Sen. Brandon Creighton

Maddy summarySB 8, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires certain facilities like restrooms, locker rooms, and shelters to be designated and used based on biological sex as defined by reproductive anatomy. It directly affects correctional facilities, family violence shelters, and institutions of higher education by mandating single-occupancy spaces for each biological sex and restricting access to multi-occupancy spaces based on sex. The bill defines "female" and "male" based on natural reproductive systems (e.g., egg production or sperm production) and authorizes civil penalties for violations, as well as private lawsuits to enforce compliance. The law became effective September 22, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 12 requires law enforcement agencies to report election-related crimes to the Texas Attorney General's office and gives the Attorney General exclusive authority to prosecute these offenses. It mandates that local prosecutors assist the Attorney General when requested and specifies that the Attorney General must represent the state in all election crime cases. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies (who must submit reports), local prosecutors (who may be directed to assist), and individuals who violate election laws. The law applies only to offenses committed after its effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summarySB 5 allocates over $290 million from Texas' economic stabilization fund to support disaster response and preparedness following a July 2025 flood declaration. It provides $200 million for FEMA matching funds and statewide disaster needs, $50 million for flood warning systems in 30 specific counties affected by the July flood, $24 million to improve weather forecasting accuracy, and $20 million for a swift water training facility for first responders. The funding targets local governments, emergency services, and meteorological systems to address immediate flood recovery and enhance future disaster management. The bill became effective immediately after the governor signed it on September 18, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 14 requires local governments in Texas to offer credits against water and wastewater impact fees for builders and developers who construct eligible water conservation or reuse projects. These credits apply to facilities that reduce water use, decrease wastewater treatment needs, lower stormwater demands, or exceed standard efficiency requirements. Local governments must establish fair procedures to calculate and approve these credits. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly benefiting developers who invest in qualifying water-saving infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 16 amends Texas law to adjust the statute of limitations for certain felony prosecutions under Article 12.01 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. It extends the time limit for filing felony charges in specific cases, including real property theft and fraud offenses, while establishing procedures for restitution and criminal prosecution. The bill directly affects individuals accused of these crimes by modifying when charges can be filed and outlining victim restitution processes. This law, signed by the Governor on September 17, 2025, creates a clearer framework for prosecuting property-related offenses but does not establish new crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a doctor's prescription. It requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order with standardized protocols, patient instructions, and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. Pharmacists acting in good faith under this order are protected from legal liability. The law directly affects licensed pharmacists and patients seeking ivermectin through pharmacy channels.

Maddy summarySB 11 creates a legal defense for individuals prosecuted for crimes they committed while being trafficked or subjected to compelling prostitution. It applies specifically to people who engaged in criminal conduct (like selling drugs or theft) because they were forced, defrauded, or coerced by traffickers - meeting four strict conditions, such as proving the coercion was unavoidable and the crime wouldn't have occurred without it. The defense does not apply to certain serious offenses listed in law or to cases where the victim had other options. This change only affects prosecutions for crimes committed on or after the bill’s effective date (September 17, 2025), not past cases. It aims to prevent trafficked victims from facing punishment for acts they were compelled to commit.

Maddy summarySB 3 creates a state grant program to help local governments cover costs for installing outdoor warning sirens in areas identified as flood-prone due to the July 2025 Hill Country floods. The bill requires municipalities and counties to install these sirens in locations with a history of severe flooding, high residential density, or significant property damage risk, as determined by the board. The Governor's office will administer the grant program, setting eligibility rules, application processes, and monitoring requirements for funding. This law directly affects local governments in designated flood-prone areas, mandating siren systems to alert residents of imminent flood threats. The bill became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature on September 5, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1, the Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act, requires youth camps (for minors on a day care or boarding basis) to comply with new safety standards. It prohibits issuing or renewing licenses for youth camps operating cabins within floodplains, except when cabins are near still water bodies like lakes or ponds that aren't connected to streams or rivers. The law also mandates annual license renewals for camps that alter boundaries, build new cabins, or renovate existing cabins affecting bed counts or access. Additionally, it creates an online registry of all licensed youth camps for public transparency. These provisions directly affect youth camp operators and the Texas Department of Health and Safety.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 10 is a ceremonial resolution honoring 10-year-old Judson Caldwell of Humble, Texas, on the occasion of his Make-A-Wish dolphin-swimming trip to Hawaii. The resolution recognizes Caldwell's medical resilience, his family's support, and the work of Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana in granting his wish. It has no legal effect beyond expressing the Texas Senate's support for Caldwell's upcoming experience.