Maddy summarySJR 82 is a proposed constitutional amendment for Texas voters that would allow the state legislature to create laws regulating casino gaming and sports betting. If approved, it would require the establishment of a state regulatory agency to oversee licensing, enforce rules, and collect taxes on gambling revenue. Key provisions include limiting licensed casino facilities to 10 locations, imposing a maximum 15% tax on gambling revenue, requiring operator licenses and fees, and mandating negotiations with tribes for Class III gaming compacts. This amendment does not authorize gambling itself but would enable future legislation to create a regulated framework, directly affecting potential operators, the state agency, and tribal governments.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 14, titled the Regulatory Reform and Efficiency Act, creates the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office within the governor's office to streamline how state agencies develop and review regulations. The office will help agencies identify unnecessary rules, reduce costs for businesses and individuals, and establish a public online portal for searching regulatory information. This bill directly affects state agencies that create regulations and the public who interact with those regulations. The new office will operate until 2037 unless extended under the Sunset Act, with its work focused on improving regulatory efficiency and transparency.
Maddy summaryTexas Senate Bill 1314 amends the Health and Safety Code to define "e-cigarette product" as any substance containing nicotine (from any source) intended for use in e-cigarettes, regardless of whether it contains nicotine. This definition change directly affects manufacturers, retailers, and users of nicotine-containing e-cigarette products in Texas. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, establishing the legal framework for future regulations on these products. The summary is limited to the definitional provision as no specific prohibition language is detailed in the provided text.
Maddy summarySB 423 allows workers' compensation dispute hearings in Texas to be held remotely (via phone or videoconference) when both parties agree. It directly affects workers, employers, and the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission by changing how these hearings are conducted. The bill requires the Commission to create rules for remote hearings, including updated notices, technical requirements, and multilingual guides in English and Spanish for submitting evidence. These changes apply only to hearings requested on or after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote for immediate effect).
Maddy summarySB 32 would create a $25,000 property tax exemption for businesses owning or leasing tangible personal property (like equipment or tools) used to generate income. This exemption applies to each business location within a taxing unit, with property at the same location being combined to determine eligibility. Businesses leasing equipment would receive the same exemption as if they owned it. The bill affects Texas businesses that use physical assets to produce income, reducing their local property tax burden on those assets.
Maddy summaryThis resolution formally acknowledges Angel's Mission and PdN Children's in El Paso for their work supporting individuals with autism and their families during Autism Acceptance Month. It recognizes their efforts in promoting inclusion, empowering families, and providing programs for children with autism and developmental challenges. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture of support from the Texas Senate, without creating new laws or funding. It was adopted by the Senate on April 22, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 532 amends Texas law to increase the minimum and maximum grant amounts for the Young Farmer Grant Program. It raises the minimum grant from $5,000 to $10,000 and the maximum from $20,000 to $35,000. This bill directly affects young farmers in Texas who apply for these grants under the program. The changes apply to grants issued on or after September 1, 2025, while existing grants remain governed by prior law.
Maddy summarySB 1592 requires online booking platforms and similar services (called "accommodations intermediaries") to collect and remit Texas hotel occupancy taxes for bookings made through them, starting June 1, 2026. These intermediaries - like Airbnb or Expedia - must collect the tax from guests at booking time, report it to the state comptroller, and pay it directly, replacing the current system where hotels handled this. Hotels will no longer be responsible for collecting or remitting taxes on bookings facilitated by these intermediaries. The bill also mandates the comptroller to create simplified reporting forms and provide mapping data to help implement the new tax collection process.
Maddy summarySB 1031 establishes a 12-month standard eligibility period for Texas SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients, requiring households to renew benefits annually instead of more frequently. It creates a monthly quality control review process to verify recipient eligibility and benefit accuracy using electronic data. Exceptions to the 12-month rule include elderly/disabled households, young adults without dependents, and individuals with anticipated income changes within six months. The bill applies directly to SNAP participants in Texas, aiming to streamline program administration while maintaining oversight.
Maddy summarySB 696 limits the information consumer reporting agencies (like credit bureaus) can include in credit reports. It prohibits reporting most bankruptcy history older than 10 years, civil judgments or lawsuits older than 7 years, tax liens paid over 7 years ago, criminal records (arrests, convictions, or charges without conviction) older than 7 years, and certain medical debt related to out-of-network care. The bill directly affects consumers by removing older negative information from their credit reports, potentially improving their credit scores. It takes effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote or on September 1, 2025, if not.