Sen. Sarah Eckhardt

Maddy summarySB 980 requires Texas law enforcement agencies and state attorneys to conduct annual audits of assets seized through forfeiture proceedings. These audits must detail all expenditures (including salaries, equipment, and training), itemize every seizure with dates and descriptions, and report final dispositions of seized property. Agencies must submit certified audit copies to the Attorney General within 60 days after each fiscal year ends. The bill applies to all forfeiture cases under the Code of Criminal Procedure and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 976 establishes a 12-member advisory board to study how surface water and groundwater interact in Texas. The board includes representatives from state water agencies, environmental groups, river authorities, groundwater districts, academic experts, and legislative leadership. It will examine the extent of water interaction, associated challenges, and potential solutions, while holding at least one annual public meeting to gather community input. The board’s findings will inform future water management decisions but do not create immediate policy changes. This procedural bill focuses on gathering data, not implementing new regulations.

Maddy summarySB 889 creates two defenses for drivers charged with driving with an expired license in Texas. It allows a defense if the driver shows a valid license on arrest date or an expired license that was valid for no more than 60 days before arrest while having scheduled a renewal appointment beforehand. Judges may also dismiss the charge if the defendant fixes the expired license within 60 working days or before their first court appearance, whichever is later. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and does not affect cases where the offense occurred before that date. This bill directly affects drivers with recently expired licenses who can prove they were renewing their license.

Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 930 requires biennial efficiency audits of Operation Lone Star and other Texas border security programs, beginning in 2024. The bill mandates an external auditor (selected by the comptroller by March 1 each audit year) to examine how state funds are spent, whether resources achieve border security goals, and identify potential cost savings. The auditor must complete the audit within 90 days and submit a public report by November 1 to the governor, legislature, and state agencies. The audits will be conducted using existing state resources, with no new funding required.

Maddy summarySB 885 limits who can request a public hearing from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) about concrete plant construction. It specifies that only representatives of schools, places of worship, licensed day-care centers, hospitals, nursing facilities, or medical facilities - and residents living within 440 yards of the proposed plant - may request such a hearing. The bill reduces the previous 880-yard radius for resident eligibility and requires the TCEQ to create rules defining who qualifies as a representative for certain facilities. This change applies only to new permit applications submitted to the TCEQ on or after the effective date of these rules (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote).

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 66) designates February 11, 2025, as "University of Houston Day" to recognize the institution's contributions. It acknowledges the university's role in education (46,600+ students, 281 programs), research ($230M annual expenditures), health care (450,000+ patient care hours), and athletics (Big 12 Conference sports). As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect but formally honors the university's impact on Texas. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 11, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 751 would extend civil service status to emergency medical services (EMS) personnel working in municipal departments separate from fire departments. This applies only to Texas municipalities with 460,000+ residents operating under a city manager form of government. The bill amends state law to require these cities to grant EMS staff the same job protections and standardized hiring processes as other civil service employees. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote.

Maddy summarySB 774 allows public school students in Texas with a diagnosed menstrual disorder (such as endometriosis or PCOS) to be excused for up to 10 days per school year. Students or their parents must provide physician documentation confirming the disorder, and schools cannot penalize these absences. The bill ensures excused days count toward attendance averages and requires schools to provide reasonable time to make up missed work. It takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year. This directly affects students with qualifying health conditions and public school districts in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 775 requires the Texas State Board of Education to create a list of age-appropriate informational materials about endometriosis and menstrual disorders for public school students. The materials must cover symptoms, the importance of menstrual health for well-being and school performance, basic statistics, health advocacy practices, and treatment options. School districts may choose to provide this education at appropriate grade levels or courses, but it is not mandatory. The law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summarySB 797 proposes to amend Texas Penal Code Section 16.06 to clarify restrictions on unauthorized tracking devices. It prohibits installing or using location trackers on someone else's vehicle or tracking another person's movements without "effective consent" - defined as consent not obtained through deception, coercion, or by someone legally unable to consent (e.g., minors or those incapacitated). Key exceptions include parents tracking minors, law enforcement acting under court orders, and licensed investigators with written consent from vehicle owners or property owners. The bill aims to prevent misuse of tracking technology while preserving legitimate uses by authorities and caregivers. (Note: This bill is currently in the Criminal Justice committee and has not yet become law.)