Rep. Jeff Leach

Maddy summaryHB 4079 requires proxy advisors - entities that provide voting recommendations to shareholders - to base their advice solely on financial return and risk factors, not non-financial considerations. It directly affects Texas-domiciled publicly traded companies (those organized in Texas or with headquarters there) and the proxy advisors serving their shareholders. The bill prohibits proxy advisors from considering environmental, social, governance (ESG), diversity, equity, or inclusion factors when formulating recommendations. This is implemented through new definitions and requirements added to Texas Business Organizations Code, mandating that all proxy advisory services must prioritize financial outcomes for shareholders.

Maddy summaryHB 2537 sets new standards for organizations providing free claims assistance to Texas veterans at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. It requires law firms or 501(c)(3) nonprofits to meet specific qualifications, including 10+ years of experience representing veterans before the VA, at least 750 cases at the appeals court, and a Texas physical office. The bill ensures veterans facing denied claims at the Board of Veterans' Appeals can access free legal representation from vetted providers. It directly affects veterans navigating complex appeals and the qualified legal organizations serving them. The policy change focuses on improving access to experienced, authorized assistance without altering veterans' benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 2684 requires health care providers to inform pregnant women diagnosed with a life-threatening condition in their preborn child about available perinatal palliative care options. The bill mandates the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to create and maintain online informational materials describing palliative care services and a geographically indexed list of providers (excluding abortion providers). It directly affects pregnant women facing such diagnoses and their health care providers. The law aims to ensure access to supportive care focused on reducing suffering for both the pregnant woman and her preborn child. The bill also establishes an administrative penalty for noncompliance, though specific penalty details are not provided in the truncated text.

Maddy summaryHB 2461 increases criminal penalties for damaging or disrupting retail gas pumps. It raises the offense from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony when financial damage reaches $2,500 or more, and to a third-degree felony for damages over $30,000. The bill specifically targets tampering with fuel pumps at gas stations, making disruption or impairment of these pumps a higher-level offense regardless of repair costs. This directly affects individuals who vandalize or interfere with gas pump systems, increasing potential jail time for such acts.

Maddy summaryThis Texas bill (HB 4901) requires app stores (like Apple App Store or Google Play) operating in Texas to verify users' ages and categorize them into four groups: child (<13), younger teen (13-15), older teen (16-17), and adult (18+). For minors (under 18), it mandates parental consent by linking accounts to a parent or guardian aged 18 or older. App stores must use reasonable methods to confirm age during account creation. The law directly affects app platforms and users under 18 in Texas, with no voting record available as the bill remains pending in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 5243 would prohibit SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) beneficiaries in Texas from using their benefits to purchase energy drinks, sweetened beverages, carbonated drinks, candy, potato/corn chips, and packaged cookies. The bill defines "energy drink" as containing at least 65mg caffeine per 8oz and "sweetened beverage" as any nonalcoholic drink with added sweetener. Exceptions include milk products, milk substitutes (like soy milk), unsweetened juices, infant formula, and certain fortified products containing protein or vitamins. This policy change directly affects SNAP recipients who would no longer use benefits for the listed items, while allowing coverage for specified healthier alternatives.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 5069 is not currently available in the provided context, as noted in the bill description ("This version is not currently available, but is coming soon"). The summary section contains no substantive policy details or provisions. Without access to the actual bill language or specific legislative content, a factual summary of the bill's purpose, affected parties, or mechanisms cannot be generated. The available information only lists procedural actions (e.g., filing, committee referrals) without describing the bill's policy content.

Maddy summaryHB 4660 establishes that space flight activities in Texas fall under both federal and state jurisdiction, prohibiting counties, municipalities, or other local entities from banning or regulating these activities (except as specified in Section 61.132 of the Natural Resources Code). The bill specifically applies to counties bordering the Gulf of Mexico with FAA-approved spaceports and smaller municipalities (under 150,000 population) that have beach access plans. It requires advance notice to local governments for launch dates between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (to the municipality) or 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. (to the commissioners court), and allows temporary beach closures near launch sites for public safety during those dates. The bill does not create new regulations but clarifies local governments' limited authority over space flight activities near coastal areas.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (HR 674), not a policy bill. It formally honors James N. Muns, the late former mayor of Plano who passed away in March 2025 at age 93. The resolution recognizes his 35-year career with Wyatt Food Stores, his service on Plano City Council and as mayor (1992-1996), his community leadership, and his family. The Texas House of Representatives adopted the resolution on April 9, 2025, to pay tribute to his legacy and extend condolences to his family.

Maddy summaryHR 696 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Mary Jane "MJ" Hamilton, a retired Arlington Independent School District educator and community leader who died in April 2024. The resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on April 9, 2025, formally commemorates her 30-year career in education, her service with the Texas Retired Teachers Association, and her volunteer work with local organizations like the Allen Heritage Guild and Allen Public Library. It extends condolences to her family and friends and directs that an official copy be provided to her relatives. As a memorial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy impact - it is solely a symbolic tribute to her life and service.