Rep. Steve Toth

Maddy summarySB 108 amends Texas election code sections to clarify how election clerks are appointed. It requires both the lead election judge and alternate judge in each precinct to appoint at least one clerk each for every election, with flexibility to appoint more within limits set by county authorities. The bill also updates procedures for political parties to submit clerk candidate lists (within 25 days before general elections) that judges must consider when making appointments. These changes directly affect county election officials and political parties involved in the clerk appointment process. The bill does not alter voting procedures or outcomes but standardizes administrative responsibilities for election clerks.

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to exempt up to $125,000 of the market value of business-used tangible personal property (like equipment or vehicles) from property tax. It would directly affect business owners who hold such property for income generation, such as small business operators or farmers. The amendment would revise the state constitution to authorize this specific exemption amount, replacing the current exemption structure. If approved by voters in November 2025, this would become a permanent constitutional provision enabling future legislation to implement the tax break. The bill is now headed to the November ballot after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 2658 amends Texas Special District Local Laws Code to update governance and operational rules for Kimble County Hospital District. It reduces the residency requirement for board members from two to one year, removes the requirement for directors to post a $1,000 bond, and clarifies the district’s duty to provide hospital services through facilities like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing centers, and community health centers. The bill also adjusts budget preparation procedures, requiring annual budgets detailing expenditures, revenue estimates, and tax needs. These changes directly affect Kimble County residents who rely on the district’s healthcare services and the board members governing it. The legislation focuses on administrative clarity without creating new funding mechanisms or altering service eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 2333 removes time limits for prosecuting felony offenses related to elections in Texas, meaning these crimes can be prosecuted without a deadline. The bill amends Article 12.01 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to include election-related felonies under the list of offenses with no statute of limitations. This directly affects individuals accused of election-related crimes, such as fraud or tampering, by ensuring they can be prosecuted regardless of when the offense occurred. The change applies to any felony offense connected to an election conducted in Texas, as specified in the bill's title.

Maddy summaryHB 3009 expands Texas' Department of Public Safety database to include individuals convicted of two or more specific violent offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code §§ 22.01, 22.02) or offenses involving force/deadly force, and non-citizens unlawfully present in the U.S. who have two or more such convictions. The bill requires the database to include full names, aliases, dates of birth, physical descriptions, conviction details, and for non-citizens, their last known location. It mandates that the DPS add historical data for qualifying offenders convicted before the law's effective date (by January 1, 2026), unless the individual would be removed from the database under existing rules. This affects law enforcement agencies and individuals with multiple violent offense convictions who meet the expanded criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 3154 creates the Wise Regional Water District to provide water and wastewater services in Wise County, Texas. It grants the district limited power to acquire private land for infrastructure (eminent domain), authority to issue bonds for funding, and the ability to charge fees to users. The bill directly affects participating governments (like cities and counties) that provide utility services within the district's boundaries, requiring them to contract with the district for infrastructure projects. The district must serve public water and wastewater needs across its defined service area, with specific rules for cost-sharing among participating entities.

Maddy summaryHB 2048 establishes a refund program for beverage containers in Texas, requiring producers to fund a system where consumers receive money back for returning eligible containers. It directly affects beverage producers (who pay for the program), consumers (who return containers at redemption centers), and redemption centers (which process returns and issue refunds). The law defines eligible containers as sealed glass, metal, or plastic vessels holding drinks (excluding large containers, milk, infant formula, and medical foods), with redemption centers required to pay at least the container’s refund value. The Texas Beverage Container Recycling Consortium will manage the program under oversight by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Maddy summaryHB 370 amends Texas law to restrict eligibility for funding from the Events Trust Fund. It prohibits funding for events that allow biological males to compete in sports designated for female athletes. The bill defines "biological male" using official birth certificates or government records stating biological sex, requiring statements entered near birth or corrected for clerical errors. This applies only to events seeking trust fund support and does not affect biological males serving as coaches or support staff. The policy change directly affects sports events applying for state funding under the Events Trust Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 3695 limits copayments for physical therapy visits under certain health plans. It prohibits health maintenance organizations and preferred provider plans from charging enrollees a higher copayment for a physical therapist visit (without a referral) than for a primary care physician visit. The law applies to plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and takes effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects Texas enrollees who use physical therapy services without needing a physician referral.