Sen. César Blanco

Maddy summarySB 1077 allows Texas courts to issue protective orders against family violence that last for the lifetime of the protected person and the abuser, under specific conditions. This applies only if the abuser: (1) committed a felony family violence act (even without charges/conviction), (2) caused serious bodily injury, or (3) has two or more prior protective orders for family violence. The bill removes a previous requirement for lifetime orders and applies only to new orders issued on or after September 1, 2025. It directly affects victims of severe family violence and abusers meeting these criteria, without changing existing orders issued before that date.

Maddy summarySB 1096 authorizes Texas Tech University System's board of regents to issue up to $162 million in revenue bonds specifically for constructing and equipping an oral health care center at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso. The bonds would be secured by pledging tuition revenue from Texas Tech institutions, with the pledge remaining in place until the bonds are fully repaid. This bill directly affects the El Paso health center campus and its ability to finance this specific capital project through a systemwide bond program. The legislation takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not alter existing restrictions on higher education facility operations.

Maddy summarySB 1016 sets maximum fees for student union building funding at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). It limits fees to $70 per student for 10-week+ terms or $35 for shorter terms before the 2026 fall semester, then increases to $120 or $60 for the 2026-2027 academic year. All fees must fund the new student union building (including demolishing the old one), with caps expiring September 1, 2027. The bill applies to UTEP students only and does not affect other university fees.

Maddy summarySB 1001 modifies how Texas oil and gas production taxes are allocated, primarily affecting counties with significant oil/gas production (defined as contributing at least 0.5% of state tax revenue over two years). It establishes a grant program using funds from the "Texas STRONG" defense fund to support qualifying counties for economic development, public safety (including first responders and commercial vehicle safety enforcement), and addressing impacts of oil/gas production. The bill also adjusts allocation rules between the Texas STRONG fund, economic stabilization fund, and highway fund, with key provisions expiring in 2042. It ensures money in the Texas STRONG fund can only be used for specific grant programs, transportation grants to qualifying counties, or public safety initiatives as defined in the legislation.

Maddy summarySB 1017 authorizes The University of Texas System Board of Regents to issue up to $100 million in revenue bonds specifically for capital projects at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), including a student success building and related infrastructure like roads. The bonds will be secured by a pledged, irrevocable commitment of UTEP's revenue streams - such as student tuition charges - which must remain in place until the bonds are repaid. The bill also permits the UT System Board to transfer funds among its institutions to ensure equitable resource allocation for these projects. This legislation takes effect September 1, 2025, and directly affects UTEP's ability to finance campus improvements without increasing state appropriations.

Maddy summarySB 1123 amends Texas Penal Code Section 31.19 to increase penalties for theft of petroleum products (like gasoline or oil) under specific circumstances. It raises the offense category if the perpetrator organized others, had a prior conviction for this crime, conspired with others, or possessed a firearm during the theft. The bill also clarifies that if the theft violates other laws, prosecution can occur under both this section and the other law. These changes apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of petroleum theft meeting the listed aggravating factors.

Maddy summarySB 1011 requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to install and maintain highway signs on Interstate 10 east and west of the U.S. Highway 67 intersection, directing travelers to the Museum of the Big Bend. The bill overrides standard distance rules for cultural attraction signs under traffic control guidelines, but the signs must still comply with the Texas and federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. This law directly affects TxDOT's sign placement authority and visitors seeking the museum. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 113) is a ceremonial tribute by the Texas Senate to honor Karl McElhaney, a public servant from El Paso County who worked with the El Paso Chamber, advocated for rural infrastructure improvements, and contributed to policy development. It expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and friends, recognizing his career with El Paso County, community volunteer work (including animal rescue), and dedication to public service. The resolution has no policy changes or funding provisions; it solely serves as a formal expression of respect from the Senate. It directly affects McElhaney's family and community by formally acknowledging his contributions.

Maddy summarySB 498 creates a new "Licensed Professional Counselors Compact" in Texas law to allow counselors licensed in Texas to practice across state lines without needing separate licenses in each state. It directly affects licensed professional counselors seeking to serve clients in multiple states, as well as clients who access counseling services across state borders. The key mechanism is mutual recognition of licenses among participating states, which eliminates the need for counselors to obtain duplicate licenses in each state they serve. This aims to improve public access to counseling services, support military spouses relocating with active-duty personnel, and facilitate telehealth practice while maintaining state regulatory authority over counselor conduct.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a binding law) that formally recognizes February 18-19, 2025, as "El Paso Days" in the Texas State Capitol. It directs the Texas Senate to welcome a visiting delegation from El Paso during those dates. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it solely serves to honor the delegation and El Paso's economic, military, and educational contributions. It does not create new programs, alter regulations, or affect government operations.