Rep. Jeff Leach

Maddy summarySB 865 requires specific school staff, including nurses, athletic coaches, physical education instructors, and others designated by the commissioner, to obtain and maintain certification in CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use from recognized organizations like the American Heart Association. It also mandates that private schools receiving AEDs or funding for AEDs, and open-enrollment charter schools, adopt policies providing CPR and AED training for employees and volunteer nurses. The law applies to all public school districts, private schools, and charter schools, effective for the 2025-2026 school year. This policy change directly affects school employees and volunteers who may respond to cardiac emergencies in school settings.

Maddy summarySB 10 requires all Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display a specific, standardized version of the Ten Commandments in every classroom starting September 1, 2025. The law mandates a durable poster or framed copy meeting strict size (at least 16x20 inches) and content requirements, including only the exact text listed in the bill. Schools must display this unless they accept a privately donated version meeting the same specifications, and may optionally use district funds to purchase compliant displays. This directly affects every public school classroom in Texas, requiring a physical display of the specified religious text.

Maddy summaryHB 5081 creates criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure of specific personal information belonging to judges, court clerks, and judicial employees in Texas. The bill defines "covered information" to include home addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, school/daycare attendance details, and vehicle identifiers - excluding public property listings or standard employment data. It establishes Chapter 92 in the Government Code, making it a criminal offense to share this information without authorization. The law directly affects judicial branch staff and their families by protecting sensitive personal data from misuse. The bill became effective on September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 379 prohibits SNAP (food stamp) benefits in Texas from being used to purchase energy drinks, sweetened beverages (like soda), carbonated drinks, candy, potato/corn chips, and pre-packaged cookies. It directly affects SNAP recipients who previously could buy these items with their benefits. The law includes exceptions for milk products, milk substitutes (like almond milk), unsweetened beverages, infant formula, weight-loss drinks, and health-recommended products. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 24 establishes new procedures for Texas municipalities to adjust zoning regulations or district boundaries. It requires a public hearing with 15 days' notice published in a newspaper and online before any zoning change takes effect. For changes that do not allow more residential development (non-comprehensive changes), property owners can protest by signing a written protest if they own 20% of the affected area or 60% of adjacent land within 200 feet. The bill, effective September 1, 2025, applies to all Texas cities and aims to balance development decisions with community input.

Maddy summaryHB 108 increases penalties for certain felony offenses when defendants use metal or body armor during the crime. It requires judges to make an affirmative finding if a defendant used such armor (as defined in Texas law) during the commission of a third-degree felony or lower under Title 5 of the Penal Code (excluding first-degree felonies). If this finding is made, the punishment is raised to the next higher category of offense (e.g., a third-degree felony becomes a second-degree felony). The law exempts peace officers, military personnel, and licensed security officers from these penalties. This bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits public school districts in Texas from assigning or requiring staff to engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. It specifically bans schools from mandating DEI statements, giving preferential treatment based on such statements, or implementing policies that reference race, gender identity, or sexual orientation - except where required by law. School employees who violate these restrictions may face discipline, including termination. The bill directly affects public school districts, their employees, and students by restricting certain curriculum and staff training practices related to DEI. It does not impact schools' ability to teach about historical holidays or events.

Maddy summarySB 1858 clarifies eligibility for Texas's bulletproof vest and body armor grant program by expanding the definition of "law enforcement agency" to explicitly include independent school districts. This change allows school districts - previously unclear under the program - to apply for grants covering body armor and bulletproof vests for campus safety personnel. The bill amends Government Code Section 772.0075(a) with these specific definitions, effective September 1, 2025. It directly affects school districts and law enforcement agencies seeking these safety equipment grants. The legislation does not alter grant funding levels or application processes, only who qualifies to apply.

Maddy summaryHB 229 defines key terms like "boy," "father," "female," and "woman" based on biological sex for government data collection. It specifies that individuals with intersex conditions or disorders of sex development are not considered a third sex and must receive accommodations under existing law. The bill amends the Government Code to require state agencies to use these biological sex definitions when gathering information. It directly affects how Texas government entities collect and categorize personal data in records, programs, and services. The law became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 31, titled the "Life of the Mother Act," amends Texas Health and Safety Code to create a specific exception allowing abortions when a physician determines in "reasonable medical judgment" that a pregnancy poses a life-threatening risk of death or serious risk of substantial impairment to a major bodily function. It directly affects pregnant individuals with pregnancy-related conditions that threaten life or major bodily function, removing prior requirements that risks be imminent or that physical damage already occur. The law permits physicians to act proactively to address such risks before symptoms manifest, without needing to wait for documented harm. Signed by the governor on June 20, 2025, it became effective immediately.