Jeff’s Track Record

This session, Jeff Leach co-sponsored and passed landmark property tax relief, including SB 4, which raises the homestead exemption to $140,000 and $200,000 for seniors and disabled Texans – saving families real money. He also championed HB 9, delivering the nation’s second-largest exemption for small businesses. Jeff was proud to support this historic legislation that will provide Texas homeowners and business owners with real and lasting property tax relief!

With three kids in public school, Jeff knows firsthand the importance of investing in the future Texans of tomorrow. As a member of the House Public Education Committee, Jeff helped secure a record $8.5 billion increase in public school funding – targeted toward teacher pay raises, special education, and school safety. By raising the basic allotment and giving schools flexibility in how to use funds, Jeff is ensuring our schools are equipped to serve every student, every day.

Importantly, Jeff also passed HB 6, the Teachers’ Bill of Rights, to restore classroom discipline and support educators. Jeff knows that preparing for the Texas of tomorrow means investing in the Texas children of today – and keeping experienced teachers in the classroom is paramount to that goal.

Jeff fought to ensure parents, not the government, are in charge of their child’s education. He authored and passed SB 12, one of the strongest parental rights bills in the nation, reaffirming that parents deserve full transparency, access to educational materials, and a seat at the table. He also supported expanding Education Savings Accounts through SB 2, giving families the freedom to choose the school that best fits their child’s needs. Whether it’s in the classroom or at the Capitol, Jeff stands with Texas parents.

Jeff authored and led the way to pass SB 835, Trey’s Law, banning NDAs in cases of sexual abuse – allowing victims to speak out and protecting others by doing so. He also helped pass multiple bills to protect children from explicit materials, digital exploitation, and predatory content—online and in schools.

During the 88th Legislative session, Jeff championed legislation to protect our children, starting with SB 14 which banned harmful and irreversible gender modification procedures on minors. Additionally, he proudly co-sponsored SB 15 which protects female collegiate athletes by preventing biological males from competing in their sports.

With the passage of SJR 5 and SB 9, Jeff fought back against activist judges by equipping courts to deny bail to dangerous, repeat violent offenders – keeping Texans safe and holding criminals accountable.

As Chair of the Judiciary Committee, Jeff passed SB 293 to give Texas judges a long-overdue raise while de-linking it from legislative pensions. He also helped create 14 new district courts and expanded resources for our judiciary.

Jeff authored SB 1257 to ensure insurance plans that cover gender reassignment also cover complications and detransition care—now signed into law. He also passed HB 4076 to ban vaccine status discrimination in life-saving organ transplants.

This session through SB 1233, Jeff ensured mothers receive full information about perinatal palliative care when faced with a life-limiting diagnosis. He also brought transparency to new healthcare mandates with HB 138.

Perhaps more than any other issue, Jeff is passionately committed to protecting innocent life in Texas. And his record is clear. During the 87th session he was on the front lines to pass both The Heartbeat Bill as well as HB 1280 which essentially outlawed abortion in Texas when the Supreme Court reversed it’s ruling on Roe vs. Wade. Last session he continued his commitment to helping those who find themselves in an unwanted pregnancy by providing an additional $25 million to the Alternatives to Abortion program. Likewise, he passed legislation which ensures that a patient’s life affirming wishes are respected by doctors and hospitals, especially in end-of-life situations

This session, Jeff worked to pass strong legislation that blocks hostile foreign governments from acquiring land in Texas—particularly near military bases, energy infrastructure, and other strategic assets. This law is a vital step to safeguard our national security, protect Texas resources, and prevent foreign adversaries from gaining a foothold on American soil. Jeff remains committed to defending Texas from emerging threats and keeping our communities safe and secure.

Jeff helped secure over $50 million in research funding for PTSD and opioid recovery, including $6 million for UTD’s cutting-edge VNS therapy and support for FDA trials of ibogaine through SB 2308.

Through SB 1858, Jeff ensured Texas school districts can access the Bulletproof Vest Grant Program to equip campus officers with the gear they need to protect students.

A strong Texas depends on a safe Texas. Along with the Trump administration, the Texas legislature has stepped up to provide much-needed funding, resources and personnel to help keep our communities safe.

Jeff believes strongly that securing and safeguarding your fundamental rights and liberties is one of the most important duties of the legislature. That’s why he was proud to co-author House Bill 1927 ensuring that law-abiding Texans ages 21 or older can carry a handgun for self-defense and protection of their families without a state issued license. Additionally, Jeff supported HB 2622 naming Texas a Second Amendment Sanctuary State thus providing an additional layer of protection against federal overreach.

Time and time again, Jeff has been devoted to advancing and supporting legislation that protects your religious freedom. That’s why, during the 87th Legislative session, Jeff authored SJR 27, along with Senator Kelly Hancock, which amended the Texas Constitution to prohibit any government official from ever closing our churches or houses of worship. This amendment was overwhelmingly passed by voters in November 2021.