Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 783 exempts certain building regulations from state oversight, specifically clarifying that local governments cannot enforce restrictions on residential or commercial construction that conflict with pre-existing standards. It directly affects municipalities, developers, and historic preservation entities by creating nine specific exemptions, including windstorm insurance requirements, certified Dark Sky Community lighting ordinances, and buildings in historic districts (like National Register sites or Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks). Key provisions allow local ordinances for outdoor lighting to comply with international dark-sky certification standards and preserve existing historic designations without state interference. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers in May 2025.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 326 requires Texas public schools and colleges to use the state's official definition of antisemitism (from Government Code Section 448.001, including its examples) when determining if a student's conduct violation under school rules was motivated by antisemitism. It applies to disciplinary actions for behavior violating student codes in both K-12 schools and higher education institutions. The law mandates this specific definition be used starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill was signed into law on May 20, 2025, and took effect immediately. This policy change standardizes how schools assess antisemitism-related conduct without creating new definitions or penalties.
Maddy summarySB 1643 requires Texas insurers to obtain prior approval from the state insurance department for property and casualty insurance rate changes exceeding 10% (either increases or decreases) for commercial/residential property insurance or commercial/personal auto insurance. This directly affects insurers who must file rate changes with the department, and policyholders who may see slower rate adjustments. The bill establishes a 30-day review period for the department, after which unreviewed rates are automatically approved unless the change is 10% or more. It applies only to policies delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 769 requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to produce a report by September 1, 2027, on enrollment and success rates for students with disabilities in Texas colleges and universities. The report must identify enrollment numbers, barriers to access, supportive institutional policies, available accommodations, and how schools inform students about their disability rights under federal law. It directly affects all public and private Texas institutions of higher education, which must provide requested data to the Board. The law, effective September 1, 2025, expires September 1, 2028, and aims to inform future policy based on documented needs and practices.
Maddy summarySB 1967 expands eligibility for Texas Water Development Board flood infrastructure funding to include nature-based flood mitigation projects and multi-purpose systems that capture stormwater or treated wastewater for water supply. It redefines "flood project" in the Water Code to explicitly cover planning, regulatory approval, structural construction, and nonstructural projects using natural features. This change directly affects communities, municipalities, and water districts seeking financial assistance for qualifying flood control and water management infrastructure. The bill amends the Water Code to include these expanded project types under the existing flood infrastructure fund, effective September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage, limiting coverage, or charging higher rates to individuals who are widowed or whose marital status reflects the death of a spouse, compared to married individuals. It directly affects widowed people applying for or renewing insurance policies. The law requires insurers to treat widowed customers the same as married customers for rate-setting and coverage availability. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not apply to policies delivered or renewed before that date.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates El Paso as Texas's official "Boot Capital" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It recognizes El Paso's long-standing role as a hub for renowned boot manufacturers like Lucchese, Tony Lama, and Caboots, which have preserved Western footwear craftsmanship for generations. The resolution, passed by the Texas Legislature and signed by the governor, formally acknowledges the industry's cultural significance and economic impact on the region. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial recognition under Texas Government Code Section 391.003(e).
Maddy summaryHB 912 requires electric utilities to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before changing how they compensate solar panel owners and other small-scale renewable energy producers in areas not served by ERCOT's grid. The bill mandates that utilities submit this analysis to the Public Utility Commission, which must review it before approving new compensation rates or continuing current net metering policies. It directly affects homeowners and businesses with rooftop solar or small wind systems outside ERCOT's service area. The law ensures any changes to compensation rates reflect the actual value of renewable energy to the grid and customers. The bill takes effect September 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 463 amends Texas law to define "facility" for workplace violence prevention rules, specifically including home health agencies (with ≥2 RNs), hospitals, nursing facilities, surgical centers, emergency care facilities, mental hospitals, intellectual disability care centers, and state supported living centers. This definition requires these facilities to comply with workplace violence prevention requirements by September 1, 2026. The bill directly affects healthcare providers operating under these specific facility types, mandating safety protocols to protect staff. It became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor in May 2025.
Maddy summarySB 494 establishes a task force within the Railroad Commission of Texas to study and address petroleum product theft. The task force, requiring industry, energy association, and law enforcement representation, must analyze theft impacts on sales tax revenue and long-term economic effects, then recommend prevention strategies and officer training. It will submit annual reports to state leaders by December 1 of even-numbered years, focusing on security improvements and stakeholder coordination. The bill expires December 31, 2030, and takes effect September 1, 2025.