Sen. César Blanco

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a binding law) expressing Texas's support for strengthening economic ties with Israel. It urges the creation of a Texas Trade and Investment Office in Jerusalem to foster business connections, particularly with countries in the Abraham Accords or peace agreements with Israel. The resolution reaffirms Texas's existing trade relationship with Israel - where Texas ranks among top U.S. states for exports - and directs officials to share the resolution with state, federal, and Israeli leaders. It does not create new programs or allocate funding, serving only as a formal statement of support.

Maddy summarySB 583 requires cities with over 25,000 residents and counties with over 50,000 residents to create an annual list of publicly-owned properties suitable for affordable housing. The bill defines "affordable housing" as housing costing no more than 30% of a household's median income in their area. Each municipality or county must list property addresses, legal descriptions, and whether properties are vacant or improved, then publish the list online or at public notice locations. This procedural bill creates a transparent process for identifying potential housing sites but does not directly fund or build housing.

Maddy summarySB 3020 requires Texas state agencies to produce a biennial report on suicide prevalence and prevention efforts. The report must include disaggregated data by county and risk category, longitudinal trends since 2000, and specific information on suicide rates among military personnel, veterans, first responders, and youth. It also mandates listing all relevant state laws, agency initiatives, funding sources (federal grants or state appropriations), and program details. State agencies must provide this data to the commission, which will submit the final report to the governor and legislative committees every even-numbered year. This bill creates a reporting mechanism but does not change existing suicide prevention policies or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local police departments and sheriff's offices running firearm buyback programs to destroy all surrendered firearms using specific methods, such as melting, shredding, or cutting critical parts. It allows agencies to sell a firearm to a person only after a background check confirms they can legally own a firearm. Agencies that fail to destroy firearms as required may face disciplinary action from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2931 requires regional education service centers serving school districts with fewer than 3,000 students to employ technical assistant superintendents at a ratio of one per three qualifying districts. These superintendents must support small districts in accessing state and federal programs, including teacher incentive funds, school safety grants, the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program, and effective schools frameworks. The bill applies starting the 2025-2026 school year, with the commissioner authorized to monitor compliance. It directly affects small school districts and regional education centers in Texas.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to create a policy for how its officers operate vehicles during pursuits of individuals suspected of committing certain offenses under Chapter 51 of the Penal Code (such as traffic violations). The policy must closely match the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's existing directive on emergency driving and vehicle pursuits. DPS must adopt the rules by December 1, 2025, and the policy takes effect September 1, 2025. It directly affects DPS officers conducting pursuits but does not change when pursuits may occur.

Maddy summarySB 3006 would allow a university system in Texas to establish a public law school in El Paso County, subject to approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The bill requires the university system to seek a feasibility study on accreditation, notify the coordinating board, and ensure community input before proceeding. It permits the school to offer standard law degrees, accept donations, and use bonds for facilities, but only one such law school may be created statewide. The bill does not guarantee funding, as establishment depends on available resources.

Maddy summarySB 3007 establishes a pilot program to increase access to quality, affordable child care in targeted Texas regions by funding partnerships between local workforce boards, child-care providers, and employers. The program awards grants to local boards for projects that expand child-care supply and address specific regional workforce needs, requiring applicants to submit strategic plans with measurable goals for provider growth, employer engagement, and sustainability. Up to six regions will be selected based on population size (over 50,000 or over 10,000 residents), with the commission administering the competitive selection process. This pilot directly affects local workforce boards, child-care providers, and employers in designated areas, aiming to strengthen the child-care system to support working families and local economic needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicaid dental coverage in Texas for adults aged 21 and older (including those with disabilities) who previously had limited access. It requires the state to reimburse providers for preventative dental care and treatment of infections or pain that could cause serious damage if untreated. The law includes a key evaluation mechanism: the state must analyze 3 years of data (starting before implementation) on utilization and costs, then report findings to the Legislative Budget Board by 2029. If the Board determines this coverage increased overall Medicaid spending, reimbursement for these services stops immediately, and the bill’s provisions expire. The changes take effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2604 requires sellers to provide buyers with a written notice about current water service for properties five acres or less in specific counties (those with a city over 500,000 population adjacent to an international border). The notice must be in both English and Spanish, printed in 14-point bold or capital letters. If sellers fail to provide this notice before signing the real estate contract, buyers can cancel the contract within seven days of receiving the notice or before the property transfer date. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting homebuyers and sellers in targeted border counties.