references to it in statutes, and modifies the "Texas Sunset Act" to become the "Texas Sunset Legislative Initiative for Cost Efficiency (SLICE) Act." The bill does not alter the commission's duties, which remain focused on reviewing state agencies' efficiency, effectiveness, and cost-saving opportunities. All existing legal references to the "Sunset Advisory Commission" or "Texas Sunset Act" will automatically refer to the renamed entity under this bill.
Maddy summarySB 1593 creates a grant program to fund Texas industry-recognized apprenticeship programs. It establishes that eligible programs must meet specific criteria, such as involving hands-on training in recognized occupations and requiring related instruction. The Texas Workforce Commission will distribute partial reimbursements to participants as they meet on-the-job training and employment milestones. The law applies only to new grants awarded on or after September 1, 2025, and requires programs to align with federal apprenticeship standards. This directly affects training programs and participants seeking industry-recognized apprenticeships in Texas.
Maddy summarySB 1587 prohibits the enforcement of confidentiality clauses in agreements that prevent reporting child sexual abuse to law enforcement or disclosing facts about such abuse. It makes void any provision in nondisclosure, employment, settlement, or other agreements that blocks reporting to police or regulatory agencies or restricts disclosure of abuse details (including offender identity) during investigations or legal proceedings. The law directly affects parties entering agreements involving child sexual abuse, defined as acts under specific Texas Penal Code sections (e.g., indecency with a child, sexual assault). The bill applies to all agreements entered into before, on, or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 1595 requires certain health care entities - including hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, pharmacies, and health insurers - to report ownership and control information to the state. It directly affects entities that provide health care services, such as licensed facilities, health care providers, and health carriers operating in Texas. The bill establishes a civil penalty for failing to report and authorizes a fee to cover the cost of processing these reports. This creates a new reporting requirement under Chapter 550A of the Government Code, effective April 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 180) recognizing March 4, 2025, as "Nurse Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It formally honors nurses across Texas - including certified nursing assistants, licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses, and advanced practice nurses - for their daily care of Texans, their service during the pandemic, and their high public trust ratings. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation by the Texas Senate. It was adopted and enrolled by the Senate on March 4, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 1339 requires water districts governed under Texas Water Code Chapters 36, 49, or 60 to record audio and video of their regular and certain special meetings (those involving voting, public comment, or testimony), then make those recordings publicly available online. This applies to all qualifying water districts, regardless of size, not limited to specific population thresholds like other entities covered in the bill. The recordings must be of "reasonable quality" and archived online for public access. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to meetings held on or after that date.