Rep. Jeff Leach

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) congratulating the City of McKinney for earning six Transparency Stars from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. McKinney received these stars for its financial transparency efforts, including detailed public access to budgets, contracts, and other government data through its website. The resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, formally recognizes McKinney's achievement and presents it with a "six-star Transparency Trailblazers Award" as a model for other Texas cities. It does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryHR 697 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing April 1 and 2, 2025, as "Collin County Days" at the Texas State Capitol. It formally acknowledges Collin County residents gathering in Austin for this event, highlighting the county's population growth, economic strength, and quality-of-life attributes (including Plano, McKinney, and Allen's business presence and community features). This resolution has no policy impact - it solely provides symbolic recognition for the county's celebration. As a procedural resolution, it does not affect laws, allocate funds, or change regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 2773 prohibits public or election officials from unilaterally changing election procedures without legal authorization. It directly affects election officials who might attempt to alter voting standards, practices, or procedures. The bill requires the Secretary of State to investigate violations, demand compliance within two days, and trigger civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day for the first week of non-compliance and $5,000 per day thereafter. Penalties collected would go into the state general revenue fund. This bill aims to enforce existing election rules by establishing clear consequences for unauthorized changes.

Maddy summaryHB 8 reduces the maximum tax rate school districts can collect for the 2025-2026 school year by $0.0331, calculated using a new method in Section 48.2554 of the Education Code. It directly affects all Texas public school districts by adjusting how their maximum tax rates are determined, ensuring rates don’t drop below 90% of neighboring districts’ rates. The bill updates references to "maximum compressed tax rate" in multiple education funding laws to reflect this change and expires on September 1, 2027. It takes effect September 1, 2025, with no additional funding or program changes beyond the tax rate adjustment.

Maddy summaryHB 3165 increases penalties for sexual assault of a child and restricts parole eligibility for certain offenders. The bill amends Texas law to make individuals convicted of specific child sexual assault offenses (including those under Penal Code Sections 22.011 or 22.021 with aggravating factors) ineligible for parole. It also reclassifies some offenses as first-degree felonies when committed under specific circumstances, such as against a person the perpetrator was legally prohibited from marrying or living with. The changes apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and do not affect past convictions.

Maddy summaryHB 10, the Regulatory Reform and Efficiency Act, creates the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office within the governor's office to streamline how state agencies develop and enforce rules. The bill requires agencies to identify unnecessary regulations, reduce costs for businesses and individuals subject to rules, and improve public access to rule information through a new online portal. Key provisions mandate agencies set goals to eliminate ineffective rules and minimize regulatory burdens while maintaining public protection. This bill directly affects state agencies and the businesses, professionals, and residents regulated by their rules.

Maddy summaryHB 5079 would update qualification requirements for specific judicial roles in Texas, including masters, magistrates, referees, and associate judges. Most positions would require at least five years of active law practice in Texas before appointment, while seven specific roles (like those under Sections 54.991 and 54.2802) would require only two years. The bill amends multiple sections of the Texas Government Code to clarify these experience standards for judicial appointments. This procedural change directly affects individuals seeking these appointed judicial positions.

Maddy summaryHB 5059 makes it a crime to sell a catalytic converter removed from a vehicle to anyone who isn't a registered metal recycling business. The bill also establishes that vehicle owners (or those authorized by the owner) and businesses operating in the normal course of recycling (like registered metal recyclers) are presumed to be legally allowed to possess the converter. Selling to non-registered buyers is classified as a state jail felony. The law will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Texas Education Code to allow school marshals wearing uniforms identifying them as such to openly carry handguns on school grounds, in addition to carrying concealed handguns or storing firearms in locked locations. It requires school boards or governing bodies to adopt written regulations governing this open carry, specifying that it must occur only while wearing the uniform and that firearms must use frangible duty ammunition approved by Texas law enforcement. The bill applies to school marshals in public school districts, private schools, and public junior colleges. Existing rules for concealed carry and storage remain unchanged.

Maddy summaryHB 5338 allows parents of students victimized by public school employees to choose between transferring their child to another public school campus or receiving funding for private school attendance. It applies to students enrolled in Texas public schools whose school employee was convicted of or reported for misconduct (including child grooming or sexual offenses), as defined by specific sections of the Penal Code. Parents may elect either option under Section 38.551 of the Education Code, with transfers requiring agreement from the parent and funding covering private school costs per Section 38.554. The program ends when the student graduates or loses eligibility for public school enrollment.