Maddy summarySB 313 requires Texas public school districts to allow classroom teachers to choose not to use their paid personal leave when taking unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for pregnancy, birth, or adoption. This policy change directly affects teachers who qualify for FMLA leave, giving them the option to preserve their paid leave days instead of using them concurrently with unpaid federal leave. School districts must adopt a policy implementing this choice by the 2025-2026 school year, with the bill taking effect on September 1, 2025, unless approved for immediate enactment by a two-thirds vote. The law provides a concrete administrative adjustment to leave usage without altering federal FMLA requirements.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2408 amends the Trinity River Authority of Texas statute to implement recommendations from the Sunset Advisory Commission. It changes the board composition from 24 to 25 directors, specifying exact county allocations (e.g., 3 from Tarrant, 4 from Dallas, 1 from each of 16 other areas, and 3 from "Area-at-Large") and adjusting initial term lengths. The bill also modifies the Sunset review schedule, requiring periodic reviews every 12 years starting September 1, 2037, while preventing the Authority's abolition under the Texas Sunset Act. These changes directly affect the Authority’s board members and governance structure. The bill is currently pending governor approval after recent legislative action.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires new members of the Angelina and Neches River Authority board to complete mandatory training before voting or attending meetings. The training covers the authority's operations, budget, applicable laws, ethics policies, and open-government requirements. It also specifies grounds for removing board members (though the full details are truncated in the provided text). The policy directly affects new board appointees and aims to standardize board member knowledge and conduct.
Maddy summarySCR 41 is a Texas state resolution urging the U.S. Department of Commerce to maintain the Tomato Suspension Agreement with Mexico. The agreement prevents a 17.09% tariff on Mexican tomatoes, which Texas businesses and communities rely on for economic stability. Without it, Texas could lose over $4.5 billion in economic activity and 32,000 jobs, particularly impacting Rio Grande Valley warehouses and tomato supply chains. The resolution highlights that the agreement has maintained market stability since 1996 and ensures year-round access to diverse tomato varieties for U.S. consumers. It is a non-binding request, not a law, formally sent to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
Maddy summarySB 2253 modifies Texas teacher certification rules to require most public school classroom teachers to hold state-issued certificates by the 2029-2030 school year, with limited exceptions for non-core subjects in early grades during the 2026-2027 school year. It creates a $1,000 one-time incentive payment for school districts that certify new, initially uncertified teachers (hired 2022-2023) by the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The bill establishes four new teacher certification types (standard, enhanced, and two intern categories) with specific pathways for preparation and residency programs. These changes directly affect school districts, new teachers, and the Texas Education Agency's certification and funding processes under state law.
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.
Maddy summarySB 3005 directs Texas' Department of State Health Services to study the use of psychedelic therapies (including MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine) for treating PTSD, depression, and related conditions. The study requires reviewing clinical trials, FDA actions, treatment guidelines, and patient access barriers like provider availability and affordability. The department must consult with Baylor College of Medicine and UT Austin's Dell Medical School and submit a report with recommendations by December 1, 2026. This bill does not change current laws or provide immediate access to psychedelic therapies - only studies their potential use after future FDA approval. It expires September 1, 2027, and affects no current patients or providers.
Maddy summarySB 1325 allows Texas public and private schools to contract with vendors for epinephrine auto-injectors (for respiratory distress) and training for school staff and volunteers. The bill creates a statewide standing order so schools don’t need individual patient-specific doctor orders to administer the medication during emergencies. It directly affects school districts, charter schools, and private schools by enabling them to secure medication and training through vendor contracts. Key provisions require schools to provide this training to authorized personnel and ensure the medication is available without requiring a prior physician-patient relationship. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, unless approved for immediate effect by a two-thirds vote.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 451) formally recognizes April 25, 2025, as "Dark Sky Day" in Texas. It commends DarkSky Texas for its work reducing light pollution, educating the public about energy conservation and wildlife protection, and promoting dark sky tourism. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any regulations; it is purely ceremonial. It acknowledges DarkSky Texas's efforts to preserve natural nighttime views, support migrating birds, and advance designated International Dark Sky Places across Texas. The Texas Senate adopted this resolution on April 28, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 450) honors Dr. Richard D. Pineda upon his retirement from The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) after more than 20 years of service. It recognizes his roles as a communication professor, department chair, and director of the Sam Donaldson Center for Communication Studies, along with his academic publications, editorial board work, and community service on the City of El Paso Ethics Review Commission. The resolution formally congratulates him and will provide him with a copy of the resolution as a gesture of the Texas Senate's respect. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy impact or direct effect on constituents or legislation.