Rep. Jeff Leach

Maddy summarySB 614 amends Texas law to expand the Texas Forensic Science Commission's authority to refer specific cases to the Office of Capital and Forensic Writs. It allows the Commission to refer cases under investigation for forensic evidence issues (as defined in existing law) or dismissed cases with prior published reports covering the same forensic topic. The bill, effective September 1, 2025, creates a formal mechanism for these referrals but does not change the Commission's investigative powers or the Office's responsibilities. The bill was passed by the Texas Legislature but vetoed by the Governor on June 22, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 recognizes physical gold and silver coins meeting specific weight and purity standards as legal tender in Texas for debt payments, while prohibiting government markings except for identifying refiners. It authorizes the state comptroller to establish electronic payment systems backed by bullion held in depositories, allowing transactions using gold/silver-based currency. The bill explicitly states it does not replace U.S. dollars, restrict federal currency, or require businesses to accept gold/silver tender. It also permits the comptroller to set reasonable administrative fees for the system. This law applies to Texas residents and businesses using the state-administered electronic currency system, operating alongside existing federal currency.

Maddy summaryHCR 138 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Justice Nathan L. Hecht upon his retirement as Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court after 35 years of service. It formally expresses the Texas Legislature's congratulations and best wishes for his future, recognizing his role as the longest-serving Texas judge and his contributions to court reform, technology modernization (including early e-filing adoption), and increased legal aid funding. The resolution directly affects Justice Hecht as the recipient of this formal expression of appreciation from both legislative chambers. As a non-binding resolution, it does not enact any new policies or affect any laws or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 1350 creates the Texas Bicentennial Commission to coordinate statewide celebrations for the 200th anniversary of Texas' independence. The commission consists of 23 members: nine public appointees by the governor (requiring geographic and demographic diversity), three senators appointed by the lieutenant governor, three House members appointed by the speaker, and eight ex-officio officials from state agencies like tourism, history, and education. Members serve staggered six-year terms, with specific expiration dates for different appointee groups. This bill directly affects Texas state agencies and the public by establishing a formal body to plan and manage bicentennial events, without altering existing laws or funding.

Maddy summarySB 38 amends Texas Property Code to clarify procedures for eviction lawsuits involving tenants who lack legal right to occupy property. It specifies that justice courts must handle eviction cases in the precinct where the property is located, with limited circumstances allowing case transfers to adjacent precincts (e.g., if service delays occur or trials cannot be scheduled within 21 days). The bill prohibits courts from charging additional filing or service fees when transferring cases and explicitly states that eviction courts cannot rule on property title disputes or allow separate claims against third parties. This affects landlords and tenants involved in eviction proceedings by streamlining court processes and limiting judicial overreach.

Maddy summarySB 2986 allows public school districts and institutions of higher education in Texas to permit religious organizations to use their facilities for worship, services, or assemblies under specific conditions. It requires that such use must not interfere with the institution's educational mission, the religious group must pay fair market value for facilities (or have it waived), and the group must cover liability for damages. The bill also prohibits state agencies or school districts from penalizing schools for allowing this use or denying funding based on such decisions. Schools and colleges retain the right to choose not to allow religious groups to use their facilities. The law becomes effective September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 43 amends Texas law to update the definition of "agricultural business" in the Agriculture Code, explicitly including rural recreational businesses (like hiking or fishing on farmland) and nonprofit land conservation groups. It also revises the composition of the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority's board, requiring the governor to appoint nine members with specific representation: two young farmers/ranchers, two representatives from rural entities (chambers, trade associations), and others with agricultural lending expertise. These changes directly affect entities applying for the Authority's loan and grant programs, such as farmers, ranchers, rural tourism businesses, and conservation nonprofits. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, after passing both chambers unanimously.

Maddy summarySB 1574 creates a "Centers of Excellence" program administered by the Texas Judicial Council to recognize judges and justices who excel in community service and judicial representation. The program identifies eligible judges from appellate courts, district courts, county courts, justice courts, and municipal courts based on two key criteria: court governance (including access, fairness, and case management) and compliance with statutory requirements for reporting, security, fees, and fraud prevention. Judges may apply for recognition using forms prescribed by the council. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to recognitions granted under this program after that date.

Maddy summarySB 835, known as Trey's Law, invalidates any nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement that prevents someone from disclosing an act of sexual abuse. The law directly affects survivors of sexual abuse who may have signed such agreements, making those specific clauses unenforceable. Key provisions state that agreements cannot prohibit disclosure of sexual abuse details (defined using existing Texas Penal Code and Family Code offenses), though other settlement terms like payment amounts remain valid. This change applies to all agreements entered into before, on, or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 40 is a procedural bill that clarifies and streamlines operations for Texas' business court. It requires all business court prefiling orders to apply statewide (Section 1), mandates that appeals from business court cases go directly to the 15th Court of Appeals with a 120-day resolution deadline (Section 2), and specifies how to replace lost business court records (Section 3). The bill also adds business court clerks to authorized personnel for taking depositions (Section 4) and requires specific information in initial pleadings for all business court cases (Section 5). These changes directly affect parties involved in business court litigation and court staff handling business court cases. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.