Rep. Jeff Leach

Maddy summaryHB 5062 requires public Texas colleges and universities to award undergraduate course credit toward a foreign language requirement for students who successfully complete dual credit computer science courses. This applies to students not majoring in a foreign language, beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year. The bill text contains an apparent inconsistency, as it references "foreign language course credit" for computer science courses, though the bill's title and purpose relate to computer science credit. The bill was withdrawn from consideration on May 6, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2893 would allow Texas public junior colleges to offer bachelor's degrees in specific fields - applied science (with emphases in early childhood education, applied technology, or nursing) or education - subject to approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. To qualify, a college must already offer degrees in one of those fields and demonstrate a clear workforce need for the new program. The bill also limits each junior college to no more than five bachelor's degree programs at any time, down from eight. This change would take effect for the 2025-2026 academic year if approved.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies which civil appeals must be handled by the Fifteenth Court of Appeals. It requires that civil notices of appeal filed after the law takes effect only designate this court if the case falls under its specific exclusive jurisdiction - such as disputes involving state agencies or challenges to state laws - excluding cases like family law, criminal proceedings, mental health commitments, or civil asset forfeiture. The law ensures appeals are properly routed to the correct court by specifying that notices must align with the court's defined jurisdiction. This is a procedural rule affecting trial courts, appellate clerks, and parties filing appeals, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summarySB 844 establishes new procedures for Texas municipalities making zoning changes that do not qualify as major overhauls (e.g., not city-wide code updates or new zoning maps). It requires written protests signed by owners of at least 20% of the affected land or 60% of adjacent land within 200 feet to trigger stricter approval rules. If protested, such zoning changes must receive approval from at least three-fourths of the city council. This applies only to smaller, targeted adjustments - not comprehensive zoning changes - as defined in the bill.

Maddy summarySB 1870 prohibits cities, counties, and their officials (including sheriffs, police departments, and attorneys) from adopting or enforcing policies that would not fully comply with state drug laws (Chapters 481 and 483 of the Health and Safety Code) or federal drug laws. It bans local ordinances, charters, or ballot measures that would limit enforcement of these laws. Violations trigger civil penalties of at least $25,000 for the first offense and $50,000 for each subsequent violation, with penalties applied daily for ongoing violations. The bill also establishes a process for citizens to file complaints with the Attorney General to enforce this prohibition.

Maddy summaryHB 2777 would prohibit the death penalty for defendants found to have had "severe mental illness" (defined as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder with active psychotic symptoms impairing judgment or understanding of wrongfulness) at the time of a capital offense. The bill requires defendants to file a 30-day notice before trial to present evidence of this condition, which they must prove by "clear and convincing evidence." If notice is not filed, such evidence becomes inadmissible unless the court finds "good cause" for the delay. The law would directly affect defendants in Texas capital cases who qualify under this mental health definition, altering sentencing eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas Family Code provisions to establish that courts must presume retroactive child support should begin on the date of a child's conception, not just from birth. It requires courts to determine the earliest conception date using medical evidence (per Health and Safety Code) or parental testimony, and mandates that obligors pay retroactive support from that date. The bill also adds provisions for courts to order obligors to cover an equitable share of prenatal/postnatal health care costs as part of retroactive support. It directly affects children, parents establishing paternity, and child support enforcement agencies by expanding the scope of retroactive payments. The changes apply to cases where paternity is established, including those involving pre-birth proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 3287 exempts trust fund requirements for residential construction projects on single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and quadruplexes. It modifies Texas Property Code to clarify that funds reserved for these specific residential improvements are not considered "trust funds" under Chapter 162. The bill also adds a provision allowing beneficiaries (like contractors or material suppliers) to recover attorney fees if they successfully sue a trustee over trust fund issues. These changes apply only to construction contracts entered into on or after September 1, 2025, with the new attorney fee rule applying to lawsuits filed after that date.

Maddy summarySB 760 requires nursing facilities to notify legal guardians or agents (appointed via power of attorney) within five business days if a resident requests a mail-in ballot. It directly affects residents of nursing facilities who seek mail ballots, the facilities themselves, and the Health and Human Services Commission. The bill establishes a notification chain: early voting clerks must inform the Commission about facility-based ballot requests, and the Commission must then alert facilities. Facilities must verify if a guardian or agent exists and relay the ballot request to them, with audits ensuring compliance after each election. This procedural bill streamlines ballot access for vulnerable residents while maintaining facility accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 349 creates legal immunity for people who enter a locked motor vehicle to remove a vulnerable individual (like a child under 7 or someone with a disability) or a domestic animal (like a pet dog or cat) from a car. To qualify for immunity, rescuers must first confirm the vehicle is locked or the person/animal cannot exit safely, reasonably believe immediate harm is occurring, notify law enforcement or 911 before entering (unless they are first responders), use only necessary force, and stay with the person/animal until help arrives. The law specifically protects ordinary citizens - not just police - from civil lawsuits when following these steps. It does not apply to livestock or cases where authorities advise against entry.