Rep. Steve Toth

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals to submit proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must provide a copy of specific documents, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate, with their voter registration application. If initial proof is not provided, voter registrars must attempt to verify citizenship using various databases. If citizenship cannot be verified or proof is not ultimately provided, the applicant will only be eligible to vote a limited federal ballot. The bill also creates a state jail felony offense for registrars who knowingly fail to reject applications that do not meet these new requirements.

Maddy summarySB 5 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to accelerate research on dementia causes, prevention, and treatment. The institute will award grants to Texas universities, medical facilities, and research groups to expand dementia-related studies and create jobs. It establishes three committees to oversee funding and research priorities, with the program set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless renewed under Texas law. The bill directly affects Texas research institutions receiving grants and aims to improve dementia health outcomes for state residents. This legislation became law after being signed by the Governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1399 creates a property tax exemption for animal feed held by owners for retail sale in Texas. It directly affects agricultural retailers and feed suppliers who currently pay ad valorem (property) taxes on inventory. The bill exempts this inventory from property tax if it's already exempt from sales/use taxes under existing law. The exemption applies only to tax years starting January 1, 2026, but only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment in the November 2025 election. If the amendment fails, the bill has no effect.

Maddy summaryHB 2000, titled "Audrii's Law," amends Texas law to require sex offender registration for individuals convicted of certain child grooming offenses. Specifically, it adds Section 43.021 (Solicitation of Prostitution) of the Penal Code to the list of offenses triggering registration, but only when the offense is punishable as a second-degree felony. This change directly affects people convicted of soliciting minors for sexual purposes under this specific statute. The law expands existing registration requirements to cover these grooming-related acts, aligning them with other serious sexual offenses. It became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on May 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 22 exempts intangible personal property (such as stocks, bonds, and intellectual property) from Texas property taxes. It removes previous exceptions that required certain intangible assets to be taxed, making all such property fully exempt under the Tax Code. This change directly affects owners of intangible assets and counties that previously collected taxes on these items. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, applying only to tax years beginning after that date.

Maddy summaryHR 1028 designates May 21, 2025, as "Texas Capitol Staff Appreciation Day" to symbolically recognize legislative staff members for their work supporting Texas lawmakers. This ceremonial resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, expresses formal appreciation for staff employed in state lawmaker offices and legislative agencies. It has no legal effect, funding requirements, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill passed the House on May 23, 2025, and is now enrolled.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution honoring David Thomas Roberts, a Houston-area entrepreneur, author, and community member who died on June 30, 2024. The resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives on May 23, 2025, commemorates his life, career (including founding businesses like Teligistics and authoring six books), and legacy as a family man. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or groups. The resolution extends condolences to his family and directs that the House adjourn in his memory.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 838) passed by the Texas House of Representatives on May 23, 2025, to honor U.S. Army Specialist Joey Martens Lenz. It recognizes his life, military service (including deployments in Korea), and tragic death in 2022, while extending sympathy to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it formally pays tribute to Lenz and directs the House to adjourn in his memory. It directly affects his family and community by acknowledging his legacy through official recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Texas school district property tax exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners. Currently, the exemption for these residents is $10,000; this bill would raise it to $60,000 of a home's market value. The amendment would allow the legislature to adjust this exemption amount, with provisions ensuring eligible individuals (65+ or disabled) cannot receive both the basic exemption and this enhanced benefit. It directly affects Texas homeowners aged 65 or older or with disabilities who own their primary residence. The bill requires voter approval after legislative passage to take effect.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. This change would directly reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for school taxes, lowering property tax bills for homeowners. The amendment requires voter approval in a November 2025 election to take effect for the 2025 tax year. If passed, it would provide an additional $40,000 in tax relief on primary homes for school funding purposes.