Sen. Royce West

Maddy summarySB 1728 expands Texas's Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program to include juvenile justice facilities. It allows the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, juvenile boards, and juvenile probation departments to apply for grants to develop career and technical education programs for youth in their care. These grants help cover start-up costs for new training programs focused on high-demand jobs or dual credit opportunities. The bill directly affects youth in juvenile justice settings by providing new educational pathways to support workforce readiness.

Maddy summarySB 2185 establishes a new $10 million annual funding allotment for school districts in Texas that offer approved dual language immersion programs (one-way or two-way). It provides 15% of the basic allotment per emergent bilingual student and 5% per other student in these programs, requiring districts to report additional data on program methods through the state's education data system. At least 55% of these funds must be used for bilingual/special language programs, covering instructional materials, staff development, and other quality instruction costs. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting school districts offering approved bilingual education models under Texas law.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 90) expresses Texas' support for strengthening economic ties with Israel and proposes establishing a Texas Trade and Investment Office in Jerusalem. It does not create new laws or offices but formally endorses expanding trade, technology, and cultural collaboration between Texas and Israel, noting Texas as a top U.S. state for exports to Israel. The resolution specifically supports the U.S.-Israel bilateral trade agreement and a proposed Texas office to coordinate with countries in the Abraham Accords or peace treaties with Israel. It directs Texas officials to share the resolution with the U.S. President, Israeli Ambassador, and Texas Consul General. As a symbolic gesture, it has no binding effect but reflects legislative sentiment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires county fire marshals in Texas counties with 100,000+ residents to obtain specific certifications within 12 months of appointment, including fire department leadership and fire protection personnel credentials. It allows counties to commission fire marshals, inspectors, and investigators as peace officers with authority to enforce fire-related codes, conduct arson investigations, and make building safety recommendations. However, these officers cannot enforce most transportation code violations (except as related to fire safety). The law applies only to large counties and clarifies that fire marshals must hold permanent peace officer licenses when acting in that capacity.

Maddy summarySB 1350 creates the Texas Bicentennial Commission to coordinate statewide celebrations for the 200th anniversary of Texas' independence. The commission consists of 23 members: nine public appointees by the governor (requiring geographic and demographic diversity), three senators appointed by the lieutenant governor, three House members appointed by the speaker, and eight ex-officio officials from state agencies like tourism, history, and education. Members serve staggered six-year terms, with specific expiration dates for different appointee groups. This bill directly affects Texas state agencies and the public by establishing a formal body to plan and manage bicentennial events, without altering existing laws or funding.

Maddy summarySB 1261 authorizes Texas water agencies and districts to issue bonds or other debt instruments to finance large-scale water supply projects. It specifically applies to projects included in the state water plan that have cumulative capital costs of at least $750 million. The law creates new Chapter 1373 in the Government Code, allowing issuers to finance or refinance these qualifying projects without conflicting with other state laws. It explicitly excludes projects funded through the Texas Water Development Board’s existing programs. This legislation provides a new financing mechanism for major water infrastructure, directly affecting local water authorities and districts planning large-scale projects aligned with the state water plan.

Maddy summarySB 260 increases funding for school safety in Texas public schools under the Foundation School Program. It raises the per-student allotment from $10 to $20 per student in average daily attendance and doubles the campus safety allotment from $15,000 to $30,000 per school campus. These changes apply to all Texas public school districts and take effect September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects school funding formulas by increasing state support for safety resources at both the student and campus levels. The policy change provides additional state funds specifically designated for school safety measures.

Maddy summarySB 917 shortens the deadline for boiler inspection agencies to submit reports from 30 to 10 days after an inspection. It directly affects inspection agencies that perform boiler safety checks and the executive director who receives these reports. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code to require agencies to file reports within 10 days using the method specified by the executive director. This change streamlines reporting requirements without altering boiler safety standards or creating new obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 3464 increases criminal penalties for bringing alcohol, drugs, or dangerous substances into a correctional facility or onto its property, with the highest penalties specifically targeting employees of the facility. It reclassifies offenses by correctional staff as second-degree felonies (previously third-degree), and if such an offense causes a death, it becomes a first-degree felony punishable by 15-99 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. The law applies to anyone who provides, possesses with intent to provide, or brings these items into a facility or on its grounds, but the enhanced penalties focus on employees. The bill took effect on September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 217 establishes the Historic Texas Freedmen’s Cemetery Designation Program through the Texas Historical Commission. It allows cemeteries containing at least one freed slave’s grave to apply for official recognition, requiring applicants to prove the cemetery’s existence and historical significance. The program includes a $25 application fee, and approved cemeteries may display a commemorative medallion. The designation aims to inform the public and adjacent landowners about the historical value of these sites.