Sen. Robert Nichols

Maddy summarySB 41 amends Texas Water Code §36.1132 to limit groundwater permits. It requires groundwater conservation districts to ensure that no single applicant’s total permitted groundwater production and transfer out of the district exceeds 5% of the district’s modeled available groundwater supply, as determined by the executive administrator. This directly affects groundwater conservation districts and applicants seeking permits for groundwater extraction. The bill applies only to permits issued on or after its effective date.

Maddy summarySB 28 limits groundwater transfers outside a conservation district by restricting permits that would allow an applicant to exceed 5% of the district's modeled available groundwater (effective after December 2025). It requires groundwater districts to obtain approval from at least two-thirds of neighboring districts in the management area before issuing permits for transfers exceeding 25,000 gallons daily, considering regional water goals. Exceptions apply for potable water transfers to retail utilities within their service areas or emergency interconnects between utilities. The bill directly affects entities seeking large-scale groundwater permits and groundwater conservation districts managing water transfers. These provisions aim to regulate cross-district groundwater use while preserving regional water sustainability goals.

Maddy summarySB 9 proposes changes to Texas public school accountability systems. It requires the Texas Education Agency to create a single-click website for parents to access their child’s state assessment results immediately after testing. The bill mandates a new "instructionally supportive assessment program" focused on progress monitoring and balanced testing, replacing punitive rating systems. It also establishes a grant program for school districts to develop local accountability plans and outlines procedures for challenging TEA decisions related to school ratings. The bill directly affects parents, public schools, and the Texas Education Agency.

Maddy summarySB 74 limits groundwater transfers outside conservation districts by capping total production for any single entity at 5% of the district's modeled available groundwater by December 2025. It requires groundwater conservation districts to obtain approval from at least two-thirds of neighboring districts (via majority vote) before issuing permits for large transfers (25,000+ gallons/day) outside their boundaries. The bill exempts transfers for potable water supply within a utility's service area or emergency interconnects between water providers. These provisions apply only to permits issued after the bill's effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summarySB 9 amends Texas Tax Code sections to update how local taxing units (like cities, counties, and school districts) calculate voter-approval tax rates when implementing or adjusting sales taxes. It introduces specific formulas that account for new sales tax revenue by adding a "sales tax gain rate" to the calculation, ensuring the voter-approval rate reflects the impact of the new revenue source. The bill differentiates rules based on the taxing unit type, applying multipliers of 1.08 for special districts, 1.035 for small municipalities/counties (<30,000 population), and 1.025 for others. These changes directly affect how local governments determine tax rates that require voter approval when they add or modify sales taxes.

Maddy summarySB 44 creates a new elected office for the district attorney of the 273rd Judicial District, representing Sabine County in district courts. It amends the Government Code to clarify that voters in Sabine and San Augustine counties elect the 1st Judicial District's district attorney, while Sabine County residents will elect a separate district attorney for the 273rd Judicial District starting in 2028. The new office takes effect January 1, 2029, for the 2028 elections. This procedural bill directly affects Sabine County residents by establishing a dedicated local prosecutor position.

Maddy summaryHCR 84 designates Pineland, Texas, as the official "Sawmill Capital of Texas" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution recognizes Pineland's historical and ongoing role in the state's lumber industry, citing its century-long connection to sawmills dating back to 1902. The designation, which requires no new funding or regulations, will remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the resolution's passage under Texas Government Code Section 391.003(e). It does not create new legal obligations or affect any residents, businesses, or policies.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution designates the town of Milam, Texas, as the "official Gateway Capital of Texas" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It does not create new laws or alter government functions but formally recognizes Milam's historical significance as a key travel and settlement hub along routes like El Camino Real de los Tejas. The designation, which expires in 2035, is purely symbolic and aligns with Section 391.003(e) of the Texas Government Code. No direct policy changes or funding impacts affect Milam or other entities through this resolution.

Maddy summarySB 260 increases funding for school safety in Texas public schools under the Foundation School Program. It raises the per-student allotment from $10 to $20 per student in average daily attendance and doubles the campus safety allotment from $15,000 to $30,000 per school campus. These changes apply to all Texas public school districts and take effect September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects school funding formulas by increasing state support for safety resources at both the student and campus levels. The policy change provides additional state funds specifically designated for school safety measures.

Maddy summaryHB 5693 changes the voting schedule for commissioners of Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7. It requires two commissioners to be elected in November 2025 and three in November 2027, with current commissioners (elected in 2022 and 2024) serving until their successors qualify. Commissioners serve staggered four-year terms, and the district must hold elections on uniform statewide election dates. This bill directly affects residents within Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 who vote in these local elections. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on June 20, 2025.