Rep. Jeff Leach

Maddy summaryHB 17 would prohibit citizens of designated countries (China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or others named by the governor) from purchasing real property in Texas. It creates criminal penalties for violations, making such purchases illegal under state law. Exceptions apply to U.S. citizens, lawful residents, and businesses owned by them. The law would override existing property rights for these foreign buyers, directly affecting individuals and entities from designated countries seeking to buy land in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 1582 increases the minimum prison sentence for aggravated sexual assault when the victim is under 14 years old. The bill specifically raises the minimum term to 25 years if the victim is under 14, or if the victim is under 14 and the assault occurs in a manner described in existing law (such as involving a minor victim and specific circumstances). This change applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, meaning past cases remain governed by older sentencing rules. The bill directly affects sentencing for offenders convicted of aggravated sexual assault involving child victims under 14.

Maddy summaryHR 449 is a ceremonial resolution adopted by the Texas House of Representatives expressing gratitude to the North Texas Warrior Golf Association (NTWGA) for its work supporting military veterans. The resolution highlights the organization's 15+ years of providing free golf therapy programs - including clinics, lessons, and events - to veterans with physical and mental health challenges like PTSD, amputations, and traumatic injuries. It specifically commends NTWGA’s all-veteran leadership and its role in helping veterans transition to civilian life through the therapeutic benefits of golf. As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or funding, this resolution serves solely to recognize the association’s contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 4100 protects healthcare providers from retaliation when reporting certain issues related to patient care. It prohibits health care facilities, government entities, or others from taking adverse actions (like termination or demotion) against physicians or providers who report violations such as unsafe treatment practices, public health risks, mismanagement of funds, or abuse of authority. The bill creates a civil remedy, allowing affected providers to sue for damages if retaliation occurs. It applies broadly to all healthcare workers covered under the definition, including nurses, technicians, pharmacists, and medical students. The law aims to encourage reporting of serious concerns without fear of professional consequences.

Maddy summaryHB 3162 creates a new accessible absentee mail system for voters with disabilities who need assistive technology to mark ballots. It allows eligible voters (those qualifying under Section 82.002 for absentee voting due to health conditions) to use an electronic system approved by the Texas Secretary of State to mark, print, and submit ballots securely. The bill establishes strict standards for the system, including ballot secrecy, voter authentication using existing identification requirements, security against fraud, and requirements to prevent political advertising during voting. The Secretary of State must adopt rules for implementation and approve systems meeting these standards before they can be used in elections. This bill directly affects voters with disabilities who currently face barriers in marking absentee ballots independently.

Maddy summaryHB 3164 modifies Texas election rules for runoff primary elections by setting a new deadline for candidates to withdraw: 5 p.m. on the fifth day after the state canvass deadline (previously the third day). If a top candidate withdraws before this deadline, the third-place candidate in the primary moves to the runoff; if withdrawal occurs after the deadline, the remaining candidate becomes the nominee without a runoff election. The bill applies to elections ordered on or after September 1, 2025, and affects candidates in runoff primary races for state offices.

Maddy summaryHB 3067 ensures that Texas state officials facing impeachment trials continue receiving their full salary while suspended from duties during the trial process. The bill amends the Government Code to explicitly state that individuals against whom impeachment articles have been filed are entitled to salary continuation under Texas Constitution Article XV, Section 5. This policy change clarifies that suspension from office duties does not automatically result in loss of pay during the impeachment trial. The law takes effect September 1, 2025. It directly affects state officials (such as judges or elected officials) who are the subject of impeachment proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 3003 amends Texas Penal Code Section 28.03 to criminalize unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, lease, advertising, or conveyance of real property, including removing unauthorized occupants from dwellings. It establishes tiered penalties based on financial damage: Class C misdemeanors for losses under $100 or causing "substantial inconvenience," up to third-degree felonies for losses over $30,000 or specific aggravating factors like damaging livestock fences or disrupting public services. The bill also increases penalties for property damage involving firearms, catalytic converter tampering, or causing livestock deaths. It directly affects individuals who illegally occupy or damage property, with consequences ranging from fines to imprisonment depending on the severity of the violation. The bill is currently in committee referral stage (Trade, Workforce & Economic Development) as of March 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal defense for property owners who use a legally carried firearm to disable or destroy drones entering their property without permission. To qualify, the person must be on their own property, not prohibited from discharging a firearm there, and the drone must not have been authorized to be on the property. It applies to criminal charges under Texas Penal Code Sections 28.03-28.04 and civil liability claims for drone-related property damage. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and only covers incidents occurring after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 2816 protects healthcare providers and facilities from being required to participate in or provide certain health care services that conflict with their sincerely held religious or philosophical beliefs. It defines key terms like "conscience," "health care provider" (including students and non-licensed staff), and "health care service" (covering family planning, abortion-related counseling, and treatment). The bill creates a civil remedy for violations and authorizes disciplinary action against entities that force non-participation in services due to conscience objections. It directly affects hospitals, clinics, pharmacists, and all healthcare workers who may decline services like abortion care or contraception-related counseling. The law aims to prevent adverse actions against providers who refuse such services based on personal beliefs.