Sen. César Blanco

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 174) is a non-binding ceremonial gesture by the Texas Senate. It formally recognizes February 27, 2025, as "Texas Majority to End Gun Violence Advocacy Day" at the State Capitol, specifically acknowledging the Texas Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence for gathering there. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it solely expresses the Senate's support through a symbolic recognition of the coalition's advocacy work. It directly affects the coalition and its members by providing official acknowledgment of their planned event.

Maddy summarySB 1118 requires health benefit plans covering anesthesia to provide full coverage for the entire duration of medically necessary anesthesia services. It applies to most health plans sold in Texas, including those from insurance companies, HMOs, and state health programs. The bill mandates that plans must consider patient physical status and care complexity - determined by treating physicians - when assessing network adequacy and disease management services. These provisions are codified in new Chapter 1381 of the Insurance Code and amendments to Sections 1551.0551 and 1551.219. The bill directly affects insurers and health plans offering anesthesia coverage, ensuring consistent patient access without arbitrary time limits.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 128), not a substantive bill. It honors the late Major General (Ret.) Edward Greer of El Paso, recognizing his military service, historic promotion as one of the first African American officers to reach brigadier general, and legacy. The resolution pays tribute to his 30-year career in the U.S. Army (including WWII, Korea, and Vietnam), his awards, and his post-military life in El Paso. It extends sympathy to his family and directs the Texas Senate to adjourn in his memory.

Maddy summarySR 106 is a Texas Senate resolution honoring the late U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston, who died in July 2024. The resolution commemorates her 30-year congressional career, her advocacy for social justice, and her key role in establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. It recognizes her leadership in passing landmark legislation like the Sentencing Reform Act and her dedication to Houston constituents. As a memorial resolution, it has no legislative effect and serves solely to honor her legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Texas counties to establish a program where county employees can voluntarily donate unused sick or vacation leave days to a shared "family leave pool." Employees may later access these donated days for specific family care needs - such as childbirth, adoption, caring for an ill family member, or pandemic-related circumstances - after exhausting their own leave. The county judge or an appointed administrator manages the pool, with limits of 90 days or one-third of the pool’s total time per employee. Retirees may also donate accrued leave to the pool upon separation.

Maddy summarySB 1054 creates a new criminal offense for stealing oil and gas equipment, such as drilling machinery, pipelines, or vehicles used in oil and gas operations. It defines this equipment broadly and sets penalties based on the stolen items' value: a state jail felony for equipment worth $2,500-$10,000, up to a first-degree felony for items valued at $300,000 or more. This law directly applies to individuals who unlawfully take such equipment with intent to deprive the owner, covering actions like removing, selling, or concealing it. The bill also allows prosecution under this law or other applicable statutes if the same conduct violates multiple laws.

Maddy summarySB 1028 amends Texas Water Code sections to update qualifications for directors of municipal utility districts. It requires all directors to be at least 18, Texas residents, and either landowners subject to taxation in the district or qualified voters. For districts located in border counties (bordering Mexico) with a municipality over 500,000 population, directors must additionally be qualified voters (replacing the landownership requirement). The bill applies to directors elected or appointed on or after September 1, 2025, while current members serving before that date may continue their terms.

Maddy summarySB 1095 authorizes Sul Ross State University to issue up to $70 million in revenue bonds for capital projects, specifically expanding agricultural, life, and physical sciences facilities. The bonds would be secured by pledges of university revenue, including student tuition charges, which cannot be reduced while the bonds are outstanding. This bill directly affects Sul Ross State University and the Texas State University System, providing a financing mechanism for campus infrastructure improvements. The legislation does not alter the university's operational authority but establishes a new funding pathway for designated capital projects.

Maddy summarySB 1022 allows Texas electric utilities to recover vegetation management costs (like tree trimming near power lines) more efficiently. It requires utilities to collect eligible costs as soon as possible and adjust them among customers based on their actual electricity usage. The bill mandates that any under- or over-collected costs must be resolved within 90 days (or a longer period if the commission approves for extraordinary costs), with customers notified and given a chance to protest. It also specifies that protests cannot challenge whether the costs were reasonable - only whether the recovery process followed the rules. This directly affects electricity customers and utilities managing power line vegetation.

Maddy summarySJR 48 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Texas STRONG defense fund, funded by a 10% annual transfer from the general revenue fund (capped at $500 million per year). The fund must be used exclusively to benefit communities significantly impacted by oil and gas production, supporting public health/safety programs, workforce development, and educational opportunities. Unspent funds must be returned to the general revenue fund at the end of each biennium. This amendment would redirect existing state revenues to address economic and environmental impacts in affected regions, without altering current severance tax structures.