Rep. Jeff Leach

Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The display must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, contain only the specific text listed in the bill (including the full biblical wording), and be legible from any point in the classroom. Schools may accept privately donated displays meeting these requirements or use district funds to purchase compliant displays if needed. This law applies to all public schools and explicitly states they cannot claim exemption from this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 2459 modifies Texas court procedures for cases involving constitutional rights. It requires a trial to pause (stay) for 61 days after a motion to dismiss is denied if the court's order cites specific reasons like untimely filing, statutory exemption, or frivolous intent. For other denial reasons or unstated orders, the pause continues until the appeal concludes. This applies only to denials occurring on or after September 1, 2025, and affects parties in civil lawsuits where constitutional rights are central to the case.

Maddy summaryHB 2536 would prohibit individuals and entities from designated countries (China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or any country designated by the Texas governor) from purchasing or acquiring title to real property in Texas. Exceptions apply to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, foreign citizens not domiciled in designated countries, and companies owned by exempt individuals without control from designated countries. Violating this prohibition would create a criminal offense under Texas law. The bill applies to all real property transactions in Texas, including land and improvements.

Maddy summaryHB 2535 clarifies how Texas public colleges and universities determine student residency status for in-state tuition rates. It establishes specific requirements: students must have established and maintained a Texas domicile for one year before the academic term's census date, or dependents must meet similar criteria based on their parent's Texas domicile. The bill requires students to submit statements verifying their residency duration and purpose of maintaining domicile. It also explicitly states that individuals not authorized to be in the U.S. under federal law cannot qualify for in-state residency. This directly affects students seeking lower tuition rates at Texas public higher education institutions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 27, 2025, as "City of Allen Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It formally recognizes the City of Allen, Texas, and extends a welcome to its delegation attending events at the Capitol on that date. The resolution is purely ceremonial, with no policy changes or direct effects on residents or legislation. It was adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on March 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 441 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing March 13, 2025, as "Collin College Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors Collin College's 40th anniversary (founded 1985) and highlights its role serving over 60,000 students across 10 campuses with programs in nursing, cybersecurity, and workforce training. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply designates a day for the college to be formally acknowledged by the Texas House of Representatives. This is a symbolic gesture, not a legislative change affecting laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution designates February 18, 2025, as Texas Court Reporting and Captioning Day to recognize the work of court reporters. It specifically extends congratulations to members of the Texas Court Reporters Association (TCRA), acknowledging their certification requirements, typing proficiency (up to 280 words per minute), and ongoing education. The resolution has no legal effect but serves as a formal acknowledgment of their role in the legal system. It was adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on March 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally designates February 26, 2025, as "Plano Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It recognizes Plano's history, including its founding in the 1850s, growth into a city of over 290,000 residents, and community contributions. The resolution extends a welcome to Plano residents visiting the Capitol on that date for a celebration. (Note: This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents.)

Maddy summaryHB 2058 requires hospitals with specific maternal care designations to provide supportive counseling and medical cooling devices (like specialized blankets or cradles) to parents and families following a perinatal death or stillbirth. It creates a grant program to help these hospitals cover costs for staff training on compassionate care and purchasing/maintaining cooling devices. The bill also establishes a hospital recognition program for facilities excelling in perinatal palliative care. These provisions directly affect Texas hospitals licensed under Chapter 241 that serve maternal care patients. The law aims to improve access to and quality of grief support services for families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss.

Maddy summaryHB 1806 prohibits Texas governmental entities (like cities, counties, or state agencies) from using public funds to support abortion-related services. It specifically bans taxpayer money from covering costs for travel, lodging, childcare, food, or counseling that helps individuals obtain an abortion or access abortion providers. The bill defines "abortion assistance entities" broadly to include groups providing financial aid, travel planning, or abortion-inducing drugs, and "abortion providers" as facilities performing over 50 abortions annually. This law directly affects government agencies and any organization receiving public funds that facilitates abortion access. The bill does not apply to federal programs conflicting with its provisions.