Sen. Borris Miles

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 1528) allows the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to reimburse current or former employees for personal property lost or damaged by a client during work duties. It requires the department to use existing resources (no new funding) to cover such losses, such as a personal item damaged during a home visit. The policy applies specifically to DFPS employees whose personal belongings are affected by clients they serve. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires nursing facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas to create emergency plans ensuring resident safety during power outages or other emergencies. Specifically, facilities must provide climate-controlled refuge areas (at least 15 square feet per resident) for residents who can move without assistance, and climate-controlled rooms for residents who cannot move without assistance, maintaining temperatures between 68-82°F. Facilities must also report extended power outages (over 12 hours) to the state commission and include details about backup power systems and resident needs in their plans. Violations can result in penalties assessed by the commission.

Maddy summarySB 1704 expands rights for crime victims, witnesses, and their close relatives in Texas criminal cases. It requires law enforcement to provide safety protection, mandates courts to consider victim safety when setting bail, and ensures victims receive timely updates about court proceedings, sentencing changes, and appeals. Victims gain the right to share impact statements before sentencing and access clear information about victim compensation programs, forensic exam payments for sexual assault victims, and social services. The bill directly affects individuals involved in criminal cases who have experienced trauma or loss.

Maddy summarySB 209 establishes the Texas Technology and Innovation Program to help Texas businesses access federal innovation funding. The program matches or supplements money from federal small business innovation programs (like SBIR/STTR) for eligible Texas businesses. To qualify, businesses must be based in Texas (with a state headquarters, manufacturing facility, or majority of employees residing here), meet federal program requirements, and not receive similar funding from other state programs. The Texas office will administer the program, requiring businesses to apply with proof of federal program eligibility and other documentation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 497) is a ceremonial recognition of Austin Habitat for Humanity's 40th anniversary and its collaboration with the 2025 Carter Work Project. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals. The resolution formally commends the organization for its work building affordable housing and strengthening communities across Central Texas, and extends well-wishes for its anniversary celebration and the upcoming Carter Work Project event in October 2025. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect beyond expressing the Texas Senate's appreciation.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 2917 increases penalties for littering offenses based on the weight or volume of waste (5 pounds or more, or 5 gallons or more) and the offender’s prior convictions. It classifies first-time offenses as Class C misdemeanors (up to $2,000 fines), with penalties escalating to Class B ($5,000) for one prior conviction and Class A ($10,000) for two prior convictions. For three or more prior convictions, fines increase by $10,000 per offense (capped at $50,000). The bill also requires offenders to perform community service and reimburse local governments for cleanup costs.

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 summarySB 2386 requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to notify state representatives and senators who represent the geographic area where a violation occurred before taking certain administrative actions. Specifically, it mandates that TCEQ provide an opt-in opportunity for local lawmakers to receive notice about environmental penalty decisions and settlement agreements under the Water Code. The bill creates a formal process for TCEQ to share these notifications with elected officials upon their request, without automatically sending them to all lawmakers.

Maddy summarySB 732 requires apartment buildings for seniors (55+ years old) that receive low-income housing tax credits to install backup power systems. These systems must keep elevators running during outages (for access to residential areas) and maintain indoor temperatures between 68-82°F in at least one enclosed space. The Texas Department of Housing must ensure compliance by December 2026, with a report to the legislature by March 2027. The law takes effect September 2025.

Maddy summarySR 463 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Texas Senate to honor Pope Francis following his death on April 21, 2025. It expresses the Senate's tribute to his life, legacy, and global impact as the first pope from Latin America and the Jesuit order. The resolution extends condolences to those mourning his passing and recognizes his work promoting mercy, justice, and service to the vulnerable. As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents, it serves solely as a formal expression of respect.